Vanuatu’s Public Service Commission has issued a circular to all public servants giving permission to take tomorrow afternoon off work to attend a consultation forum on the government’s proposed income tax.
The issue of income tax has attracted a lot of attention in social media, the opposition and the business community.
Many are still unclear as to what this means and its effect on their livelihood.
A member of the private sector has alleged that Vanuatu, which is known and promoted as a tax friendly country, could potentially damage the country’s perception in this regard, and restrict investment.
The opposition has expressed concern over a lack of public consultation on the government's proposal to introduce an income tax.
In response, the government has promised a national-wide consultation – evidence of which is a public consultation tomorrow for members of the public in Port Vila.
Today, the Secretary to the Public Service Commission, Jacques Gideon has advised all Director Generals to release all public servants to attend the public consultation on the proposed income tax.
The directive came following a request from the Director General of the Ministry of Finance.
He advised that the consultation will take place at the National Convention Centre from 2 to 4pm tomorrow (Tuesday).
He encouraged all to attend this important event because it is about a new reform to be introduced in country.
It is hoped that tomorrow’s consultation will answer many question lingering in the minds of government employees.
Photo: National Convention Centre