Heated debate in the House

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Friday, 29 January 2010 17:17

It was a heated debate in the house on Thursday as members from both sides deliberated on a motion brought by the Minority Leader. The motion had to do with the controversial Property Tax Act 2009 and the valuation of Land amendment act 2009.

In his contribution Minority Leader Ashworth Jack wanted to find out the criteria used to assess the tax. He noted that if this is not clearly addressed speculation would take over. He continued noting that Tobago has a unique situation regarding land titles. One of which he explained was that persons transfer land without proper titles and the land is paid for in cash.

Chief Secretary Orville London, in response admitted that there has been a challenge concerning the Real Property Ordinance (RPO) issue in Tobago and explained that in his Administration’s quest to address it, it led to discussions with the Attorney General. Mr. London said that he told the AG that the Property Act and the amendment of the Valuation of Land Act cannot be applied until the land issue is fixed in Tobago.

He went on to reveal that in a recent correspondence from the AG he was assured that this would be addressed before March 31st, the effective date of the both Acts.