The Anguilla House of Assembly has approved an exemption of EC$639,420.95 in customs duty and excise tax for International Motors Limited.
During a meeting of the assembly on 15 July, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge, who also serves as finance minister, proposed a motion for the tax break on items for the company’s new showroom.
These include metal decking, wall panels, paint, railings, ceiling panels, gutters, doors, windows, lights, fans, bathroom furnishings, signage, tiles, security technology and more.
The premier told members that several conditions would apply, including that the goods must be acquired between between 13 February, 2025, and 12 February, 2026.
The items cannot be resold, exchanged, or given away within five years of importation, with a potential fine of $20,000 or three times the tax relief imposed for any breach.
Additionally, a 5% administrative charge remains payable.
An economic boom
Opposition member Haydn Hughes, who rose to support the motion, spoke about the former popularity of secondhand Nissan March cars in Anguilla.
“You’d get one for $2,000-$3,000 and they were quite affordable, because the economy at the time was not in a strong position,” he said.
However, as the economy recovered over the past few years more new vehicles have arrived on the island – mainly from St Maarten, Hughes explained.
He said the new showroom will enable the island to capitalise on this boom, enhancing the area, boosting employment, and generating additional tax revenue for the government.
“I look forward to seeing it develop and continue to grow, along with the other providers,” the opposition member concluded.
Electric and hybrid
Also rising in support, opposition leader Ellis Webster said International Motors Limited, which is a branch of St Maarten car dealership Motorworld, will sell both electric and hybrid vehicles.
He expressed optimism that having the vehicles available locally on the island could lead to lower prices, making it easier for customers to purchase them.
“I certainly just want to stand in support of the motion and wish the best for the owners of International Motors as they continue to provide vehicles for the people of Anguilla,” he said.
The exemption aligns with the broader objective of the 1998 Customs Duty Exemption Policy to encourage local private sector investment to support national economic development.
The motion was passed unanimously by the Anguilla House of Assembly.
Wellness service
A motion to allow the exemption of $3,173.12 in customs duty and excise tax for Vernice Battick and Anguilla Nutrition and Wellness Service was also approved by the Anguilla House of Assembly.
Premier Cora Richardson Hodge proposed the tax break to allow the import of a InBody 270S Body Scale worth $19,832 without surplus charges.
The premier told members that several conditions would apply, including that the item must be acquired between between 1 March, 2025, and 2 March, 2026.
The item cannot be resold, exchanged, or given away within five years of importation, with a potential fine of $20,000 or three times the tax relief imposed for any breach.
Additionally, a 5% administrative charge remains payable.
The Anguilla House of Assembly order paper with links to the motions can be viewed in full here.
