The House of Assembly spent most of Friday morning and afternoon in non-public debate about a proposed amendment to the Elections Act.

The sitting began yesterday, when legislators passed an update to the Customs Management and Duties Act, which grants import duty exemptions for certain church buses; child-safety seats; vehicles and other items for belongers moving permanently back to the territory after living abroad; and hurricane-preparedness items.

Legislators expressed concern during the debate about an additional measure: an exemption for building materials for first-time builders in the territory.

Education and Culture Minister Andrew Fahie cautioned that the exemption could open up a black market for building supplies, while Communications and Works Minister Julian Fraser expressed concern that builders would try to claim reimbursements from the government after they pay their duty fees, a practice he said should not be allowed.

 

See full coverage in the August 18, 2011 edition.