Tourism Association Calls for Compromise in Grenada Levy Debate

The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) wants to impose a five percent tax on workers salaries to pay for the development of the country.

The Trade Union Movement has voiced its opposition to the move and is planning a series of demonstrations. The first scheduled protest is set for Friday, January 20. The union movement is calling on workers to stop working and assembly within the compound of the building where the parliament seats to openly state objection.

Since the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September 2004 and Emily in July 2005, it has been acknowledged that tourism is the obvious route to rehabilitate the battered economy. GHTA president Ian Dabreo, in an address on radio, explained that tourism is a fragile industry and at this stage, when more of the island´s larger properties are being reopened stability is best the therapy for maximum benefit.

“The association wishes to remind the parties concerned that our nation is just emerging from a very difficult experience in its history, and that we need to exercise caution at opening doors for disruption in the pace of the economic rebuilding process of our nation,” he said.

Over the past year, Grenada has received excellent publicity from who have come to the island to evaluate the rebuilding process, and it is the opinion of many that picture could easily lead to unrest.

“The tourism sector will bring in foreign exchange to pay public sector workers; to help workers pay insurance and utility bills and to purchase goods and services. In turn, utility companies, supermarkets, hardware stores and others will be able to pay their staff. Visitors will not come to enjoy rest and relaxation in a country where there is unrest,” Dabreo added.

Recommending that an atmosphere of peace and stability will work in the best interest of the entire island, Dabreo said that the island is at a crucial turning point and the island´s economy must not be jeopardize.