The Prime Minister of Belize on his latest budget speech stated that the Government of Belize plant to charge 12.5% GST on internet, something that would affect everyone in the country except for schools. The Belize Cable Television Operators Association (BCTOA) made a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to reconsider this proposal which would come in effect as of April 1, 2018.
In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister the BCTOA states that the application of GST on this technology would affect the most under privileged in our society, the most remote residents and businesses in our country, the young entrepreneurs needing to communicate with the international market, students research and studies, farmers in remote areas connectivity and the family communications.
“Increasing the cost of internet will negatively impact business development by hiking up the cost of communication, online banking and education, to name a few. Furthermore, the industry has made significant progress in driving down the cost of internet to subscribers countrywide, only for government to hike up costs by adding GST.” Stated the BCTOA.
