The reflection was started in 2017, the government of Sint Maarten could introduce a tax on alcohol and tobacco sold in the Dutch part in order to finance measures the NHI (national health insurance, national health system) and the local health system . Health Minister Emil Lee met this week with representatives from Philip Moris and local wholesalers.
Emil Lee adds today that sugary drinks could also be taxed. “They represent a danger to health, it seems normal that they are taxed and that the product of this tax finances part of the health system. This mechanism already exists in other countries, ”he says.
The Minister however wants to reassure distributors. "We want to introduce a tax but in a reasonable way. We understand that Sint Maarten is known to be a duty free destination and we want it to maintain its attractive and competitive position, ”he says.
The principle would be to set up a "Health Tax" which would be paid by wholesalers when they sell to distributors. The consumer would pay another tax (TOT) when purchasing from the merchant.
(More details on www.soualigapost.com)
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