RENDER UNTO COLM

“It’s very easy to say, ‘I want better salaries and I want better service’, while at the same time we are doing everything we can to escape paying our taxes. In fact the words of US President (John F) Kennedy when he was inaugurated I think, need to come within us and that is, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” Harris said.

He added that all of the country’s trade unions are making more and more demands but are not asking where government is going to get the money. “I am not saying that the way it is being collected is the best way or the best system, but ‘yes’, the government has to find a way of collecting taxes so it can fund its responsibilities,” he said.

The Archbishop’s statement comes as a High Court ruling placed a temporary stay on the implementation of the property tax with immediate effect, until June 6. Justice Frank Seepersad ruled on Friday last, in the San Fernando High Court, following submissions by Senior Counsel and former attorney general Anand Ramlogan, who filed for judicial review on behalf of applicant Devant Maharaj, a former People’s Partnership government minister.

For several days, citizens were stuck in long lines in an effort to submit their property tax valuation forms before the government- stipulated May 22 deadline.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert then extended the deadline to June 5. He had said all property tax forms must be submitted to Valuation Division offices as the Valuations Act of 2009 gives the Commissioner of Valuations power to, “require all land owners to submit a return and all supporting information.” Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar described the law as draconian and that this tax is a tremendous burden to be imposed on citizens during a time of recession. On Monday, the Court of Appeal said it would hear the State’s appeal of Seepersad’s ruling on June 6. In the meantime, Imbert advised property owners that they are free to submit valuation return forms on a voluntary basis.

On the Manchester bombing attack, which claimed 22 lives, Harris said that one must face evil with love. “Yes a lot of people were killed, a lot were hurt and I suppose it would be easy to move to vengeance mode. ‘Let us catch these terrorists and blow them up’, but I think while we have to protect ourselves against that kind of evil, we have to be motivated by love,” he said.

The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs yesterday said all nationals within the London diaspora who are registered with the High Commission are safe and accounted for following the terror attack.

In a release, the Ministry said the High Commission has encouraged all nationals to be vigilant and to adhere to the advertised security measures. Nationals have also been advised to contact the Mission in the event of any emergency. Harris who has tendered his resignation on reaching the retirement age, says he is still awaiting notice from Pope Francis on whether he (the Pope) has accepted the resignation or will defer it and extend Harris’ appointment.