We the undersigned, say NO TO SIN TAX IN THE USVI. Our elected officials in both the executive and legislative branches of government are rushing to pass a sin tax that affects everyone who buys sugary carbonated beverages, beer, wine, liquor and spirits. The sin tax will not bail the government out of their financial problems and has the potential to devastate locals who are already under the strain of high prices at the grocery store and restaurants. Rather than listen to the public and business representatives who are pointing out that other measures can be taken that do not further tax Virgin Islanders, these elected officials are ignoring our pleas.
The sin tax directly affects me and/or my family and I oppose it!

OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY WILL BEAR THE PAIN OF THE SIN TAXES AND THEY WILL HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON THE TOURISTS.

THE LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS WILL HAVE TO PASS THE TAXES ON TO STORES, MARKETS, BAKERIES AND RESTAURANTS. THEY WILL HAVE A DEVASTATING EFFECT ON THE LOCAL CONSUMERS WHO BUY THESE PRODUCTS EVERY DAY.

THE SIN TAXES ALSO CREATE A BURDEN ON SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES BECAUSE THE NEW TAXES WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF GROSS RECEIPTS TAXES THE BUSINESSES WILL HAVE TO PAY. TAXING A TAX!

POPULAR PRODUCTS WE ALL LOVE WILL GO UP IN PRICE IN THE FACE OF TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES. FOR EXAMPLE,
A 20 OZ BOTTLE OF COKE WILL GO FROM AROUND $2.00 TO $3.00
A 6 PACK OF HEINEKEN WILL GO FROM $8.99-9.99 TO $11.99-$12.99
A LITER BOTTLE OF HENNESSY VS WILL JUMP FROM $32-34.99 TO $38.99 OR EVEN $40.99 AT MAJOR GROCERY STORES.

HIGHER PRICES MAY EVEN DRIVE TOURISTS TO LOOK FOR OTHER DESTINATIONS WHERE THE PRICES ARE MORE REASONABLE AND THEY CAN ENJOY DUTY FREE SHOPPING THUS COSTING JOBS FOR LOCAL VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

THERE ARE MANY OTHER AREAS THE GOVERNMENT CAN LOOK TOWARDS TO GENERATE ADDITIONAL TAX REVENUE. THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS MORE THAN WILLING TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT THEM.

I OPPOSE ANY SIN TAX ON BEVERAGES.

 To the Honorable Senator Kurt A. Vialet, Honorable Senator Nereida Rivera-O’Reilly, Honorable Senator Marvin A. Blyden, Honorable Senator Jean A. Forde, Honorable Senator Neville A. James, Honorable Senator Brian A. Smith, Honorable Senator Tregenza A. Roach, Honorable Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff, Honorable Senator Janette Millin Young, Honorable Senator Myron D. Jackson, Honorable Novelle E. Francis Jr., Honorable Alicia “Chucky” Hansen, Honorable Terrence A. Nelson, and Honorable Sammuel Sanes:
I oppose sin taxes and urge you to consider the terrible impact these taxes will have on myself and the people of the Virgin Islands. Senators, vote NO Sin Taxes and vote no to bill #32-0005!