The Anguilla Football Association, La Vue Boutique Inn, and the Lions Community were all granted tax breaks during a recent sitting of the Anguilla House of Assembly.
In total, they will benefit from nearly EC$110,000 in customs duty and excise tax reductions on goods already imported or expected to be brought into Anguilla.
The relief was granted through three separate motions approved by members of the assembly during the 22 April session.
The tax breaks are aimed at supporting the continued development of organisations or people fostering growth in their respective sectors.
Anguilla Football Association
Anguilla Football Association and office administrator Shirlene Stephens were given the largest tax discount at $75,598.64 for the import for four vehicles.
They include a Hyundai Tucson 2024 costing about $78,000, a Hyundai County 2024 priced at about $177,00 and two Hyundai I20 2025 costing just under $105,000 each.
Social development minister Shellya Rogers-Webster, who rose in support of the motion, praised the association for its “tremendous” work in recent years.
Also in support, sports minister Cardigan Connor said the tax reduction shows is an example of the strong relationship between the government and the association.
Opposition member Merrick Richardson told members he was proud to see how far football has come in Anguilla, attributing the progress to strong leadership within the sport.
Opposition leader Ellis Webster added that the vehicles are essential for transporting athletes, staff, equipment and supplies, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sport.
La Vue Boutique Inn
Parliament then granted locally owned property La Vue Boutique Inn and owner Joylynn Hughes a tax break of $30,231.41 for the import of items for the expansion of the property.
The concession covers mattresses, tables, chairs, bed frames, nightstands, dressers, paintings, televisions, bedding, towels, and other furnishings.
Opposition member Haydn Hughes, who stood in support of the motion, said he had a “special affinity” to the hotel and has seen it grow from “strength to strength”.
Tourism minister Cardigan Connor called the property a “charming escape” and added that it is important for the government to invest in people, not just corporations.
Rogers-Webster said it was an “absolute pleasure” to support the motion, adding that it is “absolutely amazing” to see how the hotel has grown.
And Richardson said he was glad to see someone who has stood the test of time in the industry and continued to improve their product.
Lions Community
Finally the Anguilla House of Assembly approved a $1,973.26 discount in customs duty and excise tax to the Lions Community and Malone Richardson for Christmas tree lights which cost $9,396.49.
Rogers-Webster said that for over two decades members of the organisation have been giving their money and time to make the Christmas tree lighting event a success.
“It has been an honour over the years to support them,” she said, and thanked members of the charity for their continued dedication and support.
Connor noted the work that has gone into the project over the years and said people from all over the island come to The Valley to check out the lights.
Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge then commended the Lions Community for ensuring that at Christmas time everyone can be “impressed and wowed” by the the lights.
The Anguilla House of Assembly order paper with links to the motions can be viewed in full here.
