Non-profit organisation, The Anguillian Alumni, has been awarded a tax waiver to set up an education office in Anguilla.
The centre will not only provide a space for university alumni to gather, but also allow them to pass on their knowledge and expertise to current and future students.
Premier Ellis Webster, who also serves as finance minister, announced plans for the centre in the Anguilla House of Assembly on Tuesday, 10 December.
He presented a motion to allow the organisation’s founder Zuleka Fraser to be exempt from customs duty or excise tax on items needed to set up the centre.
The waiver, which members of the assembly approved, will last three months and be backdated from 11 October and continue until 10 January, 2025, saving the organisation $3,944.04.
“I think this is a good service. It sets the right tone that education is the key to success, and to provide this counselling, mentoring office will be helpful as we continue on,” Webster said.
Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, Minister of Education and Social Development, rose to support the tax exemption for The Anguillian Alumni, which she said has been doing “quite remarkable” work.
“I know specifically from the work that they’ve been doing with the Anguilla Robotics Association and the young men and women who have become quite excited about the opportunities in that space,” she said.
The education minister said that as more young people have access to tertiary education it is very important for them to be equipped with knowledge.
“So I’m very excited to see this particular initiative come to fruition, and I wish them all the best in the future as we advance,” she said.
The motion was moved and seconded, with no other members rising to debate, before it was approved.
