The Ministry of Finance advises  the  public  that  the Government  has  agreed  to  amend the Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) order to allow for the tax-free provision for eligible vehicles landed in the designated SERZ areas before August 31st, 2021.

Consistent with the current SERZ order, this would apply only to eligible vehicles that were purchased by May 1st, 2021. Vehicles purchased after May 1st are not eligible for the concession.

“We had to strike the right balance with providing the necessary assistance and being fiscally responsible with managing the Government’s purse. However, we noted and accepted that there have been valid logistical concerns raised by several persons who had delays caused by operational challenges of the shipping agencies. These issues have been raised by individuals and local Members of Parliament in the affected areas. The government has heard those concerns and thus we have decided to extend the landing date to August 31st, provided eligible persons in Grand Bahama and Abaco can demonstrate that the vehicles were purchased by May 1st”, explained  J. Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance.

“If by chance you purchased a vehicle on or before the 1st May 2021, which was brought in between June 1st and today’s date and you paid the full duty and would have otherwise been eligible, you will be entitled to a refund of the sums paid”, Thompson added.