Our Readers' Opinions
June 11, 2010
Economic Union good for OECS

Fri, Jun 11, 2010

Editor: I commend the Governments of the OECS on their move towards economic union.

In regard to the scenario regarding a car purchased in St Lucia raised by our PM (Dr. Ralph Gonsalves), it must be realized that there are some disadvantages to this union and this is just one of them.{{more}}

We cannot, however, allow the minor disadvantages to curtail the greater good of the proposed union. In this scenario, the individual should not be expected to pay additional duty in St Vincent, and St Lucia should not be expected to do so either.

Let’s reverse the scenario and have the person paying duty for the vehicle in St Vincent, then deciding to take it to St Lucia. Our hope should be that the free movement of goods and service across the region will allow for businesses to expand from Island to Island much easier, therefore creating more employment opportunities for our young people and also more competition that will bring down the overall cost of goods and services to citizens.

On another note, it is good to finally see our government and the opposition seeing eye to eye on something for a change. Everything does not have to be political, especially when it’’s something that have the potential of benefiting all.

Gentlemen, I implore you to continue working together for the betterment of St Vincent.

R V Williams