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Anti-GST rally tomorrow

Anti-GST rally tomorrow

Saturday 21 January 2023

Anti-GST rally tomorrow

Saturday 21 January 2023


A rally aimed at demonstrating public opposition to a goods and services tax is due to be held in Guernsey tomorrow.

Nine politicians are publicly supporting the Say No to GST campaign, while Marc Breton and Dan Ogier have been prominent members of the public calling for the States to reject the new tax when its debated next week.

They, and potentially hundreds of other people, are expected to gather at North Beach tomorrow.

The protestors will then march towards Market Square leaving North Beach at 14:00.

Those involved in organising the rally will then give speeches at Market Square.

chris_blin_say_no_to_GST.jpg

Pictured: Deputy Chris Blin is one of the nine politicians publicly backing the 'Say No to GST' campaign. 

The rally is being supported by Deputies Carl Meerveld, Chris Blin, John Dyke, Liam McKenna, Chris Le Tissier, Simon Vermeulen, David de Lisle, Charles Parkinson, and Lester Queripel.

Of them, Deputies Meeveld and Blin have lodged a sursis motivé against P&R's plans, aiming to force a delay to the debate while further research is carried out on the size of the public deficit and the scope of any savings which can be made.

Deputies Parkinson and McKenna have lodged an amendment against P&R's plans suggesting a corporate income tax is introduced - they say this will reduce the deficit by tens of millions of pounds without damaging the island's finance sector or putting more financial pressure on residents.

Deputy Meerveld has helped to arrange promotional material for the Say No to GST campaign which has included a leaflet drop at all households.

He says that 1,000 posters 8,000 biodegradable red ribbons 5,000 badges, and 5,000 car stickers have also been distributed among supporting businesses for their customers to pick up if they want to protest the proposed introduction of GST.

Deputy Meerveld developed the marketing strategy for this campaign and sourced all the materials.

He said: “Difficulties producing materials over the Christmas break and weather delays to shipping meant we got started very late but, with the help of volunteers, all the materials have been distributed in record time with the badges proving particularly popular, running out within three days.

"The public response has been fantastic, with overwhelming support. We just hope that people will follow through on our four calls-to-action:

BE HEARD - Express their opinions on social media and email all deputies on deputies2020@gov.gg

BE SEEN - Display their badges, car stickers and ribbons with pride

RALLY - Join the public protest 2-3pm Sunday 22nd at the North Beach

PROTEST – Attend the protest outside Royal Court House 8:30-9:30 Wednesday 25th

"I am confident that when Deputies see the strength of feeling against this regressive tax, the introduction of GST will be abandoned.”

Read more…

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Alternative tax package promises greater States savings

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Tax plan includes 5% GST - but P&R says most families will be better off

Why States leaders STILL think GST and tax reform is needed

"Unacceptable" and "damaging" service cuts if States reject GST

Is corporate tax the answer?

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