Twelve private schools object to VAT on tuition fees

Mar 09, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
We write on behalf of the administrators and parents of Mae’s Schools, the New Guyana School, The School of Nations, The Business School, Green Acres School, Cherry Blossom Play School, Apex Academy, Concord Academy, Westfield Preparatory, ISA Islamic School, Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) and Chase Academy, regarding the recent introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on tuition fees for students attending private educational institutions.
While we recognize the need for Government to enhance revenues, we strongly hold that a tax on education is not the right step in reaching that goal. Moreover, our institutions have enabled many Guyanese to reach new plateaus, which have positively redounded to the wider society. On that score, our contributions to nation building are probably most tangible, and we are committed to playing a continued role in this regard. We hold that efforts for our children’s education should be encouraged by an enlightened Government rather than be taxed. Needless to point out, our efforts will not only serve the interest of our children but, at the same time, have lasting repercussions for the country’s future as well.
The issue of tax compliance, we believe, is distinct and falls on the shoulder of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). We hold that all institutions should be compliant with the laws of the land but, at the same time, this cannot be couched with the issue we are representing.
It is generally agreed, in our times, that the need for a knowledge-based society is an integral component for small nations such as ours to progress and develop. We urge, as others have before us, that the Government carefully review this policy with intent to remove VAT on private school tuition.
Stacey French – Administrator, Mae’s Schools
Margarita DeArmas- Administrator, The New Guyana School, Inc.
Dr. Brian O’Toole – Administrator, The School of Nations, Inc.
James Bovell- Director, The Business School
Marilyn Green- Director, Green Acres School
Colleen Roberts- Director, Cherry Blossom School
Shazad Ali- Director, Apex Academy
Vilma Cromwell – Administrator, Concord Academy
Desiree Tilbury- Administrator, Westfield Preparatory
Akram Hussain- Director, ISA Islamic School
Swami Aksharananda- Director, Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN)
Henry Chase- Director, Chase Academy

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