Duty-Free Concessions on Vehicles for Taxi Drivers in SVG

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is offering an attractive duty-free package “for all taxi drivers” and tour operators, for all types of vehicles, as an incentive to import newer vehicles to boost their service.
According to Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Hon. Carlos James, taxi drivers and tour operators seeking to import vehicles up to a year old will receive a 100 % duty-free concession.
Additionally, taxi drivers /tour operators will receive a 75% duty-free concession on vehicles that are two to three years old; while a 50% duty-free concession rate would be applied to vehicles that are four to six years old.
Speaking at a press briefing held earlier today (6th October, 2023), at the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal, the tourism minister said the taxi operators’ incentive program caters to all classes of vehicles, including those with a minimum seating capacity of five (5) persons.
James said lowering the seating capacity on vehicles for the duty-free concessions would help to facilitate the introduction of a new niche of luxury type concierge vehicle service, to offer an improved guest experiences while adding value to the local transportation sector.
According to Minister James, taxi operators who have been in operation for the last three years are eligible for the sweeping concessions. The taxi incentive program is intended to support taxi drivers and other stakeholders vital to the tourism industry.
Prior to the new taxi operators’ incentive program, duty-free concessions were only afforded to tour operators who imported coaster buses with a larger seating capacity.