St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Hold First VAT-Free Shopping Da

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will host its first-ever VAT-free shopping day on December 19, fulfilling a major campaign promise of the New Democratic Party (NDP) during the 2025 general elections.

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday announced the initiative during the swearing-in ceremony for Cabinet members on Tuesday at the Administrative Complex. He noted that the start of the program was slightly delayed due to the transition into government.

The VAT-free shopping days are designed to provide financial relief to Vincentian households. Under the new policy, citizens will benefit from two VAT-free shopping days each year—one in early August to ease back-to-school expenses, and another in December to support Christmas shopping.

The December 19 event will mark the first rollout of the initiative.