A 5% reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on unprepared food items takes effect on April 1st. Consumer Protection Commission Executive Chairman, Senator Randy Rolle explained what is being done to ensure a smooth transition.

He said, “my team and I are responsible for, again making sure along with Inland Revenue that these savings are passed on to the consumer, so we see it as a very decisive direction for consumers. We see it as something we hope that they benefit from and we just want to make sure that our retailers understand the importance of it and pass on these savings to consumers.”

Rolle also explained that the planned VAT reduction does not include items like sodas and candy. “Everything else that you would get in the food stores and not only food stores. Food stores, small grocery stores as well as the lil super markets that are in gas stations. Consumers can expect to see some financial relief in their savings as of tomorrow April 1st.”

This latest reduction in VAT was announced by Prime Minister Davis in January in an effort to reduce the cost of living. The Davis administration has also reduced VAT to 10% since assuming office. Rolle said, “there are a lot of families who are struggling from paycheck to paycheck and so as a part of the government’s overall initiative in terms of lowering the cost of living this is one step in that direction.”