Trinidad and Tobago Members Club Association President Sherry Persad recently stated Minister of Finance Colm Imbert “continues to act with dishonor and without courtesy to the gaming industry and remains oblivious and ignorant of the facts of the industry.” Her remarks came after Imbert invited owners, shareholders and directors of private clubs and other gaming operations to meet regarding a 100 percent increase on equipment taxes–after a legal notice approving the increased taxes was presented to the Parliament.
Persad said the new tax increase would cause casino owners to decrease the number of gaming machines in order to lower their tax expenses on equipment, leading to job losses.
The TTMCA has challenged Imbert to hold a public meeting regarding gaming industry issues before the 100 percent tax increase is implemented.
