UNNECESSARY RED TAPE and taxes are frustrating the efforts of some charitable organisations that lend assistance to Barbados.
Yesterday, as Euston Stewart, former president of the Association Aid for the Physically Challenged Children of Barbados New York Inc., made a donation to the St Lucy District Hospital, he called on the authorities to do something to further facilitate their efforts.
“I find it almost obscene that the United States government and the state of New York would give us tax exempt status for anything we are shipping to Barbados, and when it gets here I find it mighty strange that we are then burdened with another financial cost.
It should never, never have to be like that,” he said.
Stewart said the donation comprised hospital beds, seated scales, adult diapers, wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs, commodes and medical items.
He added that over the years the group had donated in excess of US$150 000 in cash and kind to Barbados and had also assisted the Thelma Vaughan Home and other needy causes.
Member of Parliament for St Lucy and Minister of Housing and Lands Denis Kellman thanked the organisation for its donation. He advised Stewart and his group to write the Ministry of Finance to seek exemption prior to shipments. (LK)
