Surinamese Teachers Protest Over VAT

SURINAME – The Federation of Organization of Teachers in Suriname is urging members to stay away from their classes over the next two days in protest of government’s unwillingness to reconsider the value-added tax, particularly for fuel and utilities.

Last Sugust, the Surinamese parliament passed legislation to remove the turnover tax and introduce a new VAT system. The 10 percent VAT rate came into effect on January 1 this year.

In September, the finance and planning minister defended the decision of the government to amend the VAT and admitted mistakes in its implementation.