Photo: Construction of a home ( internet image: home.howstuffworks.com)

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts- Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, during his national address following the passage of hurricane Maria, informed that the government is offering Duty-free concessions on the purchase and/or importation of building materials to repair damages to residential properties.
As reported, the programme will be initiated immediately and will continue for a period of six months until the end of March 2018.
Dr. Harris disclosed that applications should be made via the Ministry of Finance.
Application Forms can be collected at the Ministry of Finance (Golden Rock), Treasury Department, Inland Revenue Department, NEMA or the Ministry of Finance Website www.mof.gov.kn.

PM Harris stated that for verification of the damage claimed by each Applicant, the Ministry of Finance will rely on the list prepared by NEMA.
Additionally, in cases where the damage was not reported to NEMA, the building Inspectors at the Ministry of Sustainable Development and/or Public Works Department would be consulted to verify the information provided by the Applicant.
“Residents who suffered damages to their property are therefore asked to contact their construction professionals to assist with preparing estimates of the materials to repair their property. The Government is intent on helping to restore normalcy to the lives of all persons in the quickest time possible. We also hope that the repairs would result in a much stronger and more resilient housing stock in the Federation,” he advised.
He used the opportunity to remind citizens and residents that the Hurricane Season is still ongoing.
“Please continue to heed the public advisories issued by the National Disaster Mitigation Council, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Met Office, the Ministry of Health and our other Government agencies during this very active 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season,” Dr. Harris urged.