Prime Minister Friday Confirms VAT‑Free Day Later This Month 

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:13 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

On his first full day in office, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday reaffirmed his campaign promise to deliver a VAT‑Free Day for Vincentians, clarifying that while the initiative could not take place today, it will be implemented later this month.

Speaking at the Financial Complex in Kingstown, Dr. Friday explained that the original commitment was for the first Monday in December. However, with the new administration only formally beginning its work today, the government will announce a specific date in the coming days.  

“My commitment is that there will be a VAT‑Free Day later this month,” the Prime Minister stated. “I will make that clear later today what day that should be, and I think people will be very happy about it.”

The VAT‑Free Day, a measure aimed at easing the financial burden on households and stimulating consumer spending, was one of the headline promises in Dr. Friday’s campaign. He emphasized that the delay was due to the timing of the elections and the subsequent holiday period, which meant government offices were not fully operational until today.  

As Vincentians await the announcement of the VAT‑Free Day date, Dr. Friday’s message signals that his administration intends to move swiftly on promises that were made during his party’s campaign that directly impact Vincentians daily lives.  

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