Barbados to launch duty-free Friday

(Barbados Nation) Bridgetown is set to launch Duty-Free Day on Friday, with Government and the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) very upbeat about the returns in the face of the economic downturn.

After initial objections by some of the country’s revenue collection agencies last year when the move was first proposed by the BCCI, the Ministry of Finance has now given the green light for Barbadians to spend up to Bds$1 000 without paying duty on the items.

Last night Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler told the DAILY?NATION that the move to extend the duty-free provisions, which are usually only afforded visitors, could save the country foreign exchange as money that might have left the island for purchases overseas would be used at home and in local currency.