TTRA To Go Ahead

Government intends to take all lawful steps to quickly operationalise the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA). The statement from Finance Minister Colm Imbert after the Privy Council dismissed the appeal brought by the Public Services Association against the Attorney General and the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority. A Judicial Committee of the Privy Council found that the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority Act does not breach the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago and noted the obligation to pay tax is imposed by law and further requires that all monies collected through taxation be deposited into the Exchequer Fund and that payment ought to be authorised by Parliament. The Privy Council said it is also satisfied that there are the necessary mechanisms and effective safeguards to protect the staff and officers of the Authority and members of the public from executive interference. Customs Officer Terrisa Dhoray challenged the constitutional validity of the Revenue Act 2021, contending that it sought to interfere with the terms and conditions of employment of public servants in the Customs & Excise Division and the Inland Revenue Department.