By Sue-Ann Wayow
ENERGY Minister Stuart Young says he has no reason to apologise for the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz during the pandemic.
Speaking at post-Cabinet press conference on Thursday Young said he along with other Members of Parliament enjoyed the same tax breaks and he actually postponed his purchase till this year because he felt “things were looking up and sprightly.”
He also said it was his first time in his six years as an MP that he has utilised the tax exemption.
On Monday, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal called on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to impose a moratorium on ministers’ buying of luxury cars as both Young and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh placed orders.
Dr Moonilal said it was outrageous that ministers were purchasing luxury cars and being exempted in excess of $1million taxes when people were clamouring for food.
Young added that it found it ironic that the call was being made by Dr Moonilal.
He said, “I will just like to say that it is a little unfortunate that the person who moved the motion, Dr Moonilal, I found it so ironic and hypocritical of him because that is the identical vehicle to what he drives.”
“I didn’t mean to offend anybody, and I make no apologies for it,” Young said.
He added that he was very much aware of the country’s financial situation and that the vehicle was on order since March last year but it decided to cancel it then as it “was not the best time.”
Last October, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said Cabinet would have considered putting a cap on tax exemptions for the purchase of new vehicles by public office holders at $350,000.
Young said the matter remained before a Cabinet sub-committee.
