Press Release: Positive outcome for Black Friday 2024
29 November 2024
Feedback reported to the Malta Chamber of SMEs on Black Friday results indicates mixed outcomes....
GRTU expresses its complete solidarity with Dr. Harry Vassallo. Dr. Vassallo is a victim of a draconian law against which GRTU has been protesting since the introduction of VAT. It reflects an outdated mentality that anyone in business deserves to be treated badly. GRTU was satisfied that it's pressure to change the law was partially met when the law was amended in 2007 following pressure by GRTU on Government. The amendment to the law however was not sufficient to cover all cases that were in the fault under the law prior to it's amendment and in spite of GRTU pressure no action was taken to remedy the situation. Dr. Harry's Vassallo's case is one of many others that are victims of many legally imposed fines that continue to be treated as criminal rather than civil non-compliance.
Fines resulting from non-compliance, unless of a nature that endangers life, should remain civil and not criminal. Today there are many business owners who may receive the police call that Dr. Vassallo received. Every day that action of a draconian nature as suffered by Dr. Vassallo remains possible represents another day of shame for our country and an insult to the business community.
It is a shame also that so many pardons are given rather than introducing further amendments to the VAT law and other laws that impose fines that are impossible to meet and grossly unjust. It is also a shame that Government continues to apply a pardoning system that is selective, unjust and a travesty of justice when an amendment of the law is more efficient and appropriate.
GRTU appeals for the earliest introduction of all necessary amendments to the VAT act, the income tax act and other laws that impose unjust and cruel penalties on businesses. A country whose economy depends on the endeavors of private business investors should appreciate much stronger the commitment of the business community for the further development of our country.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs represents over 7,000 members from over 90 different sectors which in their majority are either small or medium sized companies, and such issues like the one we're experiencing right now, it's important to be united. Malta Chamber of SMEs offers a number of different services tailored to its members' individual requirements' and necessities. These range from general services offered to all members to more individual & bespoke services catered for specific requirements.
A membership with Malta Chamber of SMEs will guarantee that you are constantly updated and informed with different opportunities which will directly benefit your business and help you grow. It also entails you to a number of services which in their majority are free of charge and offered exclusively to its members (in their majority all free of charge).