Some Tax Refunds Will Be Released ‘Just Before Carnival,’ Mapp Says

ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp revealed during a press conference on Wednesday at Government House here this morning (in-depth stories on the press conference will be forthcoming later today and tomorrow), that some tax refunds will be released before the V.I. Carnival Season, which, in some respects, has already begun.

“I know we’re getting ready for carnival, I want to wish the people of the Virgin Islands a wonderful and happy carnival,” Mr. Mapp said. “And for the media… Alright, I’ll give out one: I think they’re going to see some tax refunds just before carnival.” A Consortium reporter had asked the governor about promised tax refunds, and when he believed the monies would be issued.

The governor, flanked by Bureau of Internal Revenue Director Marvin Pickering, and the territory’s attorney general Claude Walker while speaking on a variety of matters relative to the territory’s finances — more pointedly on an aggressive agenda to collect hundreds of millions of tax dollars owed to the government — did not say where the funds would come from, as the government has not yet closed the $40 million RAN that Mr. Mapp said on March 22 that Banco Popular had already approved, and which he said would be the source of the refund payments.

But April is an important month for the government, as it sees a great portion of its tax dollars during said month — so funds to make some 2015 tax refund payments could come from newly collected dollars.

Feature Image: St. Thomas revelers pose for a picture during 2016’s Adults Parade in St. Thomas. (Credit: Ernice Gilbert, VIC)