The Grenada government has made some changes to the National Reconstruction Levy, which will take effect at the end of this month.

Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain says in keeping with a recommendation from the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce, government has agreed that for the first six months, persons earning in excess of EC$1,000 per month and up to EC$5,000 per month, will now be required to contribute only 3% as opposed to 5%.

He says during the six month period, agreement will be reached on provisions for the exemption of allowances.

In this regard, a sub committee consisting of members of the Multipartite Committee will develop the modalities for exemptions and make recommendations to Cabinet.

It is expected that the subcommittee will conclude its work by March of this year.

The Finance Minister adds that effective July 1st, the rate will increase to 5% for persons earning up to EC$5,000 per month, with the first EC$1,000 being exempt.

He says all other provisions of the National Reconstruction Levy will remain the same, meaning that persons whose income ranges from EC$5,001 to EC$9,000 per month, will make a flat contribution of EC$225 per month, while those earning in excess of EC$9,000 per month will be required to make a flat contribution of EC$350.

The Finance Minister says government received numerous calls from citizens within and outside the country, expressing an interest in making a contribution to the national reconstruction effort, although they do not qualify to do so.

Contributions can be made to the Government of Grenada Reconstruction Fund at First Caribbean International Bank, number 6482996.