Dec 02 - GSD Calls On Picardo To Make Clear His Position On Sunglasses Shop Ownership
The GSD says it is not surprised by the significant public interest shown in the Chief Minister’s part ownership of a sunglasses shop on Main Street and his decision in this year’s budget to reduce import duty on sunglasses to zero. The Opposition says the public should be entitled to know whenever a Government changes laws, taxes or any other benefits which may directly, or indirectly, be of benefit to a member of that Government. This is all the more crucial, argues the GSD, when it is the Chief Minister who, as Minister for Finance and the person with ultimate responsibility for the budget, is directly involved.
The fact that this was exposed on Social Media over the weekend, rather than declared by the Chief Minister when he made his budget announcement is both “regrettable and disappointing,” says the GSD. The GSD has asked the Chief Minister to make clear to the public whether or not he is indeed part owner of a company which trades in sunglasses and, if so, that he explain why this was not disclosed at the relevant time.
