PNP slams Government over late-night passage of GCT on short-term rentals

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has accused the Government of moving “like a thief in the night” following Parliament's approval of tax measures that will apply General Consumption Tax (GCT) to short-term rental accommodations, including properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb. The decision was taken during an extended sitting that ran into the early hours of Wednesday.

Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages, Andrea Purkiss, blasted the administration for pushing the measure through without any public debate or consultation with affected stakeholders.

“The Government's decision to rush this through in the dead of night shows complete disregard for the thousands of ordinary Jamaicans who depend on short-term rentals to survive. There was no warning, no consultation—just stealth. We demand an explanation,” Purkiss said in a statement.

The new tax is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2027. It was greenlit through the passage of the General Consumption Tax (Amendment of Schedules) Order, 2026, along with its accompanying resolution under the General Consumption Tax Act. The instruments were tabled as part of the wider revenue package for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams defended the adjustments, saying they are designed to bolster fiscal stability as the country contends with heightened spending demands in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, while preserving the Government's capacity to deliver essential services.

During the parliamentary exchange, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson pressed the minister on whether the revised category would capture operators of short-term rentals such as Airbnb hosts. “Yes, it would,” Williams replied.

The PNP argued that the tax will weigh heavily on ordinary Jamaicans and put livelihoods at risk. The party highlighted the rapid expansion of the sector, noting that visitor numbers had climbed from 59,500 guests in 2017 to more than 800,000 in 2024, with property owners earning over $32 billion in the process.

“Many Jamaicans locally and abroad have invested in properties to generate income. Many rent out rooms or additional units on their property to help pay bills and cover costs,” the party said, urging the Government to publish a full impact assessment and provide greater transparency before the measure takes effect.