The UWP has called for the total removal of the HCSL and has promised to remove it if reelected into office.

“If they refuse to act, then we will act,” UWP PRO Lenard “Spider” Montoute said. “We will have to mobilise the people of Saint Lucia in their own best interests to take action if that is the only way the government will pay attention to their plight.”

In a recent statement, the Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, said the levy will be used to reform healthcare in Saint Lucia. Pierre says the government will use the funds generated from the levy to make healthcare more affordable.

“It’s going to be used for UHC, it’s going to be used to pay for the new police stations, it's going to pay the salaries for the new police recruits, it’s going to be helping us pay the loans we took for the move of the Castries polyclinic up to the old Victoria Hospital,” Pierre detailed. He added, “It's a testament to the government's commitment to building a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality.”

According to the Prime Minister, the country is expected to gather approximately $33-million from the levy. Pierre says this will allow the government to invest in the island’s healthcare system without having to borrow.

“The Government of Saint Lucia is expected to annually generate approximately $33 million in new revenue from the HCSL. This revenue will improve the government’s fiscal ability to expand public health services, further reduce the cost of medical services and provide a higher quality of healthcare services to improve the health and well-being of our nation,” Pierre explained.

The 2.5%  HCSL is not imposed on food but on select goods at the ports of entry and on services.