OPEN LETTER TO CARIBBEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS: TAX INSCENTIVES FOR U.S. DIASPORA by Stanley Lucas

October 8, 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Minister:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you well know, the Caribbean has been especially hard hit this year by tropical storms and hurricanes causing devastating and incalculable damage. CARICOM economies have been stretched to provide the needed relief for the people, while in some cases having to also address major infrastructure damage.-------------------------------------------------------------------

In order to address the budgetary strain in the long term, I am proposing to seek a tax exemption for remittances from U.S.-based Diaspora to CARICOM economies. The Diaspora communities in the United States contribute a significant percentage of the CARICOM countries' GDP annually through remittances to family and friends. If a tax exemption were instituted, I believe that remittances would increase significantly providing CARICOM economies with some additional relief for its struggling citizens. ------------------------------------------------------

Specifically, this proposal would make tax exempt month remittances of $750 or less. This will address any concerns that this system could be exploited for illegal business practices or money laundering operations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I believe that if the CARICOM countries join together to make this request, it will carry much weight with the U.S. Congress. Please review the attached draft letter to the U.S. Congress making this request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Stanleylucas1@gmail.com or (202) 256-6026. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sincerely appreciate your consideration of this very worthwhile initiative. ---------------------

Regards, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stanley Lucas ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Haitian Coalition USA ----------------------------------------------------------------------


-----------------------------Attachment--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DRAFT---------------------------------------

October x, 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Members of Congress: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Caribbean region has been especially hard hit this year by tropical storms and hurricanes causing devastating and incalculable damage. CARICOM economies have been stretched to provide the needed relief for the people, while in some cases having to also address major infrastructure damage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

A major source of revenue for our people remittances sent to them by the Diaspora communities in the United States. We aim to encourage an increase in those remittances in order to help address some of the short and long term economic strain placed on Caribbean families. The ultimate goal for our economies is to lessen our dependence upon U.S. government support for disaster recovery. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

To that end, we seek a tax exempt status for remittances in the amount of $750 per month, or less. We believe this exemption would spur additional remittances and give a much needed cash injection directly to the people in our countries that need it most. We believe this will be an efficient short and long term help. --------------------------------------------------------------

We understand that the United States is facing myriad economic challenges and a vigorous election season, but our situation is fairly urgent. We respectfully request consideration of our proposal. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Should you have any questions regarding our proposal or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact xx at xx. ----------------------------------------------------------------

Sincerely, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[Foreign Minister signatures]