University Hospital of the West Indies says it owes Government over $40B in taxes

The University Hospital of the West Indies, UHWI, owes about $40 billion in taxes to the Government.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital Eric Hosin made the disclosure in response to questions posed during parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, PAC meeting this morning.

Officials of the Hospital are appearing before the Committee as investigations continue into the misuse of the tax exemption status to facilitate the importation of goods on behalf of private companies.

The UHWI was flagged by the Auditor General for the alleged breach, which contributed to losses of over $20 million.

At today’s PAC meeting, Committee Chairman Julian Robinson asked about the UHWI’s Tax Compliance Certificate.

In response, Mr. Hosin said the TCC expires next month and revealed the Hospital’s multi-billion dollar debt to entities, including Tax Administration Jamaica, TAJ.

Mr. Hosin then revealed that interest and penalties account for a significant amount of the debt.

The Acting CEO said there is no payment plan with the TAJ.

Mr. Robinson then asked for the UHWI to provide several documents including those detailing the monies owed.