Protest ahead of Guernsey States GST debate
BBCAbout 250 people have gathered in Guernsey as part of protests against plans for a goods and services tax (GST).
The 3% GST is among reforms the Policy and Resources Committee wants to make to the tax system to plug an estimated £50m gap in its funding.
Politicians are due to debate the proposals this week. If approved, the GST will come into force from 2028.
Organisers of the protest in Market Square on Sunday said they hoped deputies would listen to islanders' concerns before the debate on Wednesday.
Deputy Rob Curgenven, who was also at the protest, said he hoped colleagues would take on board the voices of islanders opposed to the levy.
He said: "People are still very passionate about this.
"I would like to hope that the deputies will take this into consideration. We can only hope that they will listen."
Deputy John Gollop supports the levy but said he still had concerns about the technicalities and how it had been represented.
He said: "The debate feels a bit rushed and people are wanting more information.
"The States is not selling the changes in a way that cuts through."
The Guernsey Hospitality Association also previously said its members had raised concerns about the impact on the sector as it could mean the introduction of a new consumption levy at a time when many firms were already facing significant financial pressures.
Policy and Resources President Lindsay de Sausmarez previously said the package was "a balanced, pragmatic and proportionate response to the financial challenge we face".
"It will improve our financial position by £59m a year," she said.
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