Naparima MP Rodney Charles says he never called for additional taxes on local artistes for performing internationally.

That notion was reported, prompting the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts to state that no such tax was being considered.

Mr. Charles says such a measure does not make sense for an industry surviving with minimal help from the State.

He clarifies that at this week’s JSC sitting, he enquired as to how much the cultural sector currently contributes to the economy via taxes and other means.

He also reiterates that no new taxes should be placed on artistes and on the population at large.

The MP is also calling for an apology from all those reporting “this falsehood”.

And in another story relating to this, Finance Minister Colm Imbert has released a statement saying there is a mistaken belief that Joint Select Committees are policy making bodies.

Mr Imbert says he has been following media coverage and public commentary relating to the topic.

He says proposals made in a JSC do not automatically find their way into the Government’s fiscal measures.

Mr Imbert adds that unlike the Cabinet, JSCs are not responsible for initiating and deciding on policy or the direction and control of the Government, and cannot formulate plans to impose new taxes.

Instead, he says Parliamentary Committees are simply empowered to enquire into, and examine and report on various matters.