by Edward Hutcheson
Generally, politicians get away with a lot of stuff. Be they PLP or FNM some of them do not pay their bills like the rest of us. As an aside, I am beginning to enjoy the VAT “ discussion”; especially for the amount of information that is coming into the public’s view about who is paying what or who owes the government. I have to pause here to expression my appreciation to Mr. Gregory Moss and his contribution in the House of Assembly last week; his was the more understandable offering and explanation of VAT from a national perspective. I took exception to the way he behaved during his appointment as NIB chairman, I wished he had gone about that job with the clarity with the “informed clarity” that he expressed last week. He would have made a very good NIB chairman.
Perhaps the Prime Minister would like to level the playing field at this point and find out who owes what to the Public Treasury and publish the names; especially among the leadership of the organization he leads, but, from what I hear, his bigger problem is what the non-elected officials in the Party owe. It is not enough for Minister Gibson to tell us that it is not about him or his side of the political bench. Is he saying that they only intend to tax the non-PLP’s? This may be the right time to bring the Freedom of Information Act into play, so that all of us who pay taxes can begin July of an equal footing. It is just possible that if the Government gets its financial house in order we can institute VAT at a lower percentage and make an immediate dent in the National debt, simultaneously.
February 27, 2014
I have no problem with paying, and do so. However I consider VAT and the current business license taxes immoral.
What do we do?
With calls from Certain Government M.P’s for Privacy,
one really wonders who if anyone does pay their taxes!
I do, without reservation, as I was taught by example.
Also the last people on earth I’d want to be beholden to are these idiots.
As to the calls for privacy, that is plain stupidity
and arrogance, once you elect for public service you come under greater scrutiny, not less!
The disclosures that are supposed to happen but do not, address this obligation specifically.
Lawlessness from the top down is where it all falls apart.
Glad we finally figured it out.. Taxes are enacted into statutory law by Parliament.. It is the law of the land and applies by statute to everyone without exception.. Unfortunately, the law has no teeth and tax evaders know this and do not fear enforcement and prosecution.. For the government appointed VAT coordinator and propagandist to evade some $120 thousand in taxes is a national disgrace going all the way up to the Prime Minister’s Office..
This man is a man without integrity and honor.. He reflects everything that is corrupt about government and as he lacks any shame or remorse; he should be fired not only for his utter incompetence but to uphold the integrity of the highest Office in the land.
It is because of such unethical people, who do not pay their legal and contractual obligations, that government believes it must force VAT upon the honest citizens and residents of the Bahamas.. This Very Awful Tax will not bring in the necessary revenues that are hope for but will result only in terrible repercussions through the fragile Bahamian economy..
With over $500 million in estimated tax arrears, it is time start collecting what is outstanding and due.. Time for the deadbeats to pay unto government that what is due government and not to be kept by these dishonest and crooked thieves that have placed themselves above the nation’s law.. The huge leakage gap from tax evasion has been opened, and now it is time to establish creditable and effective tax compliance, political tax and financial disclosure and fair real estate and property evaluation.. This is the real starting point for government, and not the poverty driving and recession creating VAT which more than likely would destroy the underlying foundation of our country’s economy.. Time to do the right thing as the very destiny of our country is on the line..
After what is owed is collected in its entirety, (and as I continue to pay my due commitments in a timely manner by saving and putting aside the necessary funds), then I will considerer paying VAT only when EVERYONE also pays theirs as well. If you make the conditions, set the example, and let’s see proof, more than some receipt that some lackey can get printed off and handed over without really collecting funds – and while we are at it – government people – don’t even consider pay raises as you have shown that you do not deserving of pay raises, and barely deserving of your current salaries.
Immoral,unjust & plain old greedy on the governments part.I would not put it past them for this to be a plan for their cronies to take-over business in the Bahamas & then drop the VAT.You just can’t trust them at all.They are one greedy group of corrupt people in my view.The minister now says they won’t be bullied ? You work for the people you idiot,we don’t work for you.
So, how exactly does one operate a given system of governance,
without any clue as to the rules, the onus to operate it without fear or favor, meanwhile being compromised oneself?
Just in the last week I’ve personally run across a half dozen situations of Government Incompetence or ignorance.
If I move to educate, or assist THEM in understanding THEIR error, I will probably raise their ire.
The damage done to the mechanisms of Governance is systemic, meaning what we have today is the result of an incremental dismantling of individual areas of responsibility and function.
The point to their existence has been lost, supplanted by self importance/self preservation.
We are screwed.