Shouldn't you have said, because The Bahamas is on a slippery slope, and most of our politicians only know how to borrow and spend, no that should read spend then borrow?

VAT is not a benefit to anyone other than the ever burgeoning beast we call our government.

In fact he confirms it when he says in Tribune Business:

“I think the cost of running the Government is going to escalate year in, year out, and unless we have an increase in the tax base, these deficits will continue to pile up and we will be on a really slippery slope.”

Realising Mr. Smith is a supporter of the current regime, he appears to think he has to support their proclivity for ever higher taxes and spending rather than reigning the beast in. But he really doesn't have to, particularly when the policies he overtly supports, appear to be dooming the country, and with his background (former Governor of the Central Bank) he knows the policies that work and those that don't. At least he should.

I should point out – not that it really matters – that I respect Mr. Smith highly and have always found him a man of honour, (and you thought a but was coming), and while he says "…we have to move forward with fiscal reforms and use our resources much more efficiently.” it seems half-hearted in view of his "all in" for VAT and additional taxes.

It is disconcerting, at least for me, when people like Mr. Smith would rather color the situation in pastels rather than primary colours because of his political persuasion.

The political class might not like to hear it, but they have to begin implementing policies that encourage private sector growth if we are to see a reversal of fortunes.