Just when you thought that you were safe from the ‘assery’ being spouted by the opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), they seem to then ‘double down’ and say to us all; “there is a lot more where that came from.”
In the latest installation of utter rubbish is the Leader of the opposition Philip Brave Davis, who is either a schizophrenic future teller or maybe it is just the power of the ‘obeah hat’, who warns the country of the upcoming taxes to be introduced in the upcoming budget debate to be presented by the governing Free National Movement (FNM).
“PLP warns of budget VAT hike and taxes” – The Tribune
Excerpt from this article; “OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday released projections for the upcoming 2018/2019 budget, predicting an increase in VAT, Customs duties and the introduction of new taxes.
Mr. Davis said country’s economic reality will clash with the Minnis administration’s key policy promises, which he deemed fiscally contradictory and highly irresponsible.
‘It [the Budget] represents a real opportunity to present a growth agenda which this administration is sorely lacking. In its first year, the administration seem more fixated on making alarming statements on the issue of fiscal management and accountability, which damaged the reputation of the country rather than improving the lives of Bahamians.’
He continued: ‘As a result, in the first year in office many of the gains made by the previous administration have evaporated. For example there has been anemic revenue growth notwithstanding the opening of Baha Mar. Revenue for the first nine months is trending on par with actual revenue for the last fiscal year. This is disturbing as the last fiscal year’s revenue was decimated by Hurricane Matthew.”

So Mr. Davis is basically saying that if the Progressive had won the last election and there was no Hurricane Matthew, with the opening of Baha Mar, they would have done wonders with the economy but this all was hinged entirely on the successful opening of Baha Mar, right but first Mr. Davis needs to explain to the rest of the civilized world these ‘gains made by the previous administration [which] have evaporated”
We must ask ourselves, if additional taxes are needed to aid the economy, as the economy has shown signs of improvement; a point which Mr. Davis wishes to downplay, what would have been the case under a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government; an administration that never saw a downgraded that they did not like; four economic downgrades in five years but then was Hurricane Matthew, right Opposition Leader?
Surely the leader of the opposition jests with this bold prediction but then when in opposition you have the leisure to say whatever you want, even if it does not resemble the truth or do you?
I would like to take the time to caution the Free National Movement (FNM) government as they get set to present their first true FNM budget; the previous one being mostly what was left behind, to present a through, comprehensive and concise budget, accountability is the key word here as the people are already feeling as if they are carrying too much of the fiscal burden.
One of my main concerns when value-Added Tax (VAT) was introduced was the proper collection of all taxes, so for a rise in customs duties or other taxes; is how does one make sure all other taxes are properly collected when this simple tax; you cannot get your items unless you pay this bill, cannot be properly controlled?

END