"They make greedy merchants happy".... Wow. Of course VAT is in other countries, but they have other industries that help support their economy. What do we have? Tourism , Fisheries (not doing well either) and a dwindling banking sector? We IMPORT everything. Then we pay duty and VAT on the very items we import. You really need to look at both sides before you comment. Of course merchants want to make money. They are the ones who employ the very people you are saying should "buy what is necessary to maintain life". What does that even mean? I shouldn't be able to travel and live a lifestyle my salary can handle? I understand the poor and middles class not being able to buy certain items, but please think. If you tax the economy there will be businesses that will close. Even the businesses you assume aren't "greedy".
Also, nothing in life is "free" as you put it. You state VAT is collected to pay for "free medicine", "free hospitals" and 'free schools". How could it be free if you and I have to pay for it? Money that is being wasted on foolishness (i.e Junkanoo Carnival that went 3 million over budget and we still have no idea how much it even made). I understand that you are a die-hard PLP, but please look at the bigger picture.
Looking at the reduction on duty for vehicles is smoke and mirrors as well. What if you have already paid 75%-85% for the inventory you have now and can't sell before the reduction? Now you have vehicles that are $4-$5 thousand more and are exactly the same! Man o man...
BDN says...
They better not come. Might get robbed..
On Bahamas stop for royal tour?
Posted 24 August 2015, 3:18 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
Yea man, Sarkis! Don't let it get away from you. You wan get called crazy again aye?
On PM hoped Sarkis would ‘not allow resort to go’
Posted 19 August 2015, 12:45 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
That's how we does do it!
On Claim that Minnis ‘violated’ Cabinet code of conduct
Posted 19 August 2015, 12:45 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
Just glad everything is coming out.
On Rollins: I was lured into trap over Minnis
Posted 18 August 2015, 11:49 a.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
The plot thickens!
On ‘You can’t fake things in such an obvious way’ says CCA email
Posted 17 August 2015, 1:45 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
Reading this tells me what is wrong with this country.
On AG’s husband has Baha Mar leases
Posted 11 August 2015, 4:01 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
"They make greedy merchants happy".... Wow. Of course VAT is in other countries, but they have other industries that help support their economy. What do we have? Tourism , Fisheries (not doing well either) and a dwindling banking sector? We IMPORT everything. Then we pay duty and VAT on the very items we import. You really need to look at both sides before you comment. Of course merchants want to make money. They are the ones who employ the very people you are saying should "buy what is necessary to maintain life". What does that even mean? I shouldn't be able to travel and live a lifestyle my salary can handle? I understand the poor and middles class not being able to buy certain items, but please think. If you tax the economy there will be businesses that will close. Even the businesses you assume aren't "greedy".
Also, nothing in life is "free" as you put it. You state VAT is collected to pay for "free medicine", "free hospitals" and 'free schools". How could it be free if you and I have to pay for it? Money that is being wasted on foolishness (i.e Junkanoo Carnival that went 3 million over budget and we still have no idea how much it even made). I understand that you are a die-hard PLP, but please look at the bigger picture.
On Bahamas ‘only now seeing the real VAT effect’
Posted 17 July 2015, 11:17 a.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
The industry I am in has seen a decrease of 31% from last year. We are in for some seriously rough times.
On Bahamas ‘only now seeing the real VAT effect’
Posted 16 July 2015, 2:04 p.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
Looking at the reduction on duty for vehicles is smoke and mirrors as well. What if you have already paid 75%-85% for the inventory you have now and can't sell before the reduction? Now you have vehicles that are $4-$5 thousand more and are exactly the same! Man o man...
On 2015/2016 BUDGET: Deficit slashed by two thirds
Posted 28 May 2015, 9:08 a.m. Suggest removal
BDN says...
I agree! Deal with the issues instead of fighting against it.
On Auditor under fire for ‘unfair’ report
Posted 15 April 2015, 12:56 p.m. Suggest removal