Should be "condemn" not commend, I hope.

"For strategic and diplomatic reasons unknown to the writer, the US government has tolerated Cuba’s dictators.
A Minnis dictatorship would be immediately crushed by the American military. I am not a water boy for this FNM administration."
Wow! Tolerated? Crushed?

"Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely" Lord Acton. This applies most everywhere.

The momentary "happiness" hides a deeper pain. Many may not be able to articulate their slavery, but they most certainly feel it. You've stated it well.

I use that same phrase often.

This is an indication of the state of the world, not just here in The Bahamas. The working class of the US and other countries are just as bad off. We must realize that this will continue until we get a new set of visionary leaders. Not one politician today fits the bill. In ignoring the poor of our country we are showing our true selves. Since the political class shares none of these burdens and hardships themselves, we can look for their help when hell freezes over. We can blame our politicians, yet it does boil down to the silly loyalty to FNM or PLP that allows this to happen. Seems the goal of dumbing down the population has been working most everywhere.

Sorry OMG, the mistake that "running a country and its finances are just a larger scaled up version of domestic finances." is one made by every so-called businessperson who enters into government thinking. The two are diametrically opposed. A household, along with business, is only to look out for their own. Bankers have convinced us that we could not live without their dictates, their worldview, their laws. A quick look at who has gotten richer and richer during these times of crisis should be a key to this understanding. The complete decoupling of the world of finance and the real economy is a clear indication of the problem. The stock market is doing well. The rich are doing just fine, and getting richer. While the vast majority of the world's population is suffering. So, we want our politicians to continue doing the same thing? Just more of it. Sorry, we need a complete revolution in our thinking. The innovators are there. They just cannot get a word in edgewise due to the status quo in who presently holds the power. We have allowed the rich to educate our people. Those who rise to the top are part of the system that is oppressing the world's people. That is why it is clear we have so few leaders on the world stage. We have been educated to think only of ourselves. Could this not be more evident?
Why are there rich bankers. What exactly do the banks produce? Read the history of the banks and their mode of operating. "The people" have absolutely no say in matters of banking. None. It is a secret cabal of white men who control the world. Conspiracy? Hardly.

This is the most important and contentious issue this country will contend with in our lifetimes. And, our children's lifetimes. What can be said is that the current tax regime is unfair, ineffective and significantly constrains the economy. We have allowed successive governments to draw us further and further away from any prospect for national development. We must incentivize our people to become more productive, while at the same time more wisely use the resources we have available. Taxation should be progressive, to be fair. Most people agree with that, I believe. That nearly 90% of our tax base comes from Duty and Excise tax is too heavy a burden on our poorest people. Customs Duty is one of the worst ways to raise revenue a country can choose for many, many reasons. Property tax is way too low, especially for the high end properties. However, it must be said that the "experts" are experts in the current state of affairs, both here in The Bahamas, and elsewhere in the world, I would argue that we need a complete revamping of our tax laws and a new understanding of what holds us back as a nation. Hint, it is not just our own internal affairs that are causing the pain. Those in positions of power in this country, as in every country, get paid well to sing for their lunch. We need a new vision. Apart from the incremental changes proposed by the experts.

C2B, you are using apples and oranges. Start with this question first. Is it right to place the majority of the tax burden on the poorest? Is the type of regressive taxation we have in The Bahamas fair, Christian, sustainable? Should there be a fair tax on those who made their millions in their home Country and then want to live in a small Paradise? Absolutely. The other Country does not contribute to our economy. Want to go visit Disney World? It ain't cheap. And, they don't lower the price because of the country you came from. Raise the property taxes on the higher end properties. If the owners don't like it, and don't pay, sell the property like they do in every other civilized country. Time for us to start looking out for the majority of Bahamians. Not just wealthy people. In our short history, we haven't tried that yet.

Thanks Mrs. Damianos. To some people, the only color they can see is green. Obviously with no connection to The Bahamas other than as a desire to strike it rich, or play the con. Thanks for speaking out.

Shut up and go away banana7.A valid letter? Are yours valid comments? Get a life you scumbag!