Even with VAT, healthcare will deteriorate, not improve.
When has anything ever improved?
With VAT, the public healthcare system will become more over burdened as more leave the private healthcare system, dropping insurance increasing costs ad copays, etc.
National Healthcare will further the collapse,
Think Birdie: When has there ever been too much available of something free?

VAT would be attracted @ the border on foreign purchases imported,
But levying VAT on software services or web based subscriptions, intangibles and foreign purchases Not imported into the Bahamas is just idiotic.
Blocking I.P's?
Who has been advising the Government, the Chinese?

VAT inclusive also allows the Government to shift blame onto retailers for the inevitable increase in cost of living.
Ever tried explaining to someone why items cost so much here?
Also, VAT shown on a receipt is post transaction, whereas Bin Labels showing VAT as a separate item lets the consumer see the tax before the transaction, allows the Private sector to perform the educational service the government is neglecting, even if only out of self preservation,
and allows consumers to factor VAT into their expenditures before purchasing.
Gas pumps should also show the breakout of taxes in total including VAT,
as is shown on the fuel pumps in many U.S. states.
Give the Devil his due.
Individual price stickers are obsolete and a waste of time as bin labels are allowed by law instead.
Even if not required, retailers shod do it anyway.
Excellent CYA practice.

Amazing that while the Government attacks legitimate business with new taxes, raised taxes,
VAT and severe penalties for non compliance,
This industry is experiencing a resurgence to the levels of the 80's and branching out into human smuggling.
maybe they'll start courses at BAMSI?
Regularize them too right?

A warning shot,
a courtesy the government does not give......
When will they realize that dismantling of the rule of law
dismantles their own authority to Govern?
Any country run by the lowest common denominator
ends up as another IMF basket case.

There already will be one as the Government is attempting to charge VAT on Services which goes against the tax free status of the H.C.A
Tax free for current and any future taxes.
In short, this is their biggest push ever against the H.C.A and any gains made over the last 30 years via lawsuits already won.
Government seems to have a problem abiding by court rulings......
Including the Privy Council.
And we wonder why the youth have no respect for the laws of the land?
Starts at the top.

Well Mr. Myers, they're done with grenades,
they just lobbed a bunker buster @ Freeport.
VAT will be paid on both Duty paid and Bonded sales of goods,
with Bonded licensees having to claim back for VAT credit/refund based upon
unknown criteria.
We know what that means.
Customs/VAT office will determine what you can have bonded for your company,
not you in the operation of your company.
An old battle resurfaced with a vengeance.
And you will pay vat on services both licensee to licensee and company to individual.
So endeth the lesson for today,
No eggs if you kill the chicken.
Looks like they've been lying all the while.
Even their own guides do not match what was stated today.
There is no company that can change the way the books are run in the time remaining,
With inventory floating around based on first cost for Duty and CIF for VAT, and ever changing first costs and landed costs.
a virtually impossible criteria to comply with.
Changing price tags is child's play by comparison.
What a bunch of idiots.
Forgive them Lord,
they know not what they do.

I wonder who was on Phenton's special do not disconnect list........
Hows about they both give their lists to the tribune........

VAT should be shown as a line item on the pricing of any good or service including Gasoline.
However, if shown, Government will not be able to blame the private sector goods and services suppliers for prices rising, which they will.
The private sector should show VAT on stickers etc anyway,
it will be their only defense, and only tool for education.
Transparency vs. the pervasive public ignorance on duty being included in pricing.
Hidden taxation is the enemy of all in the Bahamas.
What isn't hidden is avoided.
As for undermining contract law, let the dogs of war fly( lawsuits ).

They cannot furnish what they do not have Mr. Myers.
like the three little piggies,
they are building on top of sand,
and out of straw.
And when it fails,
the private sector will be blamed.
As they already are in some of the comments from Government people.