The Tribune

THE Tribune took to the streets to find out Bahamians’ opinions on the proposed implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

According to the majority of people interviewed, it appears as if neither the Bahamian people, nor the government, are prepared for a July 1 rollout.

Steven Logan said: “The government should give Bahamians more time to educate themselves on VAT instead of forcing it onto them because they aren’t ready for it.”

Dwight Inniss, 48, of Mt Moriah, said: “They should push back the date of implementation in order to fully educate Bahamians but they’re just doing their jobs and implementing VAT is a part of it.”

Carson Hepburn, 60, of Southern Shores, said: “Not at this time, it’s too sudden. They should find out the views of more people and give them more time to educate themselves. The economy is too small for tax.”

Sweeny Poitier, 20, of Carmichael, said: “VAT is terrible. They should wait because how can you tax people who don’t have jobs? They should focus on getting jobs rather than VAT around this time.”

Jerry Dean, 47, of South Beach, said: “They should wait until 2020 to bring VAT because that gives people enough time to educate themselves. No one is really ready for it this July and implementing it will only cause things to go further downhill.”

Richard Boodle, 58, of St Anne’s, added: “They need to have town meetings and talk shows where people can call in and ask questions on VAT.

“Everyone can be prepared for VAT if they want to be because it will improve their children’s education and their public services and pay Bahamians. The government has to prepare the people in order to pay the people.”

Cliffie, a small business owner, said: “They can’t take 15 per cent of my money without giving another source of money in return. The government should waste fewer resources in order to have more assets to generate more money. Taxation without representation causes frustration.”

Wendy Nixon, 50, said: “Because of the size of the country, VAT should not be introduced. Small business owners would feel the brunt of the impact.”

Brenda Ferguson, 72, straw vendor, suggested that the government should “educate people more” and set aside people to teach and talk about VAT and Bahamians should be of one accord and limit criticising to find other ways to build revenue if they are against VAT.

Doreen Ferguson, another straw vendor , added: “There is not enough time for people to prepare for VAT, it’s too much, the percentage should be lowered because not even God takes 15 per cent from people.”