PM defends VAT coordinator against 'vicious attacks'

As of Friday, March 14, 2014

Prime Minister Perry Christie

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night underscored the redemptive power of a second chance as he defended VAT Coordinator Ishmael Lightbourne against “vicious attacks” over his tax delinquency.

Speaking out on the controversy in his closing remarks on the mid-year budget, Mr Christie said his only regret was that he “significantly” underpaid Mr Lightbourne compared to foreign consultants.

He said: “The difference between them and Ishmael is that someone has revealed his shadow and not theirs. I will never compromise my belief in the redemptive power of a second chance.”

Mr Christie revealed that as Prime Minister he intervened on the behalf of Mr Lightbourne to stop the bank from repossessing his home, adding that the tax consultant had once held high-level positions in the public and private sector.

“The disclosure of Mr Lightbourne’s personal financial affairs, whatever the motive might have been, was unwarranted and uncharitable and no member of our community should be subjected to this kind of character assassination simply because of financial incapacity rather than an unwillingness or a reluctance to meet his financial obligations.”

He added: “While Mr Lightbourne should clearly pay his property taxes, and is under legal obligation to do so, it is obvious that the call for the Government to dismiss Mr Lightbourne is a clear attempt to discredit and shoot the messenger, because there are those special interests who do not like the VAT message he is delivering on behalf of the Government.

Mr Christie said Mr Lightbourne has made arrangements with the tax office to settle liabilities within a reasonable time frame.

proudloudandfnm 10 years, 8 months ago

A senior partner at PWC could not afford $1.46 per day on his home's RPT? And our Prime Minister actually expects us to believe this nonsense?

Well folks our Prime Minister just told us that we do not have to pay any taxes in this country. So enjoy your savings folks. The Bahamas just went 100% tax free....

This has to be the most asinine statement Perry has ever made....

proudloudandfnm 10 years, 8 months ago

I am still amazed that no one is asking how Ishmael's home was so undervalued....

Last time I had a piece of property valued the appraiser actually asked me how much I wanted it valued at... hmmmmm... Ya think?

Honestman 10 years, 8 months ago

By all means give a person a second chance but PGC blundered badly by placing Lightbourne is the role of VAT co-ordinator when he was SO delinquent in his RPT. The problem is that PGC does not see the problem!

birdiestrachan 10 years, 8 months ago

According to what Mr. Christie said Mr. Lightbourne did not have a job. so he had no means of paying his taxes. If he loose his job. How will he Pay?. The truth of the matter to many Bahamian people are bad pay. I do not know if he falls into this category.