DISAPPOINTED: Why no talk on VAT or TAX reductions?

Aug 08, 2008 Features / Columnists

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INTRODUCTION:

As I listened to the speeches at the 29th PPP Congress, I was extremely disappointed that no one addressed the heavy tax burden that they have placed on us as citizens. There was no sympathy for us the consumers on the rise of cost of living.

There was no discussion on reducing the VAT from the extremely high number of 16% to a more manageable number like 7%.
As citizens we cannot stop lobbying for a Government to stop raping our pay checks.

This was supposed to be a neutral tax where the money they collected before would match the new method, yet figures show they have collected close to 75% more money than they projected. Why then was this not a major topic at the PPP Congress?

Why did the 1000+ representatives from our communities not table a motion to address the tax burden placed on us, and the effect it has on our families, as well as its impact on the economy?

We are thankful for consumers’ advocates such as Eileen Cox and C.N. Sharma for continuing to keep this issue at the forefront of the nation’s interests.

PURCHASING POWER:

I have repeatedly advocated individuals earning the first G$50,000: per month, should be TAX FREE, and furthermore, VAT should be reduced to a manageable percentage based on the value of the goods purchased.

What is so difficult for Moscow- and Cuba-trained top leaders, to comprehend? We need an entire overhaul of our tax system; we cannot allow Government to take half of our money we make. The same dollar in 1992 based on Present Value Tables will only buy .24 cents today.

OUR CURRENT STATE

Arguably, by some, PNC’s Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham’s 21-year rule, was not one full of spectacular achievements, But, what have the PPP done in 16 years of their rule, with US$ millions of debt write-offs?

Yes, we have seen our schools painted, but the insides are empty with no teachers and the ones that are there, being paid as if they were slaves with a stipend.

Yes, the road to Berbice is great, but no roads in your villages have been touched, much less the road we really need done – the road to Brazil.

We have had lots of corruption and drug money flowing around that has in many instances produced big new buildings, we have seen deals where our tax payers money has gone into private ventures for the benefit of a few, yet there is no reprieve of the heavy tax burden placed on us by the Government.

The president discounted the Corruption index that was recently published that showed our nation as one of the most corrupt places to do business.

The president needs to face reality on what it’s like doing business in his country and it’s sad that he has never had that opportunity to experience what each of us in the business community are faced with every day. I can continue on and on about the corruption in the customs area or getting concessions.

I had applied for one generator for the Export Factory that was turned down by the GRA who stated that it did not fit the law, yet we saw over 15 generators approved for one company for one compound. The 15 generators could run an entire town. One has to then ask where the other 14 will go.

ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICIES:

What we need is an enforceable anti-corruption act with strict penalties especially for government officials that practice these methods on a daily basis. We need zero-tolerance and stiff jail and monetary penalties.

We have no system in place where one feels comfortable in reporting these issues for fear of the repercussions.

I stand with no fear; they have already done what they can do to my businesses which I would outline in a future column and to my personal property.

Call it complaining, I call it reality, and vow to fight for justice. The most common statement I hear is, “this is Guyana”.

Guyanese in the USA Diaspora are expressing their frustrations to invest their hard earned monies in Guyana, due to “connections” and “relativity” patterns that exist in Guyana.

CONCLUSION:

“We” Guyana must continue to pay attention to the issues we face. “We” Guyana, dream of a system that is honest and where all are treated equal, where we the citizens are put first in any decisions that are made, and not just a few friends. “

We” Guyana want leaders with courage and integrity who have known the struggles of an everyday Guyanese. A lot of people have stopped believing that may even be possible.

I haven’t stopped believing. We all need to take the next step of owning a piece of our political process; it’s going to take a movement to ensure that we are put first in our nation.

Send your comments and questions to email: Peter.ramsaroop@gmail.com and/or Website: www.visionguyana.com

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