Why should I pay tax by way of VAT again?

Jul 24, 2014 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
As a Senior Citizen in Guyana, I am requesting that someone in a responsible position within the Governmental System explain the reasoning behind the additional cost of VAT whenever one goes to the shop to purchase.
I have two examples that have left me puzzled. Yesterday I went to purchase envelopes for my office, the total cost for the envelopes came up to $1,100.00 (one thousand one hundred dollars) but I ended up paying $1,276.00 (one thousand two hundred and seventy-six dollars) because of the inclusion of VAT $176.00 (one hundred and seventy-six dollars).
On the 16th day of July, 2014 I stopped at a City Café and purchased:
1 pc Chicken Breast     $387.00
1 Wedges              241.00
1 16 oz. Orange Juice     190.00
Sitting                                  054
Sub Total                         819.00
VAT                               130.00
Total                          950.00
What puzzles me in the first case of the envelopes, if they were imported tax was paid for clearance at Customs. Why should I pay tax by way of VAT again?
In the second case, let us assume that the chicken, potato and orange juice were also imported, tax would have been paid for clearance at Customs. Why should I pay VAT?
In both cases I have the receipts which can be provided to substitute my claim if necessary.
I would appreciate if someone could help me with some kind of explanation.
Jonas M.P. Coddett
Attorney-at-law

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