Dear Editor,

Marco City M.P. Gregory Moss warned recently that if the government implements value-added tax (VAT), the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will lose the next election.

VAT is against everything the late Sir Lynden Pindling stood for, a total betrayal of the Bahamian people and should not be enforced. Pindling's mandate was to wipe every tear from every eye. The PLP will cause us to shed tears.

A popular shoe store in the Mall at Marathon admonishes us to say no to VAT, or after July 1, 2014 the public can expect to pay 15 percent to 19 percent higher prices on shoes.

The owner of Super Value, Rupert Roberts, has warned that as many as 400 jobs could be lost if the government seeks to go ahead with VAT, plus price controls and other recent tax increases.

Musical artist Mr. J is taking a strong stance against value-added tax. He claims VAT will negatively impact the lives of Bahamians, increase poverty and cause small businesses to suffer. Mr. J's new hit single "No VAT Tax" can be viewed on YouTube on the Mr. J. Bahamas music channel.

The government is urged to learn from Barbados and others on VAT. Central Bank of Barbados Governor Dr. Delisle Worrell said VAT has hurt that country's tourism industry. Darron Cash, Free National Movement (FNM) chairman, said this is another reason to delay VAT's introduction. VAT is a mess in Barbados and sales tax should be a consideration.

The people have pointed out the flaws in the proposed system and there will be a burden placed on businesses and consumers, especially now that unemployment is at 15 percent. A word to the wise will suffice.

- LL Bastian

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