I try to stay current with public affairs. Today I heard something in Parliament that scared me.
The PLP government is forming an advisory committee on National Health Insurance (NHI).
Now, the idea behind NHI is admirable. We all would like if all Bahamians have access to quality health care.
But, we have to be reasonable. Taxes would have to be increased to facilitate this new health scheme.
We do not have the money for this at this time.
The PLP should know that Bahamians have not recovered from the Great Recession.
The unemployment rate is still around 14 percent and there are many distressed properties because many people are struggling.
This is not the time to raise taxes on the people. No caring government would do such a thing.
This government now seems as if it is planning to raise our taxes dramatically in at least two ways.
Along with NHI, the PLP has decided that it wants to bring in a value added tax (VAT) of 15 percent.
The cost of living in The Bahamas is already too high and this government wants to raise it even higher? This is unbelievable.
If the PLP brings in NHI and VAT taxes, it will break the backs of hardworking Bahamians.
What the government should be doing now is cutting its wasteful spending instead of forcing more money out of our pockets to pay for its inefficient bureaucracy.
Perry Christie needs to consider his legacy.
If he goes through with all these tax increases he will be remembered as the man who took more from the people than he gave.
By: Martha S. Greene
