Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash is calling for the resignation or firing of Ishmael Lightbourne, Consultant and Coordinator of the government’s VAT unit, after Mr Lightbourne revealed he has not paid property taxes for ten years.
According to an article published in a local newspaper, Mr Lightbourne says he “recognises the hypocrisy and contradiction” of advocating for VAT despite not paying property taxes.
He is quoted as saying: “I understand the hypocrisy. That has been a major source of pain an discomfort.”
Mr Lightbourne owes the government $7,743, which includes interest payments.
In response to his revelation, Mr Cash, in a press statement yesterday, said: “Mr Lightbourne’s decision to not pay property taxes for ten years suggests a wilful refusal to pay. Consequently he has lost all legitimacy as the principal spokesman and advocate of VAT.
“This disclosure and admission are enough for Mr Lightbourne to tender his resignation as VAT Coordinator with immediate effect. This resignation should be non-negotiable and if he refuses to resign he must be fired in order for the Government to preserve what little integrity it has left on the issue of tax reform.”
“At a time when the Christie administration remains determined to force VAT down the throats of the Bahamian people, right-thinking, fair-minded citizens who want to pay their fair share have been pleading for consideration of alternatives and for the government to collect the taxes that are already on the books.”
