The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

Bahamians who are in the lower economic classes were probably rooting for Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins as he exchanged words with Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder last week in the House of Assembly, over the former’s revealed intentions to opposed the PLP’s proposal to introduce a National Health Insurance tax in January 2016.

With many poor Bahamians already griping about having to pay the Valued Added Tax of 7.5 per cent, it would certainly be an overkill to ask them to make an additional sacrifice of behalf of the state.

The cost of living has increased across the board since January 1. Even our electric bills have not escaped VAT, despite the many thousands of consumers who have struggled to keep current with their bills before its implementation.

This past January, the writer had to cough up $497 in VAT fees in addition to over $1,800 in customs duty for some imported furniture and an appliance. Rollins’ pledge not to support introducing another tax while economic growth continues to lag resonates with thousands of Bahamians, who cannot relate with the Elizabeth MP, who currently has a high paying executive post at Deltec bank and was fortunate to have had a very privileged upbringing.

Pinder does not know what it is to decide whether to pay rent, light bill or to buy food, as many Bahamian families are having to do.

It is disingenuous of him to intentionally, I believe, misconstrue Rollins’ comments concerning the NHI tax. Rollins made it painstakingly clear that he does not oppose NHI; what he is against is implementing it at this juncture.

Such a tax could have dire repercussions to an already anaemic economy. Rollins has emerged as a populist politician, who is determined to represent the masses, who, for the most part have no voice in the House of Assembly.

KEVIN EVANS

Freeport, Grand Bahama,

February 23, 2015.