EDITOR, The Tribune.
I recently flew from Ft Lauderdale to Nassau.
I brought with me merchandise which cost $110 in Florida.
On this merchandise, I was charged $24.00 in customs duty as some of the articles had no duty (steaks) and some had reduced duty (cheese).
In order to arrive at the amount owed for VAT, the Customs Agent added the value of the merchandise ($110), to the amount of the duty ($24.00) and multiplied this total by 7.5 per cent.
I protested that it was absurd to pay VAT on the amount of duty, he assured me that was how they were instructed to handle VAT.
I sought out a zebra (a senior Customs Officer with lots of strips) who told me that the VAT experts from New Zealand had suggested this method for calculating VAT.
In future, when the Prime Minister needs advice, why doesn’t he consult with local people instead of bringing in people from halfway around the world, who don’t understand the Bahamian economy or the Bahamian people.
JOHN A WANKLYN
Nassau,
March 6, 2015.
Comments
Sickened 9 years, 1 month ago
Dear John, you are expecting far too much from this absurd government. They are focused on crime (and when I say crime I mean the act of continuing their own crimes) not you or the people they depend on for votes. The government is as dumb as the people who vote for them.
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 1 month ago
Stupid ass government. Bout the consultants from New Zealand told them to do that. NO THEY DID NOT. You morons misunderstood!!!
Publius 9 years, 1 month ago
They didn't misunderstand, they did exactly as they were told - hence the major problem with all of this.
gbgal 9 years, 1 month ago
Why are you charged VAT on items NOT purchased here?? And I, too, object to the double-dipping of taking VAT on top of customs duty! What is going on? Will no one look after the people? We are being sucked dry.
asiseeit 9 years, 1 month ago
The very small minority of people in this country called the political elite have very expensive tastes and therefore the government must rape and pillage the regular citizens to keep them in the manner they have become accustomed to. A contract that would usually cost 1 million costs the government 5 million just so these political elite can get their share. How dare the citizens complain, you fools are only here to elect the political elite and pay for their lifestyle through taxes.
MonkeeDoo 9 years, 1 month ago
Wanklyn bey, you only come here now and then. We got to suck this shit up every day. Don't be looking for any first world around here bullah. The US Embassy already told the people "Don't leave ya room" This country can't make it to the next election.
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