Increasing Taxes A Trend For Troubled Governments - Fraser

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Hon. Julian Fraser speaking at his town hall meeting. October 20th

(PLTM) - Financially challenged governments who face adversity in various sectors of their economy due to negligence and mismanagement of its resources, always resort to the exorbitant increase of taxes to generate quick revenue. This is according to Hon. Julian Fraser, Opposition Leader and Representative for District Three.

While speaking at his town hall meeting last evening, October 20 in Sea Cows Bay, he addressed the issue of various taxes being increased, noting that such an act comes without surprise, as it is a trend for failed governments.

“No one should be surprised the government is on a tax high spree, because that's exactly what governments in trouble do; they raise taxes.”

He added, “This government is having serious money troubles. This is the first government in modern history to ever borrow money to meet their day to day obligations,” while reminding persons of the controversial $25M line of credit the government recently borrowed from CIBC First Caribbean Bank.

The Leader of the Opposition went on to express that the government has resorted to catering more for the big businesses in the Territory, while at the same time, causing the small businesses to go under.

“Raising the passenger tax from $20 is a burden on persons, causing them to reconsider their visits. A change from 7-10 percent in the hotel accommodation tax does not discriminate between the rich visitors and the poor locals staying at a hotel. The National Health Insurance tax remains a burden for business and employees.”

Hon. Fraser also spoke on the matter of the increase in the minimum wage from $4 to $6, which took effect from October 1, stating that local small businesses are already crying.

“Last year I warned that as long as there is no consumer protection legislation in place, nothing will change. In my mind, merchants would've just increased their goods and services, but some have gone to cutting employees work hours just to meet payroll and some have gone to the extreme of firing.”

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