Store clerks, bus drivers, road side vendors and teachers – these are a few of the people who make up our Dominican society.
These are also the people who face the 15 per cent value added tax (VAT) daily.
Dominica News Online took to the streets on Wednesday morning to find out just what these people had to say about VAT and the 2012-2013 budget.
“I have no real problem with VAT because it is a very equitable means of collecting tax” one man said.
“People who hide from taxes cannot hide from tax but if it is to be increased we should be expecting a decrease in other forms of the income taxes we pay and that is my biggest disappointment that the income taxes have not gone down,” he told DNO.
Another individual insisted that provisions should be made for the farmers in the 2012-2013 budget.
She thinks that measures should be put in place to encourage farmers to go back to the farm through incentives such as feeder roads.
“In relation to VAT however I see no problem with it, the rate is reasonable however I would propose removal of VAT on electricity especially since the fuel surcharge keeps climbing” she told DNO.
Some bus drivers also shared their views with DNO claiming that they were basically “working for gas!”
One driver urged the government to look into absorbing some of the cost of the fuel so that they can make “a proper earning”.
One man described VAT as a “problem!”
“That VAT is killing us, materials high, it is too expensive we just cannot afford to have that there.”
He argued that the VAT should not be there since, according to him, it was supposed to have been implemented for a specific period.
Another citizen made suggested that the Government was against the poor.
“That government need to go!” he declared boldly “the economy is in a mess and we are suffering.”
One young man told DNO that “we are fighting against one another to make bread and it is getting worst, we are seeing them fellas driving one behind the other with their big S.U.V’s that is a Castro move! And we are suffering”.
The prime minister is expected to deliver the national budget on July 17.
I just don’t know what Dominicans are thinking that the PM is being unreasonable in his role as leader of the people. Dominicans what exactly do you want? PM give to the poor, it’s a problem. If he does not give, it’s a problem. No matter what PM does, there is going to be a problem. When Government implements certain measures and the country begins going through changes to accommodate those measures, what do we do?…sit on our hunches and complain, instead of revisiting our lifestyle and making suitable changes that will make living more reasonable for us. If I can’t afford a car, then I don’t get one and later complain that things are hard and I cannot meet my commitments. Dominicans start living within your means and help turn this country into a better place to live in, giving God thanks and praise that we are living in such a blessed and secure part of the world. Take a look at the rest of the world around you and see what is happening socially and otherwise. God, I love Dominica and I cannot thank you enough that I was born and raised in this fortunate country.
The PM is well happy and to hell with the rest of us. He using “Loubiere SPRING WATER” to bathe. And we cannot even pay for Dowasco dirty water to drink!!!!!! Imagine that.
There is an old saying “there are only two things that are certain, death and taxes”. The VAT is one of the most equitable means of taxation it is fair and reasonable at 15%. That said I am against any increase at this time.
I think if more Dominicans travelled to neighboring islands they would not complain as much. Having recently visited several islands I can say we are well ahead of the game many of the other islands are in much worse shape. The global financial crisis has hurt us all but by the grace of God we are still doing OK. Credit is due of PM and the Labour Party government for shielding us from a lot of the problems facing other countries in the region and the world.
Let’s look on the bright side and stay positive – things will continue to improve if we continue to work together for a better Dominica!
skero needs to make it harder on us carry a survey labourtites that crying more the country hard but yet still”I LOVE MY PM’
Spain Deepens Austerity Under European Pressure
Rajoy, of the center-right People’s Party, proposed a 3-point hike in the main rate of Value Added Tax on goods and services to 21 percent, and outlined cuts in unemployment benefit and civil service pay and perks in a parliamentary speech interrupted by jeers and boos from the opposition.
The prime minister, who had pledged in his election campaign last year not to raise VAT, said he now had no choice. The main rate will rise to 21 from 18 percent and the reduced rate to 10 from 8 percent in a move that could further depress consumer spending.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/48144383
The Bible says: ‘A people get the government that they deserve,’ so stop crying, stand up and feel the weight, because it’s now something is happening.
dominicans are complaining about being able to afford necessities and ppl saying they have no problem with VAT. well i have a huge problem with increasing VAT on necessities.
Render to caesar the things that are caesars and to God the things that are God’s.Oh and by the way are we paying our tithes? just curious.
I have paid Taxes for all of my 30 years as a public officer, I have also paid VAT from its implementation. I wondered long before VAT, when will I stop paying Vat and when will some people who gets all the government subsidies, like the fishermen who gets motors, nets and fishing boats etc. and never pay one cent tax, yet their catch is sold at high prices while they pay no tax at all.
What about all the other people who makes money one way or the other, what of the people in the “UNDERWORLD” who makes several thousands and pay nothing. VAT is a great way of having everyone pay some taxes.
Many of us wish that VAT would disappear and should never be implemented, but, how would Dominica and Dominicans benefit from the several hundred of millions of dollars spend on the Portsmouth to Roseau road, the Pte Michelle Sea Wall, the Soufriere Sea Wall , the Marigot to Pond Case Road?
Assuming that M$350 was spent on those projects and M$300. was used to purchase material locally, the 15% VAT of M$300 would be M$45, what would we use to replace that M$45, should the government allow the several contractors to leave the Island with the money? Especially the Chinese some of us love to hate with a passion.
Honestly, when I see and hear what is happening globally, I tell my self Lord help the world! I have a friend in the US and she in mizere, she planning to come down because she say she will not die of hunger here. Instead of all the blogging, let us pray for the world.
Dominica is in the worst stage ever. Everything is high except peoples salaries. I bought a pound of flour in a certain shop in Pointe Michel for $1.75. I almost drop down dead. what about the other people who are not working? Bus drivers are crying, teachers, policemen, single parents who cannot meet their day to day commitments? P.M. please hear our cry….either you reduce on the VAT or else something has to be done drastically
for us Dominicans to survive.
The ministry of education is saying they are giving scholarships and bursaries, and believe or not it is an insults to us parents having to spend more at the book stores than the $500 stipend Government is giving.
Alas poor us
Lol u know y you have to spend way more at the book store when you have a scholarship? that is because imagine when you get 1 pencil from your scholarship money that is already $1.00 from the $500 and a pen the stores sell for $1.00 is $3.00. so u get next to nothing on your scholarship money and then you have to face all the rest on your own at the stores
Budget or no budget how on earth can a prime minister grow a country by begging other nations, let us get real, if u want a progressive Dominica you have to make it easier for people to conduct business.
You can start by lowering taxes, making it easier at the customs, and most importantly cut 1/2 the regulation we have in Dominica for conducting business.
But trust Mr Marx to hate those suggestions.
Well they all voted for their prime minister,let im raise taxes while the poor suffer, heis living good, people its time to wake up he is bringing Dominica down
I am of the opinion that taxes, after being implemented for a particular period, should have a tangible purpose. i.e Tax increases to decrease state debt, or tax increases to subsidize nations electrical dilemma. Seeing that VAT has be implemented for over 10 years in Dominica, there should be some benefit for Dominicans as a result of its implementation. However, we still see the constant increase in the Cost of Living in the country. If for some reason some other expense was decreased as a result of an increase in the VAT then it would be acceptable to the general public. However seeing that an increase in the VAT or even the existence of the VAT can no longer be justified, it needs to be reduced or it needs to GO!!
taxes , especially vat kill everybody. Prices are higher on all goods and services . No relief even when you die you must pay vat so skerrit and his crew can live.
where is the increase in salary for teachers before more taxes
No respect for teachers. Roll the Dice and see.
the people geting just what thay ask for stop the crying dominicans there is are lot more had time to come with D.L.P for the people that dont like to work had for what thay want.i’ll like to see you all eat the nice road or drive on the nice road and you’r bills will be paid
Things tight for real no lie but plenty of us buy the big jeep and van on the 1500$ salary and we renting people house, the weave buy before the sugar, the shoe buy before the milk, we run by kfc because we fraid to kalay fig, and we put down 100$ on two jeans or buy 2 whiskey for the padnas before the SAT pay, then we run to top up our light 5$ on saturdays.
Things are very hard.
the way you speak is only one set that has to enjoy life boy. When you work hard u should be given the opportunity to play hard too
but when u play hard under dont complain. its one thing to work hard for alot of moneyand play hard and your pocket dont feel it and its another to work hard for little money, live big and then late say things hard
Garson i support everything you have said here.Messieur.
who buy big jeep and van on $1500.00 salary. You must be mad
It doh have 1 Dominican Making 1500 that buy a new transport. In Dominica a new vehicle and a house is similar price. We buy vehicles that are used for over 10 years. Mine personally is 14 years old right now. But a lot of us do have a problem with our priorities but for the economy to grow Dominicans need more expendable income. You cannot expect a man to take a mortgage on a 1500 salary when the repayment is 1200
I love your comments! You know you on target, Just so!!! Supports my comments made earlier….LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS DOMINICANS!!!
Factor that plagues Dominica for many a decade is the ability of its Regime and Policy Makers to think outside of the Box, with Bigger ideals and ventures that bring a more attractive vibes to the island.
Ive often looked at Dominica as a place where they are way too contented in small ideals which in the end hurt them tremendously and is a massive turn of for investors..
If Dominica and its so called Brilliant Minds where Heads up and forward thinking their economy would be better off and atleast could bear the VAT,but their economy does even exist period.
But its factual they lack the ability to think creatively do projects that shine lights across the board, but they quite happy about a re-surfacing of a road a complex being built whereby they have no input or spill overs either in working phase or objectivity which brings long term benefits..
Just look at how dull they are…St.Vincent bit the bullet and went ahead and soon will have their International Airport..those angles shows you alot about the mindset of a nation and pretty much sums it up in just small talk and being below par at all sectors…..facts and facts..
The VAT should remain but be at least 10% so that we will be able to buy groceries and basic necessities. OH GOD IN HEAVEN HELP US AND OUR COUNTRY.
Basically, vat is just a collection of money for the governments coffers by way of a fee collected on all goods and services which fall within the categorization. most “supermarket owners” among others are able to foresee or predict the expense incurred by vat when they import. not so much so for the service providers and the small fry
in addition the level which these players are at, makes the current 15% vat feel like a gentle breeze on their face. because lets face it, they can afford it. in addition, they have the poor WORKING CLASS people bawling to lower income tax.
which; THE HIGH LEVEL PLAYERS will benefit from themselves. so its a gentle kneading motion, as you can imagine, milking the worker class…
HEY!! I saw Dominica on House Hunters.. boy some of us living the life WI!!!!
the youth dont make up the Dominica society?? stupes
Read my lips:No New VAT.
Dominica’s finance minister has stated categorically, that the government does not intend to increase the existing 15 per cent value added tax – VAT. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in his capacity as finance minister, made that clear in a radio…
vat should be paid on a person wants and not on their basic needs. for eg. I want a new car, but do i really need it. eg. I need groceries like milk, rice etc. Yes i need to feed myself and child
“People who hide from taxes cannot hide from tax but if it is to be increased we should be expecting a decrease in other forms of the income taxes we pay and that is my biggest disappointment that the income taxes have not gone down,”
please translate, anyone?
Interesting comments from the street….the people feeling the heat.
I await Tuesday’s budget patiently..
A 15% tax on goods and services is reasonable? The government needs increase economic activities by creative more incentives for the private sector to create jobs, and the government itself must come up with innovative ideas to create more jobs, and ultimately increase its tax base. Lower inport duties,capital investments such as farm access roads for farmers, invest more in education and research, reduce the size of the cabinet – Dominica does not need 21 constuencies and all those senators! There should be one rep per parish.
if we Dominicans cannot find a way to get Dominica to be relevant for us and our children,in terms of developement,we are going to get up one day and realise that we are in the minority and we no longer have a Dominica to call ours.While we fighting each other, we have chinese, hatians,dominican republic nationals and God knows who else setting up shop in our country. It’s time for Dominicans to be realistic, Dominica is ours to loose, if we just keep on talking talking without positive action.
I keep hearing spider’s song in my head,WE GOING DOWN SLOWLY,please don’t let this be.
i have no problem paying VAT – everybody paying it – leave it alone or even increase it and lower the income tax on poor people salary. I want income tax to lesson because them bus drivers, truck drivers, shopkeepers, druglords and all others who making the bolo largent not paying income tax.
vat vat and more vat and my salary the same well i hear people older than i am say the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer.way papa met vat vat in my a….
There are who still think that Skare it is our lord and savior. Jesus christ watch your nack
lol
So true but don’t worry when the perilous times come I want to see who they will turn to
Dont blasphem the name of Jesus to be sarcastic cause i personaly dont think that plp thinks so ok.
They do think so. You are the one who is doing more than blaspheming. You need to cut one end of your candle. They are both lighting.
DNO every one of us PAYING VAT…..
I buy a roll of toilet paper yesterday and there was vat on that too…SSSOOOO much vat I getting malvat!!!
the government need to be innovative and develop less draconian ways of generating revenue….so everything is DOMINICANS LAPO DERIEN to pay for it then???? you mean a government that can negotiate loans, aid and grant for EVERYTHING. CANNOT come up with something to generate state revenue?? No man….
This old white man who came to help with the implementation of VAT in Dominica was a basket case….I interacted with him personally while he stayed at fort young, he seemed OK at first, but then is after I realize the man had all kinds of personal problems…… this mans head was not clear… so is that we floating our boat on?? some kind of gimmick conjured by the dollar minister and a disheveled old English bloke
Well is a good thing is toilet paper you buy. That was purchased in in time for the malvant
which was basically the point of the joke…
I suspect you are playing devil’s advocate. This is how all governement raise revenue on taxes.
This is why Obama is in a big fight with republicans in increasing taxes.
Don’t mistake me wikileaks, it’s just the thing is remember how CDC pack up shop and leave after hurricane david???? after they make all their money for their shareholders?? then came our own Domlec, and still an IDIOT politician come back and privatize our energy AGAIN??? In a small island it would be beneficial for our government to have a silent percentage in industry or commerce and use those as controls to generate revenue, create employment and help alleviate the problem of cash flow… while these ideas may seem a bit socialist, it would be a nessecary evil imposed on those who profit the most from private industrial and commercial activity…it may well aid our country’s government from being bought. the PM said it himself!! sometimes petro caribe had to assist in paying government wages. what would we expect if we have entities which are wealthier and more powerful than the government in the country which it operates.