The Nassau Guardian
Survey shows strong disapproval of VAT
Sixty-five percent of people surveyed by Silver Lining Enterprises do not believe that the government should implement value-added tax.
According to its website, Silver Lining is a media organization that offers public relations services, business and organizational reports, surveys and market research.
Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis said yesterday he doubts anyone in the world would be clamoring for a new form of taxation.
Halkitis said the Ministry of Finance will continue its public education campaign on VAT.
“No one likes to pay taxes,” he said.
“But we have to face reality. Our fiscal difficulties will not go away without us taking action.
“Simply saying delay VAT without workable alternatives does nothing to contribute to the solution.”
The survey polled 2,000 people, ages 18 to 55 plus, in 20 constituencies in New Providence.
Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Chairman Dr. Duane Sands commissioned the survey.
The survey was conducted over a six-week period that began in January, according to the report.
Of the 2,000 people polled, 65 percent or 1,309 people said they do not think the government should introduce VAT; Seven percent felt the government should implement VAT, and 28 percent of respondents said they didn’t know.
Twenty-nine percent of respondents believe the government should cut down on expenses to reduce its debt; 22 percent felt the government should curb unnecessary spending; 21 percent believe the government should aggressively pursue the collection of owed taxes and 28 percent chose all of the above.
Forty-nine percent of respondents felt the government should not implement any new form of tax. Nineteen percent said they would pay a sales tax; 13 percent said they would support a payroll tax, and 19 percent supported income tax.
When asked if the government engaged in enough of an education campaign on VAT “that you feel you can make an informed decision”, 71 percent said no and 29 percent said yes.
Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they did not think the government should introduce VAT at all; 25 percent felt the government should delay its implementation and six percent felt comfortable with the July 2014 date.
Prime Minister Perry Christie hinted last week that the government might not implement VAT on July 1 as originally stated.
Christie also said the government has abandoned its plan to introduce VAT at 15 percent and is instead eyeing a lower rate.
On the issue of the VAT rate, 94 percent of respondents felt the 15 percent rate is too high and six percent felt it was about right.
When asked what rate they were willing pay, 79 percent of respondents said five percent; 10 percent said seven percent; seven percent said 10 percent and two percent said 15 percent.
The survey states that it sought to “attain an understanding of the opinions and position of the masses, outside of the business community, politicians and pundits”.
Among its list of recommendations, Silver Lining suggested that the government should release all of the information regarding VAT and expand the VAT implementation team to include the expertise of leaders in the business community.
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