Bahamas: "For God's sake, ease up on taxation," urges Dr Duane Sands to govt

Former Member of Parliament and Chairman of The Free National Movement Dr Duane Sands lashed at the government for increased fuel prices in the Bahamas.

Duane stated that history is repeating itself in the Bahamas. He referred to one incident during the French revolution when the then Queen of France (Marie Antoinette) who was advised that many of her poor subjects had no bread. In a display of insensitivity and callous disregard for the realities of life, she uttered those infamous words. Marie Antoinette spoke sometime around 1789.

He stated that the governing Progressive Liberal Party's response is similar to Queen of France Marie Antoinette's.

"After 233 years later, in an English-speaking democracy, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas… history repeats itself. The least among us are being battered with the ravages of an economic storm. Inflation (now at an annual rate of 4%) has climbed to the highest rate in more than a decade,"

He stated that fuel prices have skyrocketed and are now approaching $6.50/ gallon, "Food prices globally eclipsed their highest level ever in March 2022 – and continue to climb,"/

"Despite acknowledging that the most vulnerable would be pushed beneath the poverty line – like modern-day Marie Antoinette(s). the new day PLP administration insists that they are not going to ease up on the government-imposed burden," said Duane.

He stated that the government is increasing vet and putting pressure on the public to pay for new ambassadorships and travel.

"This administration has decided to get it from the most vulnerable by insisting that they pay VAT on bread basket items and medicines. And they are not going to change their minds,".

He stated, "for the love of God! Ease up on the taxation". He advised the government to cut back on the spending and ease the burden on people.