NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused the Davis administration of making the cost of living crisis “much, much worse,” arguing that many Bahamians are going hungry as the government touts the success of its revenue intake.
During his contribution to the mid-year budget debate yesterday, Minnis accused the Davis administration of increasing the cost of living for Bahamians through a number of tax measures such as reinstating Value-Added Tax (VAT) on breadbasket items and medications as well as increases in property taxes.
Prime Minister Philip Davis during his mid-year budget communication revealed that for the first six months of the fiscal year revenue collections are estimated at $1.2 billion which represents a $111.5 million increase over the same period in the previous fiscal year.
“All of this money is coming in because of the taxes people are paying,” said Minnis.
“Bahamians know the government is collecting money because of how they see the PLPs living high and mighty,” he added, as he slammed the Davis administration’s budgetary increase for consultants.
Minnis went on to accuse the Davis administration of “recklessly wasting our money.”
“This new day means that Bahamians are no longer working for themselves and their families. This sad new day means that Bahamians are working hard for the PLP and the Minister of finance who are recklessly wasting our money,” said Minnis.
He added: “Many Bahamians are going hungry as the government is collecting plenty money. The Prime Minister and the PLP are deaf to the cries of the poor. They have made the cost of living crisis much, much worse. We need a better day not more of this new day disaster.”
