PNCR-1G stages VAT, casino gambling protest
Guyana Chronicle
January 19, 2007
THE main opposition People’s National Congress Reform-1G yesterday afternoon staged a street protest in Georgetown against the way in which the Value Added Tax (VAT) is being implemented, and the Casino Gambling Bill.
The protest began with Police escorting a march of about 200 party supporters from the 1763 Monument Square through several streets to a public meeting on Brickdam outside Parliament Buildings.
The PNCR-1G wants the government to go back to the drawing board with VAT and come up with a percentage tax that will not ‘kill’ consumers.
Protesters also claimed that casino gambling will affect Guyanese in a negative way.
PNCR-1G Parliamentarian, Ms. Debra Bakker, who chaired the meeting, charged that VAT was “killing” the people of Guyana.
She said that while her party was not against VAT, it cannot agree with the 16 per cent rate being levied, adding that VAT was intended to be revenue neutral and not to increase the cost of living.
Ms. Bernice Walcott, speaking on behalf of Christian churches in Guyana concurred. She said the churches do not have a problem with the administration of VAT, but are insisting that it be done in the proper way. “VAT can be implemented with wisdom,” she affirmed.
Walcott said the church must keep watch over Parliament, and not allow the government to pass the casino gambling bill.
PNCR leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, commenting on the casino gambling bill to be debated in Parliament today, expressed disappointment and indignation with this development.
He argued that by going ahead with the reading of the bill, the government had ignored the rights of important stakeholders in the country.
Commenting on VAT, Corbin charged, “We have to have a relief or the people in this country are going to die.”
He said the rally and march yesterday was just the beginning.
Other speakers at yesterday’s meeting included Leader of the Justice for All Party, Mr. C.N. Sharma and representatives of youth and other organisations.
Sharma felt VAT should be reduced to 5 per cent and should not apply to Amerindians.