Opposition parties, religious community march against VAT, casino gambling
…Corbin repeats call for a 2-day countrywide shutdown

Kaieteur News
January 19, 2007

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Scores of protesters voiced their concerns regarding the substantially high rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the proposed implementation of casino gambling yesterday in a peaceful protest march.

The protest which was organised by the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) attracted religious leaders, union representatives and members of the general public.

With a police escort the voluble protest snaked its way around central Georgetown concluding in front of the Public Buildings where a public meeting was held, chaired by Deborah Backer.

Concerned citizens were permitted to articulate concerns surrounding the VAT issue and casino gambling.

Shonelle Sinclair, who traveled from Berbice, said that Guyanese, regardless of race, should pay attention to what is happening. She said that VAT is stifling everybody in Guyana.

“A cherry juice which was $110 at Demico is now $138 and cherries grow in Guyana.”

On the issue of casino gambling she pointed out that she sees no benefits to be derived from it, pointing out that persons don't even have jobs.

Ms. Sinclair added that President Bharrat Jagdeo should have indicated to the nation beforehand that because of the loans taken from the World Bank “we now have VAT, so that the World Bank can be repaid.”

Sister Bernice Walcott, a member of the religious community, said that the church is mandated to speak when the government implements a Bill that is counterproductive.

The featured speaker at the meeting, leader of the PNCR Mr. Robert Corbin, said: “We are dealing with a government that has no respect for the people of this country…The president and the PPP believe that they can do anything, any time, anyhow, without any regard for the people of this country.”

He indicated to the audience that history has proven that the people of a country have the power to remove the government.

Corbin emphasised that the challenge in the form of the protest was against a government that had the arrogance to disregard the views of the populace, pointing out the deliberate disregard for the calls of the religious community, who represent the majority of the population.

He added that with regard to VAT, Guyanese need a relief or the people of this country will die and it is better to die fighting than standing by the wayside.

“The government has paid a five per cent increase and when you purchase you pay an added 16 per cent.”

The PNCR leader emphasised that this march is just the beginning and if the government does not take heed drastic measures will have to be taken. Corbin called on the relevant entities to cause the country to shut down for two days in an effort to point out the seriousness of these issues.

Corbin also sent a message to the police not to interfere with the church service planned for today, pointing out that the freedom to worship is guaranteed in the constitution.

Deborah Backer, PNCR Member of Parliament, said that they were out to have a peaceful protest. Regarding VAT, she indicated the PNCR's support for the principle of VAT, but it is obvious that the rate is too high.

It is also obvious that the implementation of VAT was not well thought out and the education was not adequate.

Ms. Backer reiterated her party's call to the government to revisit VAT with the intention of reducing the rate and taking a closer look at the rating of some items.

Commenting on casino gambling Ms. Backer indicated that the PNCR is adamantly against it and feels that the government should stick to the promise of consultation with the major stakeholders before it rushes to implement casino gambling.

She added that the reason for the protest is because the government is showing disregard for the views of persons and diplomacy was getting their calls nowhere.

Patrick Yarde, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), who was present at the protest, indicated that he was out because he was an aggrieved Guyanese who feels oppressed like so many others, including members of the GPSU.

“We feel that the public authorities are abusing their position and a stop must be put to this process.”

He added that he is in the process of sensitising the members of the GPSU. People need to recognise that these issues affect everybody and as such an individualistic approach must be abandoned. He added that the government has been insensitive, uncaring and its actions are hurting people.

Oscar Clarke, PNCR General Secretary, said that he was protesting the imminent introduction of casino gambling.

“We believe that casino gambling should have no place in our laws…We have also come out against the implementation of VAT. The way in which the Government chose to implement VAT leaves much to be desired.”