Monday, 12th April 2021 — The idea for a essay on debt, materialism, money and taxation entered my consciousness a couple weeks ago. Today, the title that came to mind was “Money, Debt and GST”. They’re words with a rhythmic rhyme.
There is an old adage regarding money being the root of all evil. It truly is a reality in today’s society. Years ago, my dad said, “We will always have debts.” That’s true because no matter how we try to conserve our monies, there are bills to constantly pay.
Whether it’s the grocer, baker or candlestick maker, we are forever putting out money for one thing or another. No one in this world can survive without some form of currency. We starve, become homeless and lack the basic necessities for comfortable daily living, if we don’t have essential funds.
For many persons, there’s a never-ending cycle of a few dollars coming in and an overwhelming amount going out. We pay for loans, rents, mortgages, medical bills, various fees, government taxes, food, beverages, clothing and all sorts of expenses. Surviving on substantially reduced incomes, or with incomeless households, is almost next to impossible. No wonder people are exceedingly frazzled and extremely deprived.
There have been extensive talks and a few public consultations regarding the Good and Services Tax (GST) to be imposed by the Government of Anguilla. Fortunately, the GST, which was to have been implemented in January 2020, has been deferred to July 2022. In spite of the People’s Petitions stating, “No GST”, it’s inevitable taxpayers will incur increased taxes.
Several policies are as well impacted by this deferment – such as the Medical Assistance Policy for seniors 70 years and older. It’s a hardship for the elderly who at this late stage in life ought to receive such benefits. Senior citizens contributed significantly to nation-building and paid their dues. The payments Social Security makes to retired persons is miniscule in comparison to elders’ contributions made during decades of their lifetimes.
Additionally, implementation of the Petroleum (Amendment) Act 2021 – which was a 650 percent increase for bulk petroleum importers’ annual licensing fees – quickly raised prices by 11 percent from US$5.01 to US$5.56 per imperial gallon. That’s a considerable upsurge for anyone on a fixed income or without sustainable revenue.
We already pay exorbitant fees of EC$650 minimum annually for licensing vehicles. There’s no choice but to pay more for filling up petrol tanks of motorised transports we own or rent. Otherwise, we have to hoof it or get a lift because Anguilla has no public transportation like neighbouring islands.
These disparities in the quality of people’s lives signify that something needs to change. It isn’t only individuals with extremely abundant wealth who need to share equally with the less fortunate. Established systems in which the human world operates also must shift.
None of us can point a finger towards a particular government or elected representatives blaming them for increased taxation, debts and other matters. The bigger picture shows us that they’re functioning in systems begun by men centuries and millennia ago, which are filled with avarice, corruption and duplicity.
Until we fully integrate transparency and truthfulness into these global systems governing all our lives, nothing will ever change. We must closely examine how government, law enforcement, corporations, education, healthcare, religious and other establishments are operating. Then determine areas for improvement, creating laws, policies and procedures effectively benefiting everyone.
Sweeping changes need to be made with institutional practices that don’t adhere to Divine Laws. Jesus addressed such matters when he overturned the tables of the moneylenders and spoke to the tax collector.
We observe what’s happening to billions of people living on the planet who struggle to survive. A positive plan is necessary if we want to become greater compassionate human-souls, caring for one another, creating a better world in which there is truly equal opportunity, judicial impartiality and no hatred nor prejudices.
If humanity is to truthfully advance, then radical actions must be taken to fix whatever’s misaligned – instead of merely applying bandages. If we’re to live up to our full potential, we have to shift ourselves individually – collectively working together to change antiquated systems that aren’t working effectively to benefit all of humankind.
It’s vital that we push forward. May God guide us in our endeavours to uplift the world’s conditions!
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses the nom de plume, The Empress Extraordinaire. Her words encourage us to explore who we are, evolve as human-beings and transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.
