Tuesday, 21st September 2021 — With the continually rising prices that we are all experiencing in Anguilla, I contemplate how we will survive living under such dire financial constraints. Since the beginning of this year, I have observed how prices for everything keep going up. The Government’s newly passed Goods and Services Tax (GST) has not yet been implemented, but the increased pricing seems to indicate otherwise.
In talking with diverse people in the community and commerce, I realise that some of this price gouging is due to the exorbitant shipping fees that have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic appeared. Yet, I also attribute these significant increases to the theory of supply and demand, which economic models utilise, and the greed of humans to acquire disproportionate profits and supplement financial wealth.
Now, I really wonder how in God’s name did the Government of Anguilla (GOA) pass the GST Act under such a strident monetary crisis that is effectively impacting everyone’s life whether we are rich, middle class or poor. What or who is impeding alternatives to GST?
Do the Honourable Premier, Ministers, Deputy Governor and Attorney General, who voted in favour of passage of this draconian taxation bill, have any concern for the welfare of the People of Anguilla? The impression is that no one cares whether all of us survive this critical downturn in the economy.
I query why past and current Government Administrations keep increasing public debts and seem unable to balance the budget. Are GOA’s hands tied by the dictates of Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) and other foreign operated governing bodies? Or is this just wilful neglect of the petitions by the Citizens for relief from exorbitant taxes?
As a senior citizen living on a retirement pension, I receive monthly Social Security benefits from payments that I made whilst employed. These funds allow me to have a simple yet affordable lifestyle in Anguilla. Because I am self-taught in wisely budgeting monies – balancing income with money spent, as well as saving dollars for any out of the ordinary or unanticipated expenses, I can manage living fairly well in the Caribbean.
Nonetheless, how will many of us be able to subsist with these ever-increasing prices and taxes? For example, in a four-month period from June to September 2021, we saw an increase of at least 10 percent (10%) in the pricing for various foods, beverages and household products. I shopped in the first week of June paying one price for items that I buy regularly. When I returned to the grocery stores at the end of June/early July, the cost had gone up. Staples like a jar of peanut butter were priced EC$2 higher.
Then a few weeks ago when I filled up the petrol tank in my vehicle, I had a rather rude awakening. The price had risen once again from US$6.01 to US$6.70 per imperial gallon. That’s an increase of more than 10% from the previous amount. At the beginning of 2021, gas cost US$5.01 and then it was US$5.56. That’s four increases in these rates during the first nine months of this year.
Are gasoline prices rising rapidly due to increased shipment costs or because of the Petroleum Act imposed by GOA that astronomically raised the annual government fees 600% from the prior calculated fee? No one will be able continue to driving vehicles if we have to pay much more. We do not have any reasonably priced public transportation to get around in Anguilla. So, there is no other option than to ride a bike, hitch a lift or walk if we cannot afford to buy petrol.
For most of us, whether employed or retired, our monthly incomes aren’t increasing and are certainly unsustainable with the rising rate of inflation. In fact, numerous persons do not have the financial resources to support themselves and relatives. Higher taxes will adversely impact every citizen, resident, family and business in Anguilla.
How do we thrive under these demanding conditions? I dare say we need to have a global economic revolution to emancipate ourselves from rising fees, prices and taxes.
We beseech the Leaders of Government, who were elected to serve the People, and those appointed by HMG through Her Excellency the Governor, to search your consciences. Please have compassion for all a’ we. No GST!
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses a 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.
