With the imminent arrival of G$T, many Anguillians – over the last weeks – have been preparing for the arrival of T-Day, July 1st, in a similar way that they prepare for a major category hurricane. This was evidenced as many people have been observed “sweeping the store shelves” for non-essential food items, household goods, hardware and electronic items, and any other taxable goods and services that they might possibly need – now and in the near future.
This “buying frenzy” has not been limited to small items at the stores. People have also been purchasing big-ticket items like washers and dryers, refrigerators and stoves, and clothing and accessories. And persons who were planning to renovate their homes or build new structures “at some time”, found it prudent to do so “now”. Many concrete trucks have been observed across the island pouring freshly mixed concrete in strategic places.
Online shopping has also increased lately, as persons have been experiencing much longer wait times in lines at the post office, and other shipping and mailing venues to pick up packages. Just this week we would have noticed a “sea of cars” parked at the customs building in Sandy Ground, for all recent imports, no doubt, brought in by persons at this time, in an effort to avoid the financial impact of the G$T.
The sudden uptick in purchasing is interesting, because some purchases will have to be replicated as the IRD, the Government, and some of their colleagues and key supporters have indicated that G$T is not going away. Unlike a hurricane – even the most vicious one – the G$T is a storm that is not likely to go away.
So, Anguillians, brace yourselves for the coming storm on Friday, July 1, 2022. “T-Day” – G$T is here, and we will get through it…somehow.
– Contributed
