Instead of providing a direct response to the questions asked, Douglas instead tried to deflect by saying that he has already stated that there will be no new taxes. However, as was pointed out to him, that was not the question, nor is it the main concern of residents, who have been responding to rumours that the Labour Administration, headed by Dr. Douglas, is planning to increase a number of existing taxes, such as the Value Added Tax, (VAT), which was introduced in November, 2010, and is already causing much concern within the business sector and amongst private citizens, who charge that it has made the cost of living unbearable.
When asked again by the reporter if citizens should expect a raise on any of the existing taxes, the Prime Minister ducked by saying, “The cabinet is meeting as I speak to you, and we continue to look at the package that we will bring to our people tomorrow.” He was referring to Budget Day, which is Tuesday 13th December.
The Prime Minister added to his comments by saying, “My word has been my bond in the past, I said we will not have any new taxes, even though I may have to fight with my Cabinet there will be no new taxes.” Again, he was reminded, the question was about higher taxes, not new ones.
The reporter responded by saying “I know they won’t be any new taxes, but will there be an increase in the existing taxes?”
Prime Minister Douglas responded by saying, “Before I can answer, I have to get clearance from my Cabinet.”
It was just last month, Prime Minister Douglas announced that there will be no new taxes added for 2012, but the question still remains, will the nation see an increase in taxes in the 2012 budget?