Tuesday February 9th, 2010
- Last update:13 hours 44 min ago
‘Property tax will hit people’s pockets’
Published: 23 Sep 2009
Most backward, oppressive and callous. That’s how Opposition senator Wade Mark describes the proposed increases in property taxes.
Mark, a former trade unionist, said this while contributing to the 2010 Appropriation Bill, which was presented for debate earlier by Minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne. Mark warned that the increases in property taxes would lead to:
• an increase in the rents for all tenants;
• a reduction in business competitiveness; and
• an increase in the cost of living.
He added that the measure would also negatively affect pensioners and individuals on fixed incomes. “This insensitive, reprehensible, objectionable and disgraceful new tax will result in one’s disposable income being further eroded,” Mark said. He waded into the Government, saying the tax increase was “inequitable and will discourage further construction of homes by private individuals and property developers.
“The property tax in the hands of an abusive government could lead to segregation in communities and the development of ghettos…If one is unable to pay this onerous property tax, the government can seize one’s property and put it up for sale,” Mark said. He also said that based on the Government’s poor management of the economy, the country could soon have to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance. Earlier, Browne defended the Government’s decision to increase property tax.
The Evils of the Property
The Evils of the Property Tax:
I fully agree with Mr. Mark.
During this time of economic downturn, our people are struggling to keep their heads above water, and this tax will push them further into financial turmoil.
Don't get me wrong, we need to review our current system, and make changes to reflect today's value. But not at this time. We should put this on HOLD until the economy shows that it is back in positive standings.
Our gov't squandered our resources on mega-this, mega-that, luxaries, etc. and now that less money coming in and the piggy-bank - The Treasury cannot be refill, you are turning to the defenceless citizens to grab the little they now have for essentials.
You raise the property tax now, and you start a domino effect - things start to collapse one after the other. You aim to collect some $250 million in the short-term. Our P.M. Mansion cost the taxpayers appx. the same amount of money; and we still budget for a further $11M.
This gov't shows that they are unable to set ethical priorities.
- Why not defer the Maracas Bay upgrade - multi-million $$
- Cancel the purchase of our overseas Embassies, and lease instead.
- Cancel the 4 specially designed Hellicopters; or put on hold.
- Cancel the $5M assigned to the "Devine Echoes"
- Delay purchasing the 4 Water Taxis
- Etc.
Until we are out of this 'recession' and are stable.
Certainly, Mr. Mariano Browne will defend this tax increase; he is a money counter and the voice of the gov't, mimicing their routine, like a clown in the circus.
But why is our gov't paying to place huge colourful ads in the media to advertise the 'grandeur' of this tax. Spending money we don't have?
I still think this gov't has time to reverse this undemocratic move and govern in the interest of the people, and not against us.
Mr. Manning you are trampling upon the innocent citizens of this country. You claim that are a 'born again christian' please show that you understand and practice the teachings of your faith.
You know what really bothers
You know what really bothers a lot of taxpayers across the board?
The arrogance of those presenting the information to us. They laugh, snicker and smirk while they dip they grubby little hands into our pockets. And the truth is, we can do nothing about it. Absolutely nothing.
http://dsaltsman.blogspot.com/
Lex Lootah Lallasingh
Lex Lootah Lallasingh (BOTHO)
WRONG..we can do something but are we willing to do what it takes...?
In 1970 some people had the guts to do it and did....in 1990 one group had the guts to do it and did....in 2010 will the people have the emotional fortitude to do it...? call and I WILL answer would YOU?
Lex Lootah Lallasingh
Lex Lootah Lallasingh
If I am interpretting your post correctly, I do not believe we should be heading in that direction.
There are ways (peaceful) of bringing about change that do not involve violence, death, destruction or terror. I for one do not agree "1990 one group had the guts to do it"... I believe their reasons were for their own rather than for the good of the country.
Will Trinbagonians remove the shackles off their feet so that they can dance other than at Carnavale, is something we can only hope for. With thanks to the Guardian for providing us with this blog/blagging facility in a 'modern way', perhaps others too will hear the (peaceful) call.
(Why oh why does the phrase 'sex strike' keep coming to mind?!)
La Diva
I AGREE BUT
I AGREE BUT -
I remember, I am Black and proud say it loud and we must control the commanding heights of our economy.. The people who sat on the side and did not support are the ones now working in the banks. They are the opportunist who then reap the rewards and join the ruling class to put forward the same oppression against the rest of us. Do you think Karen would have joined the Black Power demonstrations, she too nouveau riche for that. PNM tell us MASSA DAY DONE and rallied our political support, now PNM bring back MASSA HART to rob we treasury. We own local black people who we educate and were proud to see as our leaders are now selling us out to the highest bidder. It reminds me of tribes raiding other tribes and selling their brothers to slavers. We have a class structure that has co-opted our youngest and brightest to work against us. Politely put they are traitors to their own. That is why I contend that our education system is a front for the indoctrination of our young people to a life of greed. It promotes class superiority and not nation building. In T&T it is
1)Party before country.
2)Class before country.
3)Race before country.
4)Religion before country.
Our education/indoctrination system reinforces all these divisive ideologies. No wonder we are in the position we are.
Is there any association
Is there any association that people can go to to join and protest?
Look at the smelter project...it took the guts and fortitude of a handful of villagers..and the likes of Dr Peter Vine to stop it.
Why cant the whole country protest?
The ripple effect of property tax is astounding. Water rates, rental, transport, business costs all will go up with this single tax. Not to mention, since the real estate of trinidad is at an all time high...the Finance minister couldnt come at a better time to valuate properties and collect blood.! You've got to admit that Karen is intelligent!
Lets see how good an opposition party we have in power. It seems to be the perfect opportunity to stand up and show some skills...
DEFECTS OF
DEFECTS OF EDUCATION/INDOCTRINATION -
The average person wants to be educated to get RICH. I remember the line from the movie Wall Street, "GREED IS GOOD". Karen is intelligent but mis-guided, a proud product of our broken education sysyem. Greed manifests itself at the upper levels as white collar crime, including corruption, drug trafficking and money laundering. Greed manifests itself at the lower levels as gang warfare, murders and kidnapping. The motivation is the same "GET RICH OR DIE TRYING". Same Ka Ka la Ka.