Rather than take legitimate steps to address the myriad of problems which plague the business community in the wake of Value Added Tax (VAT) implementation, this PLP government and its agents have chosen instead to victimize and castigate business owners over their attempts to remain viable in the new environment.

As has been the Modus Operandi of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), E.J. Bowe has been brought out of retirement and obscurity to further the government’s VAT agenda as head of the Price Control Commission. Bowe’s reappointment to the commission is again a reflection of this administration’s lack of vision. As a government, they have demonstrated an inability to pool new talent to contribute to national development strategy. Instead, they have again – without the benefit of a public process – reached into the past as part of a weak and lackluster attempt to move the country forward.

While completely ignoring the government’s role in creating this economic disaster, Bowe has targeted at least 3 companies owned by members of the DNA, attempting to paint the operations as unscrupulous price gougers. This though, could not be further from the truth and is simply an attempt by the government to deflect from its own titanic failures on VAT.

Each of the private businesses on Bowe’s Hit List – which has so far included Galleria Cinemas, Super Value, and QBC – is collectively responsible for the employment of hundreds of hardworking Bahamians. Ironically, Bowe’s attacks come at a time when the Department of Statistics reports an increase in unemployment AND increase of the number of discouraged workers. Bowe, undoubtedly acting on instructions from higher ups in government, insists on making it difficult for these businesses to remain operational and keep their employees on the payroll.

After already receiving his pensions and gratuities Bowe has returned to the public service to collect a salary from the treasury, while countless Bahamians remain out of work. Now, under the guise of consumer protectionism, Bowe in his new role has launched an unwarranted and unprovoked attack on businesses owned by members of the Democratic National Alliance and countless others.

This again highlights the need for greater government oversight via the Office of an Ombudsman. In 2012 The Democratic National Alliance suggested the creation of such an office to act as a watchdog for the people and investigate complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities. If recent revelations of the past year regarding the government’s misdeeds while in office are any indicator, the need for the creation of this post will only become more important.

Branville McCartney,

DNA Leader