Every year around this time the Government in T&T broadcast their budget for the coming year. Its usually a way to either get more money from us poor sods, or buy votes when an election is coming up.
Yesterday was budget day, and as expected Tobacco and Alcohol Taxes were increased by 30%
Personally this hits me badly.
I buy my pipe baccy in USA and have it sent to Miami, so I am paying whatever State and Federal Taxes apply
My Additional cost are
1) Shipping to T&T
2) Duty on (Cost + #1)
3) VAT on (Cost, #1 and #2)
So it really adds up, a tin of baccy at US$7.00 gets up to close to US$14.00 by the time I get it.........
And this will increase with the new duties added yesterday. And for what?
The Roads here are full of pot holes.
Every house needs a Tank and Water Pump as the water supply is irregular at best.
Public Transport is a Joke.
Health Care, a few months ago the wife fell down and I took her to the closest Hospital for x-rays. It was closed for the day
Schools, leak, don't have adequate plumbing or facilities, some have even been known to fall down with the students inside.
National Security and Police. We are now considered the Kidnap Capital of the world, a population of 1.4 million and an average of
10 murders per day
But at least I have the constellation of knowing my Tobacco Taxes are well spent, as every politician can afford, a Black Mercedes and SUV, live in a house that cost around 10 million, and got to shop in Miami and NY for wide screen TV and other electronic devices almost every other month. Of course they travel on the State Owned Airline, for free. When the Airline goes broke they close it down, fire any one the need to eliminate, then start it up with a whole new name. As they have diplomatic status they don't pay duties and VAT like us mere mortals.
IT IS SO GOOD TO KNOW THAT THESE PEOPLE HAVE MY INTEREST AT HEART.
So I sleep soundly at night knowing my baccy taxes are being put to good use.
