OBA’s De Couto On Phone Taxes & More
“In the House of Assembly the One Bermuda Alliance supported the Government’s $6 per month cut to cell phone taxes. However, we raised several concerns and exhorted the Government to do better and come up with better ideas,” Shadow Finance Minister Dr. Douglas De Couto said.
“While we would all like to keep an extra $6 per month in our pockets, the reality is that some Bermudians need this break more than others. The One Bermuda Alliance continues to advocate that the Government provides more targeted support, so that those who need the most, get the most. For example, targeted tax breaks to seniors and those at the lower end of the earnings scale.
“For example, is it fair that those who earn at the top range of salary bands get the same break as those who earn the least? Is it fair that large companies get the same $6 per month break for their employees’ corporate cell phones as those making minimum wage? We would have preferred to support an initiative that was more focused and gave bigger breaks to those who need them most.
“The One Bermuda Alliance also recognizes the critical role of communications as a basic need for everyone – right up there with housing, energy, and food. But basic packages at Bermuda’s mobile providers can cost as much as $100 to $120 a month. That’s why tonight we proposed that the Government work with cellphone providers to provide basic packages at a reduced cost for those in need. In our view, this would be a more targeted and meaningful initiative than the Government’s proposal.
“We remain hopeful that Government will take on ideas like this that can really help those in need.”
So what is your actual proposal?
The obvious first step is to waive ALL taxes, not just $6 per month, for those on financial assistance. But those on financial assistance wield no power, so nether party cares about them.
Wow wee. $6 whole bucks A MONTH!! I can leave a lightbulb on for an extra few hours A MONTH. I can buy half a cheap sandwich, almost a loaf of bread, almost a package of strawberries when they’re on sale, two waters/softdrinks/beers A MONTH. This is not a meaningful improvement. If you want something the public can feel get rid of PLP invented sugar tax, get rid of import duty (HA!), get control on HEALTH INSURANCE!
Get rid of half the MP’s!!!!! REDUCE YOUR SPENDING!!!!!!!!!
WOW! $6 per month break on the phone tax which government does nothing to earn. Government does not provide the radio frequencies that the phones operate on.
De Couto is correct. Give seniors a meaningful break. $6 won’t even buy a coffee.
The trouble is, if seniors are given a meaningful break in phone taxes it will be abused by the clever people registering the phone in senior aunty’s name and the youngster will have the phone. No different than the scam of people having second cars registered to a different address.
How do you police it and what penalties do you give?
The UBP/OBA De couto has made some remarks. When will his UBPEERS let him know that his party has lost the next four elections?
The UBP was dissolved in 2011. If you are going to post on a news website please try to keep up with the news.
When you come to understand that the oba is the UBP, you may have a chance to win again. Until that realization, feel free to keep getting frustrated.
Joe frustrated date passed when his party lost the most recent election. The OBA will change the name again or better yet dissolve the party after they realize the truth. That the oba is the ubp.
Do you have anything to add to this thread. The UBP has been defunct for more than a decade. Please try to keep up.
Try having the OBAUBP keep up since the voters keeping giving your party the boot.
Let grudges go and share positive thoughts. Wonder why people are miserable and you come up with your negative thoughts!!! Get on board to helping Bermuda going in the right direction and not stuck like you with grudges that gets and takes US no where.
Making reference to the news which is history, does not solve this countries problems .