Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali yesterday defended the retention of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) at 16% in the government’s proposed budget, while challenging the opposition’s contention that it is not focused on poor and vulnerable groups.
“The argument that VAT brings a burden to the poor and the consumers, without acknowledging the fact that the 16% replaces a 30% Consumption Tax, is a sleight of hand,” Ali told the National Assembly, after APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge concluded his presentation.
He said that the budget seeks to realise the dreams of Guyanese and set the framework through which Guyana
