IMF RECOMMENDS THAT GOB INCREASE CERTAIN TAXES:


Following a visit to Belize earlier this year by the officials of the International Monetary Fund for its Article Four Consultation, the I-M-F has reportedly submitted its findings to Government. These include a number of recommendations to Government, suggesting that government collect business tax from banks, increase average sales tax rate by 40 percent, increase excise rate by 50 percent, adjust tax rates to maintain buoyancy. The I-M-F is also suggesting to government to limit the wage bill to 225 million dollars, identify additional savings of 5 million dollars in goods and services and cut back on Capital Two spending by 25 million dollars. Other recommendations to government by the I-M-F include increase cash reserve requirement from 8 to 9 percent and the setting up of a calendar to close down the Casa de Cambios.

Damn...

Unfortunately giving more taxes to Ralph and Said and Co. is just about the dumbest thing I'll do all year because they're just going to steal it for themselves and their cronies. San Pedro will see none of it. But, pay I will because not sending your tax dollars to a bunch of crooks is against the law.

Keep this up and you'll start to resemble the US of A, kids.

Several years ago, a local poet (Anon) entered the following poem in the San Pedro Sun's Valentine's Day Poetry Contest ..........

I have deleted the particular political party and the new tax that were being lamented - use your imagination:

"Oh woe is me, alas alak
I voted ________ (insert a political party here)
And now my staff I have to sack
to pay my ________(insert a tax here)

I have a dream most nights now,
Call it my Valentine's wish ..........
A barrel full of politicians
Rolling off a cliff."