Good day,

I note with interest the effort that Government is making to impose VAT on online purchases, in addition to the 2% Forex Fee already being levied.

I understand why such a move would be taken, as we have to maintain healthy forex reserves, and it would be a deterrent for such spending which deplete said reserves. However, I am imploring that you take a step back and realize that a move like this will potentially place the average Barbadian consumer at a major disadvantage unless measures are put in place to prevent this.

Without taking a survey, I will venture to say that there is a greater percentage of consumers versus that of businesses. My simple request is for measures to be implemented to protect us the consumers.

We buy goods online because it is so much cheaper than obtaining them here, most of the time with substantial savings. The implementation of the tax will now make this option seem prohibitive, which then places us at the mercy of merchants, who will now be better placed to charge higher prices for their items as consumers will no doubt spend less ordering their items themselves online. May I also note that there is a huge void in the manufacturing sector which also adds to the compromised forex position. The vast majority of items sold for somption in Barbados are imported. Is the government considering incentivizing agriculture and manufacturing?

I have studied project management and would more than happy to lend my assistance with such an undertaking to see this price control measure come into fruition for the betterment of our country.

Kind regards,

Nicole Marshall