Editorial: October 5, 2012
In July of this year, as we revealed the Premier’s new Industry secret with his opened and welcoming arms, we attempted to show the same time a few reasons why this type of industry would be wrong for Montserrat.
Besides the quiet and turn-coat reactions of a few persons with authority, (that we discerned) only MNIAlive.com, the elected Opposition, Julian Daniel and a few, via their comments online who openly spoke against the production and or manufacture of tobacco of any kind in Montserrat.
That should have been enough to stop the Premier and his cohorts from pursuing what his technical advisers in the Public Service decided was not meeting the requirements as deserving of incentives and concessions, after they failed to see any economic benefit to Montserrat. Obviously, there is economic benefit to someone, as we learnt at the beginning, but it is not Montserrat.
Sadly, Her Majesty’s Government through their own technicians including the Governor washed their hands, concluding it is Government of Montserrat business. But, it is only the quietude of our people and the lack of resources that let them go free, making a mockery of democracy. On this last note, if the Governor on behalf of FCO and local DFID reps do not see the problems that they are closing their eyes to in that regard, this only gives credence to the arguments of those who say that the failure of Montserrat, is the design of HMG.
The Premier can decide not to answer questions about anything, but his office demands that he respects his constituents, especially when he makes the argument that his action is on their behalf.
He calls people hypocritical on the issue for objecting to using Montserrat to aid in causing the death of people. One very concerned, calls in and discusses this: “Is it not hypocritical in itself to supposedly care only about the health of Montserratians and not care about the lives of those who will get the tobacco after it is produced in Montserrat? How does he know no Montserratian will get it? Blood is on his hands.” This person has promised to share more thoughts on the matter, which we will publish when that is done.
What the Premier doesn’t reveal is what appears in a story in this issue on the matter. While giving income tax concessions on the matter, for one year. It was approved in the Legislative Assembly under SR&O; any items sold locally by the company are subject to duties and Consumption tax according to the Customs Act. Cigarette smoking on Montserrat has declined considerably over the years. (See related articles below)
After the press conference when he refused to respond to questions, the feedback was not surprising in the public negative thoughts and expressions that developed over the Premier. There are some other matters that caused them concern. The Premier’s attitude over the collection of back taxes, his willingness to take away people’s homes. His revelation about raising the tax threshold, but taking it back in increased customs revenue. Refusing to facilitate the decent functioning of a working elected Opposition, just to name a few.
The new tariff which came into effect was deliberately prepared in a manner that makes it difficult to be able make comparisons to see what changes were in fact made to the debacle output on July 1. What was obvious however was the attempt to disenfranchise some people’s business. The soda tariff increase did not really bring the tariff on par with alcohol and with all the good intention of the Minister of Finance (Premier) it is not right or conscionable to make such drastic changes without the alternative readily in place.
The same argument is applicable to this whole idea of, “it’s on the web site”, and purchasing computer for children, suggesting that they should search for textbooks online (which are not available) rather than buying the text books, after they have already purchased them.
Related articles: http://www.themontserratreporter.com/premier-refuses-discussion-on-the-start-of-tobacco-manufacturing/
