Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.
by Michael Ray
While Professor Henry Fraser is allowed the privilege of a closer look at the sugar sweetened beverage tax, please allow room for a win-win option for all stakeholders.
It seems as though the sole objective of government is to impose a tax on sugary beverages consumed by our local population in order to minimise obesity and non-communicable diseases.
However, it makes no good sense taxing sugary drinks in the fight against obesity and non-communicable diseases if the drinks still loaded with the same high amounts of sugar continue to occupy the shelves and counters of shops and supermarkets.
First and foremost, the sugar must be taken out of the drinks if the problem is to be successfully resolved.
If I may borrow a few words from the Professor, it is unscientific, emotional, illogical and implausible to impose taxation in an effort to remove sugar from sugary drinks.
It seems as though no serious thought has been given to effectively dealing with obesity and NCD’s
The authorities are determined to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages by imposing a tax.
While taxation may appear beneficial to the health of the consuming public, it may have a deleterious effect on manufacturers. jobs and the economy.
However, a healthier and more beneficial alternative would be legislation mandating the reduction of sugar in sweetened drinks, and not the imposition of taxes.
As it currently stands, government is the only beneficiary from the imposition of additional taxation.
The sensible option is to create a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
Manufacturers stand to benefit by way of reduced sugar input and lower production costs with possible higher profits.
The public will benefit from the consumption of healthier drinks, with the possibility of reduced cases of NCD’s.
Government’s health budget will be significantly reduced with less costs for the treatment of NCD’s.
An additional bonus for government is reduction of the overall deficit.
