#BTEditorial – VAT-free day brings glad tidings of great joy to many

When Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Ryan Straughn announced that the Government would be granting a VAT-free shopping day again this year, it’s safe to say the news brought glad tidings of great joy for many a Bajan.

He said at the time that the aim was to provide an ease for consumers who had faced 33 months of significant economic challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the war in Ukraine. Straughn’s rationale and, by extension, that of the Government made great sense to those who stood to benefit the most from the ease.

To the man living from payday to payday, this gesture meant a lot, especially at Christmastime. To the mother of five who was wondering how she would get her current wages to stretch, news of a VAT-free day was like music to her ears. To the old lady left to raise her six grandchildren because their mother died from COVID-19 or a chronic disease, a VAT-free day was tantamount to winning the lotto. To the single person whose electricity or water service was on the verge of being disconnected, a day like Wednesday might have averted such an inconvenience as the money saved from their shopping bill could be diverted to utility payments.

It becomes easy for those whose fortunes are better than those mentioned to sit at home and read, hear or watch the news, go on social media and comment about those consumers who tried to cash in on what they saw as bargains.

Some shoppers were gathered outside supermarkets and stores from as early as 5 a.m. when it was still relatively dark. They stood in long lines for hours and endured whatever discomfort that might have occurred in order to get savings.

Where video clips or photos were posted on social media showing large crowds in long, snaking lines, many commented on what they saw. Few people showed understanding and sympathy. The majority chose to berate the deal hunters.

Do we condone the unruly behaviour of some shoppers inside and outside establishments? No, we do not! There is no place in a civilised society for that kind of display. However, we must differentiate between chastising those who misbehave from the reason they find themselves in such a position in the first place.

From all accounts, both customers and business owners were able to take advantage of the day, which is what Minister Straughn had hoped for.

“Businesses will benefit from greater sales due to the increased purchasing power of consumers on the day and we are confident that it represents a win-win for both parties,” he had said when he announced the one-day VAT holiday.

It appeared the objective was realised.

According to one shopper who spoke to Barbados TODAY, “it was a long wait to get to the cashier but I am thankful that I was able to stretch my money today”.

The VAT holiday is certainly a hit and a give-back that the Government may want to consider making a staple and allowing to run for two days. There are those who prefer to stay at home or work and criticise. Then there are those who will simply not be part of the rush, no matter what. But there are those who will get up at daybreak and stand in long lines, move from store to store, and spend the entire day shopping just to benefit from savings.