Reality Is We often try to usurp our own versions of reality and make it real, but in truth and in theory - reality is. What is reality? Where are we? Where are we going? Its not an abstract thought, or a series of questions destined for the “willing” listener, these are serious questions posed to inhabitants of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Reality is we remain in dire straits financially. Pie charts and histograms cannot explain it as well as reality, because when you attend the supermarket - Reality Is. Reality is that a slew of new taxes and levies are in the pipeline, coming downstream at the speed of gravity - 9.8 meters per second square - plus tax. Reality is that we will be charged and reality is that we will have to pay. Lets get back to reality for a minute. Years ago I supported VAT. I was bashed, lambasted, ridiculed and even cussed out. I predicted that the overarching motive of the UK administration was to impose tax standardization across it territories. I said that we should implement VAT, pay back the money we owe, and chart a sensible way forward when we prove we can pay bills. Years ago the boys of Grace Bay mounted an offensive against UK Tax standardization, as I saw it, and threw a rally amongst common men. Nestled comfortably on the benches of the Gustavus Lightbourne Gym, GBB after GBB and a few GBGs lamented the introduction of VAT and preached the message of unity. Politicians preparing for elections, like poppyshows, graced the podiums courting the GBBs for the mighty campaign finance funds. What did the polititians get - nix (and by nix I mean nix). GBB dollars are for business not politics but - reality is. Reality is VAT was sacked and alternate ideas were ne’er presented. John public celebrated with glee, “the county shall save, the CEO’s a knave, now pour us a next Gin and T.” Years later - Reality is. John Public, Joe Blow, etc etc etc will pay pay pay. Reality is there is still no definite path forward. Reality is that the Government of the day must act and must act now. Decisions on our sustainable way forward must be made and must be made responsibly. Reality is - I do not know all the answers, I do not hold all of the cards, reality is its not my business to know, reality is - it probably is. Reality is - the TCI is one county that does not have a romantic history. The TCI is one county that has never had to overcome a struggle to validate its existence. Reality is - most TCI natives would comfortably sit on their collective romps and depend on the inborn sense of entitlement. Reality is most persons still nurture the dream of another investor with a basket full of money flying in to solve all of their problems with limited efforts their part. Reality is that the only way out of dire straits is navigation, effort and commitment. The TCI will not steer its way out of this situation without hard work and determination. Tough decisions will have to be made but moreover, tough days must be spent working for a brighter future. TCIG is now the face of the country and must set the standards. Reality is - we sit and wonder and pay and ponder but reality is we must rise and overcome.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:58:20 +0000
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