Arthur lashes out at Worrell

FORMER PRIME MINISTER Owen Arthur has lashed out at Central Bank Governor Dr DeLisle Worrell for recent comments he made criticising the imposition of Value Added tax (VAT), calling it a “mess” and “controversial”, among other things.
“Dr Worrell’s statement that we should be abolishing the VAT is really an irresponsible, a cavalier and maverick distraction from what should be the focus at this time,” Arthur told the DAILY NATION in an interview.
He said as far back as 1994 when Worrell was then deputy governor of the Central Bank he (Worrell) was opposed to the tax without merit.
During his analysis of the first quarter of the economy yesterday, Worrell said VAT was inappropriate for Barbados and “a simple sales tax” was better. (TS)