Online readers reacted with disbelief and anger to the purchase of new luxury SUVs by Government recently.
At a time when Government has cited cash flow problems, income tax returns have been delayed and more cuts are on the way, the sight of new SUVs with ML licence plates has been a proverbial slap in the face of some Barbadians.
In yesterday’s Sunday Sun, Dr Don Marshall said the authorities were sending the wrong message, but Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler refused to comment.
Here are readers’ views:
Dalton Anthony Moore: They claim they don’t have funds but can buy these cars!!
Wyn Carr: So tell me again, why should they be driving new SUVs and I who scrunting to survive, can’t get my income tax return?
Cavil Best: It’s good to vent but some of you can really shut . . . up and stop being so biased. Do I have to remind some of you about the reckless spending, squandering of public funds and very indifferent behaviour of the previous administration? Someone had said that some Bajans have very short memories.
Troy Hunte: This is embarrassing.
Dwayne Williams: Should’ve bought more ambulances.
Karen Farmer Troulan: Glad this picture hit the papers, now people can finally see where the money has gone and is going.
Andrea Bascombe: Why must we continue to make everything political? Is it only now we are seeing this happening? You think five or ten years from now the state will be keeping those same vehicles? No, I am sure who ever has power will be looking for improved models.
Ralph White: I think they could have gotten a less expensive vehicle. These vehicles are fully loaded with leather seats and more! They should have considered leasing vehicles; owning a vehicle is the worst investment one can make. It depreciates by 20 per cent within the first year. Then you have insurance and maintenance costs to also make so, the higher the value, more costs in that regard.
Khalid Haynes: They’re saying we must curtail our spending, so what about leasing vehicles instead?
Michael Oneal: That’s disrespectful.
Andrew Power: And yet they don’t have no money and calling for a wage freeze.
Carl Grannum: Why complain? Why worry? In a couple years, you will vote in another set of people that need new SUVs.
Santini More: This lousy Government has sent home 3 000 people, imposed fees at UWI, reduced spending at the QEH, has virtually bought the SSA to its knees and is telling people they are unable to pay tax rebates in cash. Having done all of that, I want to see them responding by cutting all spending on unnecessary items such as SUVs down to the bone.
