James Paul defends NSRL
A Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate in the upcoming general election says the harsh criticism levelled at the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) has been unfortunate, as the levy has been instrumental in keeping many Barbadians employed.
The incumbent for the St. Michael West Central seat, James Paul, made the point while addressing a sizeable crowd on Sunday night at the opening of the St. Michael North Constituency Office, at Eden Lodge, St. Michael.
“[There are] people walking around this country that still don’t know why the Democratic Labour Party had to introduce the NSRL; and even in our own party, I am going to be very frank with this, there are people who misunderstand the purpose of the NSRL. This NSRL in this country saved jobs and what it also did is that it gave us some fiscal space, that’s what we needed,” he contended.
Defending the introduction of the levy, which attracted the wrath of many in the business community and the trade unions, the DLP hopeful contended that contrary to popular belief, the NSRL has not been imposed on everything. Referring to the VAT-free basket of goods, he said there are over 350 food items that the levy was not placed on, a fact which he said the private sector has also failed to highlight.
“We have a private sector in this country we have to be very careful of, I am part of it. Be very careful, because it is not a homogenous private sector. We have different players, different actors with different games to be played and what do they do? They exploit the naiveté of poor people. As they say, ‘Nature don’t like a vacuum, it has to be filled,’ and I am saying to you members of the Democratic Labour Party and those good people out there who understand what this Government is trying to do. We have to continue to explain to those people; do not disrespect the intelligence of Barbadians to understand the issues,” Paul maintained.
His comments came as he charged that detractors of the party have also been promoting a bad narrative about Barbados. He warned that if Barbadians are not careful, the society will see a “new low” in these detractors’ quest to get what they desire.
“We have to understand that we have to market the good in as much as they are out there marketing the bad, because at the end of the day we are fighting for the souls of people, we are fighting to help them understand the direction they need to go,” he stated. (JRT)