Yesterday the Bahamas Government presented their Annual Budget. Read it or download it here…
Let's take a look at the comments from Mr. Michael Halkitis (PLP), Junior Minister of Finance, from his statement to Parliament to see if we can detect any "Doublespeak" Read it all here…
Maybe it's necessary to define Doublespeak first.
According to Wikipedia; "Doublespeak is language that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemisms… Doublespeak is most closely associated with political language."
So here we go.
Statement:
"The objectives of the budget cannot be clearer. It takes into account the fiscal realities which face the country but it also recognizes that there must be a growth strategy to put people back to work, to foster a climate of investment and entrepreneurship…"
Reality:
Raising import taxes on most imports and increasing Business License taxes is a sure way to slow growth and increase unemployment.
Statement:
"...by any objective measure the dispassionate will see that the revenue enhancement measures will not crimp the economy but will provide a more equitable tax burden."
Reality:
The real meaning of revenue enhancements is higher taxes. Higher taxes impact the cost of goods and services.
Statement:
"We must address the issue of fiscal responsibility and thus the revenue enhancement measures."
Reality:
A budget deficit of more than $200 million is projected. Plus they are borrowing another $500 plus million. The opposite of fiscal responsibility.
Statement:
"However, we were most careful not to increase the tax burden on the disadvantaged Bahamians."
Reality:
All Bahamians pay taxes. It's inescapable. A direct impact on disadvantaged Bahamians and everyone else.
Statement:
"We are especially concerned about getting work for our people – especially our young people."
Reality:
Taxing business more and raising import taxes and other charges slows investment and job growth.
Doublespeak personified.
Quite honestly I had high hopes that Cabinet Ministers like Ryan Pinder, Khaalis Rolle and Michael Halkitis might bring some logic to the Budget process, but...
I'm afraid Orwell was right when he said "In our time political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible".
