We, Anguillians, have a lot to be proud about. Our foundation was built on resilience, freedom, independence and our love for standing up for what we know is right.

Anguilla is in the process of an upcoming election to elect a government. Elections are great because they give Anguillians and its citizens an opportunity to elect a government they believe will allow them the opportunity to enjoy living in Anguilla without any hardship.

I have heard talk around the island, and have read in the local paper, about introducing an Income Tax System in Anguilla. I don't oppose income tax in an economy that has a powerful local market that supports businesses and keeps its people employed all year round. My people we don't have that economy in Anguilla. Our economy depends on tourism that is only booming for about six months out of the year, and the majority of our work is in the tourism industry.

We already have compulsory social security deductions from our wages. Although the social security deductions are reasonable and beneficial to us, we will still rather not have the government interfering with our wages. Income tax deduction on the other hand will give the government more power to deduct a percentage of our wages while they collect all the other taxes that we the people are already paying. Income tax will only be additional money to the government that will be required to be paid by its people who are already having a hard time making ends meet. I do believe that an Income Tax System will result in hardship for the people of Anguilla.

We don't need to do what other countries are doing. We are a unique bunch that live a peaceful, simple life without government interference in our immediate lives and I know we will like to keep it that way.

When we, Anguillians, were not happy with the treatment we received from the government of St.Kitts, we stood up for what we knew was right and revolted against St.Kitts and won. If a government is put into power and introduce income tax, and cause hardship to Anguillians, we will stand up and revolt again. So for those people who want an income tax system, please move to a country where its already in place; study it, learn about it, and then come back to Anguilla and tell us if you honestly believe that we have an economy to support and income tax system effectively where everyone will be happy go lucky.

I SAY NO TO INCOME TAX AND I HOPE YOU DO TOO.

Denise Crawford

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