Stop this nonsense on VAT

THE EDITOR: It constantly amazes me in Trinidad and Tobago in the 21st century that our Ministry of Consumer Affairs advises our merchants that prices should be VAT inclusive!

What is the rationale behind this absurdity? When you go to merchants in the United States, for example, regardless of the state, the price of the item does not reflect and does not have to reflect the sales tax of that particular state. When you arrive at the cashier the tax is added and that is what you have to pay, not one is surprised. But no, here in Trinidad and Tobago you have to say the price is VAT inclusive. VAT is a tax you have to pay and the Ministry should educate our population in this regard and stop encouraging nonsense.
At this rate we will never be 2020 ready.

MOHAN RAMOUTAR
Port-of-Spain