A few weeks ago, I read the retrospection by Reginald Dumas, The First Thirty Years, a fascinating narrative of that period of his life. It was such a rich account of the times; engaging and insightful in a way that made me impatient for the second book to be published.
Mr Dumas, for whom I have the highest regard, remains in my mind the perfect choice for president of this republic. Indeed I think this country would benefit from his wisdom at any level. All of this was reinforced by reading his retrospection. I believe everyone should have a chance to read it.
And then came the announcement of VAT on books, and I felt that this was one area that the tax is misguided because there is absolutely no benefit to be gained by making reading and learning more difficult or inaccessible—no matter the economic circumstances. It is a backward step and must be reconsidered.
I want to support the call by Mr Dumas and those others who have asked that this be withdrawn, for the good of the people.
Vaneisa Baksh