The committee for economic recovery met again last week, under the auspices of the Minister of Economic Affairs, Geoffrey Wever. They are brainstorming to come up with fiscal and economic incentives required to stimulate our economy.
They aim at creating an entrepreneurial climate, a sound legislative infrastructure, as well as incentives and refund for investment, all the necessary conditions, for business success. They are out to create added value for the country.
Reportedly the minister was satisfied with the meeting’s outcome, the Aruba commercial sector is creative and informed, he declared, and eager to contribute.
They will continue the talk, he concluded, and will produce a report, filled with recommendation, on the road to a strong sustainable economy.
Two days later two things happened: The Customs Department announced we must get into the habit of registering our small electronics before leaving the country, if not we will be charged import duties upon our return to Aruba.
Customs, entrusted with the importation, exportation and transits of merchandise, decided that unless we register our personal handhelds, with a “Tijdelijke Uitvoer” form, in advance, it will cost us as laptops, phones, and tablets will be taxed at the airport.
Listen to that: Customs recommends to register all personal electronics at the Aduana office at Aerocargo or at the airport. Or present a proof of purchase.
We cannot even begin to describe how inconvenience and silly this is.
And that’s not all, due to issues with the cost margin and bank fees linked with ATM cards, the Aruba gasoline station association (AGDA) has chosen to change their payment method to cash only. This will go into effect on July 13, 2022.
The bankers’ association reported they have been subsidizing AGDA, for a long time, the stations must pay for their own international payment provider and not rely on the banks to do them for them. The stations are charged Awg 0.75 for each transaction, about 0.60 goes to the payment provider and 0.15 to the bank, which is apparently too little.
Of course, merchant fees are to be expected, there are fees everywhere, and Cyber security doesn’t come cheap.
While the bankers and AGDA are bickering, the consumer is sacrificed. Imagine paying cash for gas, who will count it, store it, transport it, guarantee security?
We only have plastic in our pockets, weaned off cash in recent years.
It will cost extra money, any which way, and how can we then claim a tax credit on work related fuel expenses??
How will GOA incentivize the commercial sector if it continues to meet road block??
Didn’t GOA want to revitalize the sector? Simplify processes, reduce bureaucracy?
The move by Customs is typical, they must make more money. Instead of opening containers in the heat, at the harbor and checking every shipment coming in by air and sea, the air-conditioned airport is a more pleasant search environment.
Penny wise and pound foolish.
