Value-Added Tax Cut Rollout “Went Well” For AML Foods

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After weeks of preparation, the transition from 10% VAT on unprepared foods to 5% VAT was a success for AML Food Stores, according to Vice President of Marketing and Communications Renea Bastian.

Renea Bastian – Vice President of Marketing and Communications, AML Foods
“It was a significant task. I would say we did have sufficient time to prepare. Given the government’s lead time, we were able to put together a comprehensive plan to ensure we were compliant from day one. I just think this is such a great thing for consumers, and I just want to congratulate and thank the government for their efforts in bringing this much-needed relief, but we put in the work, and we’re happy that on day one, we were able to extend the reduced VAT to our customers.”

SuperValue President and Chief Financial Officer Debra Symontee mentioned that while the point of sales system was updated, shelf tags wouldn’t reflect the VAT cut just yet. However, Bastian explains that AML Foods had a different story.

Renea Bastian – Vice President of Marketing and Communications, AML Foods
“Currently, all registers are reflecting the 5% VAT reduction at checkout, but we did experience a slight delay with some prices on our electronic shelf tags due to internet connectivity issues. But this has been addressed, and the reduced prices are now starting to reflect on the shelf labels. So we anticipate that this exercise will be completed by the end of day today.”

Berthony McDermott – Reporter
At Solomons and Cost Right Old Trail Road, the difference in pricing was evident. On March 31, Golden Crown eggs cost $4.16. Today, they cost $3.07. A can of Seabest tuna that cost $1.07 on March 31 is now $1.02. Blueberries, priced at $5.99 on March 31, dropped from $6.58 to $6.28. A gallon of Bahama Blue Alkaline Water went from $2.89 to $2.71.

Four cans of Seabest tuna, one carton of eggs, one tin of blueberries, and a gallon of Blue Water cost $17.10 before the VAT cut. After the reduction, it cost the same $17.10.