Halkitis defends VAT exemption on unprepared food, explains policy rationale

2026-03-17 - 08:14

NASSAU, Bahamas — Economic Affairs Minister Senator Michael Halkitis has defended the government’s decision to exempt all unprepared food items from value-added tax (VAT), emphasizing that the approach ensures consumers pay zero VAT at grocery stores while reducing administrative and financial complexity for merchants. Speaking during debate on amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act, Senator