|
Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply.
To register, click here. Registration is FREE!
|
| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 30 Apr 2019 : 22:41:09
By Tabora Bojang April 29, 2019
More than 200 jobs will be axed unless government revises the heavy tax levied on Banjul Breweries Limited, The Standard has been reliably told over the weekend.
The Standard visited the BBL premises, the country’s only producer of beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, to talk to the staff.
According to the staff, some of them with over 20 years experience, the unintended impacts of the new domestic excise tax imposed on the company by the Gambia government as part of a tax reform measure in 2019 is disastrous and killing the business.
The company believes the new measure that increased its domestic tax from 10 to 75% is not feasible under the current situation and has put the company at a huge competitive disadvantage and is almost certainly heading for closure.
https://standard.gm/over-200-jobs-under-threat-as-banjul-breweries-threatens-to-close-down/ |
| 12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 31 Jul 2019 : 14:57:14
A Case of GRA Gred ?
".............. 132 million dalasi to GRA for their operational tax. "
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
The National Assembly yesterday approved the motion tabled by the minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mambury Njie, the reduction on alcoholic beverages, with the beer being reduced from 75%to 35%. The tax on wine; spirit or liquor are now reduced from 60% to 40%.
The hike tax on Banjul Breweries products was introduced January this year to discourage several youth from drinking alcohol.
Banjul Breweries, a French company, established in The Gambia 42 years ago, employed 200 people and in April this year 18 workers were laid off as a result of hike tax on the company’s products.
The management through, Bory Darboe, the company’s sales manager, complained about the high tax introduced, saying it had affected their income.
According to him, they paid 132 million dalasi to GRA for their operational tax.
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/banjul-breweries-to-have-tax-reduction |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 30 Jul 2019 : 15:26:30
By Tabora Bojang July 30, 2019
The National Assembly yesterday approved the revised excise tax levied on alcoholic beverages. The new measures now bring down the tax from 75 to 35%.
The Gambia’s only brewery Banjul Breweries has been at the fore front of efforts to revise the tax which they say has threatened to kill their investment and hundreds of direct and indirect Gambian jobs.
The new levy would also reduce the tax on spirit and wine from 60% to 40%.
The Assembly unanimously approved the motion tabled by the minister of Finance and Economic affairs Mamburay Njie and it is set to come into effect Thursday.
The 75% increase was part of the policy proposal imbedded in the 2019 appropriation bill approved by the parliament in January 2019 as a tax reform measure.
The Brewery complained the reform has put them at a huge competitive disadvantage that is disastrous to their business, and threatens to close operations after laying off some staff.
Finance Minister Njie informed the assembly that government is sensitive to the plight of its citizens and would not press ahead with policies that have negative consequences on the lives of the citizens.
He said the increase came with its own challenges and it is unrealistic for implementation since it “continues to create challenges in the industry.”
According to the minister, the excise tax introduced in January 2019, was no way an intended target of a specific sector, but rather propelled by a growing need to initiate social safety net for the youth from the negative effects of alcohol abuse due to lower price.
“Road safety over the years has largely been compromised by drink-driving mostly by the youth,” he said.
Reaction
Meanwhile the country sales manager of the Banjul Breweries, Borri Darboe who was present at the assembly during the session, said the revision is welcoming but it is not what they expected.
“We were looking forward to bringing it to 25% because that would have helped us to recover but 35% is still not good although we have to accept it that way,” Darboe stressed.
Asked if the redundant staff are coming back, Darboe said that is up to the management to decide, ‘because this measure is still stiff’.
https://standard.gm/assembly-approves-tax-revision-on-banjul-breweries-products/ |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 30 Jul 2019 : 15:13:46
"According to the Finance minister, the approved new excise tax was in no way an intended target of a specific sector but rather propelled by a growing need to initiate social safety net for the youth – the cream of our society from the negative effects of alcohol abuse due to low price."
I am sorry Finance Minister but I think it was just another way to get as much MONEY from Gambian assets as possible,bearing in mind that Gambia has NO NATURAL ASSETS YET DISCOVERED.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
After a long debate over the revised excise tax on alcoholic beverages, deputies on Monday finally approved the motion to revise excise tax on alcoholic beverages.
Tabled by the minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mambury Njie said the motion came in line with Section 149 of the 1997 Constitution which requires the approval of the National Assembly before any tax could be imposed, altered or varied.
Mr. Njie further informed lawmakers that the increment in excise tax on alcoholic beverages was part of the policy proposal imbedded in the Appropriation Bill 2019 that was approved by the National Assembly in December 2018 to be effective 1 January, 2019.
“Unfortunately, the increment on the said excise tax, which was proposed by my ministry in good faith and approved by this august assembly, came with its own challenges and unrealistic for implementation and therefore created and continues to create challenges in the industry.”
According to the Finance minister, the approved new excise tax was in no way an intended target of a specific sector but rather propelled by a growing need to initiate social safety net for the youth – the cream of our society from the negative effects of alcohol abuse due to low price.
Minister Njie explained that the consultations between the Select Committee on Trade of the National Assembly with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the ministry of Trade and The Gambia Revenue Authority resulted in a more broad-based resolution of the matter widely deliberated upon and carefully evaluated.
“For Banjul Breweries, we are talking about 42 years in existence, and I really commend them for creating employment in the country,” he said. “But we need regulation especially the habit of alcohol, because according to statistics, a number of average accidents that occurred are from alcoholic habit, so these are issues that are subjecting to be solved, and in terms of rate, Gambia continues to be the cheapest.”
“I therefore recognize and salute the overwhelming commitment shown by deputies in resolving the challenges associated with the introduction of a new excise tax rates on alcoholic beverages.”
Hon. Saikou Marong, the lawmaker for Latrikunda Sabiji, said as long as “we want to represent our people, let us look at the impact of anything that we are doing.” “If you look at the research done by the Library, they said that Banjul Breweries has 200 staff and due to what is happening they have started reducing some staff.”
Banjul Breweries was here for 42 years, let us put that at the back of our minds but the purpose of government doing this, is to create the conducive environment for the people.
Hon. Majanko Samusa, a nominated member also thanked the Select Committee for a good job.
Author: Njie Baldeh
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/revised-excise-tax-on-alcoholic-beverages-approved
|
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 25 Jun 2019 : 21:15:13
By Tabora Bojang June 24, 2019
National Assembly Members and the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe were involved in a heated debate over the controversial new tax policy,during a tax seminar held at the kairaba beach hotel on saturday.
The government introduced the excise tax on domestic alcoholic beverages from 10% to 75%, a policy which the country’s only brewery (BBL) complained is killing their business and puts them in dire straits as they threaten to close operations.
Finance Minister Mamburay Njie, who tabled the bill before the National Assembly, reportedly attributed the increase as a tax reform measure that is also meant to curb the unprecedented abuse of alcohol among the youths amid health complications.
During the question-and-answer sessions, members inquired if there was a proposed assessment conducted by the government to authenticate this claim before the introduction of the tax.
They further argued that the BBL products do not fall short of standardisation compared to the local liquors made by the Indians and others.
In his response, the GRA commissioner general Yankuba Darboe said the issue is a policy matter and not an operational matter, stating that the GRA’s mantra is to collect and remit tax for the state.
He said the national assembly members could not exclude themselves from the tax policy on the BBL because they were the approving authorities who gave their blessings to the bill tabled by the finance minister during his budget speech.
“So honourable members, we are all in this together and you cannot take yourselves out because it is your responsibility to screen the budget before it came and now that you have approved this, it becomes an issue and we are trying to address the situation”, Darboe stated.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing and the authorities are doing their ‘utmost to address the issue’ by bringing down the rate on Banjul Breweries and then ‘everything will go normal’.
“However, we want to follow the protocol and the due process of the law and that has to come through you the assembly, by getting your cooperation,” Darboe added.
Commissioner Darboe also made it clear that his office is aware of the liquors that Indians are producing and they are doing everything to ensure they pay the right taxes but “we cannot stop them from producing”.
He reiterated the GRA’s stance against smugglers, saying they will try to stop them as much as they can.
Alhagie Mbowe, member for Upper Saloum asked why the assembly was never engaged over the last two years on matters relating to tax variance and waivers.
He argued that the constitution states any authority mandated by law to waive, collect, or vary tax must have the approval of the National Assembly.
The deputy Commissioner General Essa Jallow responded that it is the president who is empowered to waive tax in the interest of the state, adding that the “commissioner general has no powers to deal with that because he is not legally empowered. So yes I agree that is what the law says”, Mr Jallow said.
He also revealed a massive increase in domestic revenue collection largely due to the public sensitisations.
“The average monthly collection stands at D 961. 32 million with a growth ratio of 26% as compared to D 761.13 million in 2018,” he reported.
https://standard.gm/nams-clash-with-gra-over-banjul-breweries-tax-hike/ |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 22 May 2019 : 13:12:28
"He said the government is frustrating foreign investors and in that, they will lose in getting revenues and increase unemployment. "
I think he has a valid point 
======================================================================
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
The management and staff of Banjul Breweries on Monday protested over the government’s decision to increase to 75% tax on alcohol.
The move also affected sugary drinks too.
The Breweries recently terminated the services of dozens of its staff as a result of the 75% upward tax adjustment from the government.
According to records, the brewery’s tax contributions averaged 120 million dalasis in 2017.
Protesters hold the view that their rights will be affected if government does not give up their tax hike.
Peter Mendy, the accountant at Banjul Breweries explained that the government’s decision to increase one fraction of the tax doesn’t make sense.
“The company is now battling with 9% and out of the 9%, we have to pay holding tax and the French benefit tax. With all these, the company will not gain anything but rather pay all benefit to the government. The government used to have 10% share from the company, which they sold and now is totally owned by foreign investors,” he added.
He said the government is frustrating foreign investors and in that, they will lose in getting revenues and increase unemployment.
He added that no religion promotes alcohol but the tribe he came from uses alcohol for traditional matters to cure and keep them happy. He added that if the production of alcohol is shutdown, the government is denying them their rights.
Alagie Cessay, the Brewery’s union president explained that the tax increment has affected them because the company has already lain off 18 staff.
“We want the government to help us lower down the tax because without that, we will lose our jobs, which is not good for us, our families and for the national development.”
He said the government is responsible of creating jobs for the youths and if the company is closed, they will be jobless and it may be dangerous.
Sutay Jadama, the production manager stated that their alcohol volume is 4.7% which cannot destroy anybody’s mentality.
“When people in the streets say that our alcohol is destroying the youths, it’s not true because our product cannot harm anybody. We have other alcohol in the shops that can harm and the government doesn’t speak about that, so why are they conditioning us,” he quizzed.
Author: Pa Modou Cham
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/banjul-breweries-protest-tax-increment |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 20 May 2019 : 18:39:51
We may never know the reasoning and actions taken by the administration concerning the VERY heavy tax which was going to be impose that would make the company unstainable as a viable business.
I do however still hold the views which I have expressed to our Dear reader in this topic
one thing there is no doubt whaever about is that, it's ALL about MONEY.
======================================================================
By Nelson Manneh May 20, 2019
Borry Darboe, Country Sales and Marketing Manager of Banjul Breweries Company Ltd. over the weekend, informed Foroyaa of their negotiation engagements with Government concerning the heavy tax levied on their business. Darboe expressed the hope that their concerns will be noted and considered.
“Government is ready to listen to us. Previously we wrote letters and urged the Government to revisit the tax levied on the Company, but they did not answer,” Darboe told this reporter. He however noted that they have started engaging the authorities and everything is going on smoothly so far.
“I am sure they will listen to us and will be ready to make concessions on the tax they have levied on the Company,” he remarked.
Darboe said he is not privy to how the reduction will be, but is optimistic that there will be a reduction. “Government cannot allow Banjul Breweries to close because they know how much the Company contributes to the national economy and what they do in employment creation,’’ he said.
Darboe said the closure of the Company will cause thousands of jobs loses either directly or indirectly. He said their representatives at the negotiation table were asked to write and present a proposal which they did and are now waiting for the Government to act.
If readers can recall, Darboe informed Foroyaa in previous editions that in 2017, Banjul Breweries paid one hundred and twenty million Dalasi as tax; that in 2018, it paid one hundred and thirty-two million Dalasi, and from January to April this year 2019, the Company paid ninety-seven (97) million Dalasi.
Darboe indicated that the 75% increment excludes VAT (valued added tax); that if VAT was to be added, it will give a total of 90% which is not profitable and beneficial to any profit-making organisation in the world. Darboe said the Company has never refused tax increment because they know that the country’s economy is tax based. He said Banjul Breweries has been in existence for forty-one years in the country; that they have always been very cooperative, understanding and helpful with previous and present authorities.
It is because of the tax issue that the management of Banjul Breweries decided on Monday May 13th 2019, to stop producing and selling those beverages in their stores.
http://foroyaa.gm/banjul-breweries-negotiates-with-government/
|
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 15 May 2019 : 12:27:17
(Yet ANOTHER "CLARIFICATION" !!) 
Come on Everyone ,get your act together !!! MAKE A DECISION ABOUT SOMETHING AT LEAST !!!
=====================================================================================
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs wishes to inform the public that contrary to widespread allegations and confusion surrounding the new excise rates on alcoholic beverages, the tax is in fact, part of the 2019 Budget Appropriation Bill that was appropriately tabled and debated before the National Assembly during the 2019 Budget sessions.
Therefore, The Finance Ministry did not unilaterally impose new taxes as is being alleged besides those approved in the 2019 Budget Appropriation.
It was in this light that the Ministry through the approval of The National Assembly revised the excise rates on Domestic Alcoholic beverages. These new tax rates came into effect in January 2019 and affect alcoholic beverages only.
Finally, the Ministry wishes to further inform the public and the business community in particular, that it is more than committed to supporting businesses in overcoming challenges that affect their operations.
In the light of this and conscious of the significant role businesses play in the Gambian economy, the Finance Ministry has since been having fruitful talks with The National Assembly Select Committee on Trade and the sister Ministry of Trade to work our a lasting solution to this and similar matters.
The Government of The Gambia wishes to thank the operators in the sector for their usual support and cooperation.
Signed:
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/press-release-new-domestic-excise-tax-rates-on-alcoholic-beverages-clarified |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 14 May 2019 : 14:34:01
There is more to this than meets the eye of that I am certain,either the buyer (if there is one) is not yet ready to meet the price asked for this asset OR the buyer ( if there is one )has been unable to gain permission from their own government. DEVELOPMENTS will take place on this,obviously NOT Yet .
================================================================================
May 14, 2019
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is engaged in talks related to the hike in excise tax in alcoholic beverages from 10 percent to 75 percent, a press release by the Government Spokesperson reveals.
“The Finance Ministry has since been having fruitful talks with The National Assembly Select Committee on Trade and the sister Ministry of Trade to work out a lasting solution to this and similar matters,” the release asserted yesterday.
In a similar vein, Mr Borri Darboe the Country Sales and Marketing Manager of the Banjul Breweries Ltd, which is adversely affected by the tax hike, yesterday told Foroyaa that they gave the government their proposal on Friday and are now listening to them (the government).
The release from the Government pointed out that government is conscious of the significant role businesses play in the Gambian economy and thanked the operators in the sector for their usual support and cooperation.
When the government has a tax proposal it takes it to the National Assembly for approval and once approved it becomes law. The argument of the government is that the hike in the excise rate on alcoholic beverages is now law as it had the approval of the National Assembly. To revise it would require approval of the National Assembly.
http://foroyaa.gm/government-engaged-in-fruitful-talks-on-liquor-tax/ |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 14 May 2019 : 14:25:38
"Analysts cannot convince anyone that that is the case."
I am no Analyst BUT, I totally agree with their conclusion.
==============================================================================
May 14, 2019
Foroyaa has heard comment giving the impression that the tax on jublrew product rising from 10 percent to seventy 75 percent is due to religious consideration. Analysts cannot convince anyone that that is the case.
Alcoholic drinks are not only produced by companies in The Gambia since the first republic but are also imported. The products are consumed by tourists and residents of The Gambia. The tourists number over 100,000. For example the number of tourists who visited The Gambia in 2018 numbered 209,000. Production and importation of alcohol drinks are not banned, hence religion has nothing to do with this. This is pure economics.
The Minister of Finance should put on his/her economic lenses and objectively look at the issues at hand and take decisions that make economic sense. Foroyaa will capture their verdict.
The National Assembly also should not be used as a scapegoat. Tax proposals are brought to the National Assembly for a purpose. Aggrieved stakeholders are yet to understand the powers of the National Assembly and have not been used to raising issues with the National Assembly before approval. Such approach could lead to better scrutiny to the viability of tax proposals. Whatever is approved today could be remedied in a legal way should the executive see it to be in the national interest.
http://foroyaa.gm/is-the-rise-in-tax-on-the-julbrew-product-due-to-religious-consideration/ |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 10 May 2019 : 23:37:14
And so the slashing of staff goes on unabated,"things" are obviously speeding up.
I suggest that this Gambian asset will find a new owner quite shortly,otherwise why put so much pressure on a company?
Nothing else makes sense.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May 9, 2019
By Tabora Bojang
Banjul Breweries, the country’s leading beverage producer, continues to slash its staff and announces cessation of its production line on Monday due to the “unsustainable heavy tax” imposed by the government, Borri Darboe, the country sales manager told The Standard yesterday.
As part of its tax reform measures, the government introduced a new tax policy, which increased the company’s domestic excise tax on beer and other alcoholic beverages from 10 to 75%.
The company said this tax has hit them so badly that they are heading for closure as the business has become profitless.
- Advertisement -
“Come here next week and you would see a different thing. By Monday, we will close our production line and sell what we have in the store,” Darboe stated.
He said as part of its social measure, the company has resorted to scaling down its workers as they laid off 18 staff last week with another 25 to follow this week.
“This week we have listed 25 staff who are also about to go home as we monitor further developments,” he disclosed.
“It is very unfair to see our fellow brothers who have not done anything wrong to be going home because of a policy that can be reviewed. It is only The Gambia in our sub-region where such an exorbitant domestic tax existed. None of the others are close to this 75% increase.”
He said parliamentarians fruitfully engaged the company yesterday for discussions on the matter and promised to engage the Finance Minister with a view to resolving the tax hike.
Meanwhile Information Minister Ebrima Sillah told The Standard that he was informed by the Finance minister that the policy is being reviewed and there are ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade.
He said the Ministry of Tourism also raised concerns made by the stakeholders of the tourism industry who provide all-inclusive packages in their bookings.
He said the government wants to ensure and provide “a conducive economic environment for the betterment of its citizens”.
https://standard.gm/breweries-staff-face-lay-off-as-production-to-cease-monday/
|
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 03 May 2019 : 22:24:31
“Yes we have tried several engagements with authorities concerned but to no avail,”
Things are moving very quickly is Banjul Burewers going to be sold soon ?
======================================================================
Friday, May 03, 2019
At least 18 people have been laid off at Banjul Breweries Company Ltd. as a result of the new tax policy imposed by government, according to the company’s marketing manager, Borry Darboe.
The Standard on Monday reported that over 200 jobs were under threat as the company faces a herculean task to grapple with government’s new tax policy.
Mr. Darboe in an interview with The Point, pointed out that the tax that jumped from 10% to 75% levy on the company by the Ministry of Finance forced the company to start sending home some of its staff.
He said that the redundancy exercise done by the company, has only to do with the current tax policy situation.
“The laying off of our staffs from work was never the will of the company’s management,” he declared, adding that the company has for several times engaged both Finance and the Trade ministries.
“Yes we have tried several engagements with authorities concerned but to no avail,” he said.
Author: Yusupha Jobe
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/banjul-breweries-lays-off-18-staffs |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 01 May 2019 : 23:35:47
"The company believes the new measure that increased its domestic tax from 10 to 75% is not feasible under the current situation and has put the company at a huge competitive disadvantage and is almost certainly heading for closure."
I wonder if it could be that secretly an outside buyer is being sort ?
Have a look at this link to see the MONEY involved in this morket.
https://blog.technavio.com/blog/top-companies-global-beer-market |
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
 |
|
|
