NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — The minority Opposition Democratic National Alliance (DNA) says it will not support the introduction of a “hurricane tax” by the Government as The Bahamas seeks to recover from the ravages of Hurricane Matthew that hit the chain of islands earlier this month.

“The DNA demands that this government go back to the drawing board, trim the fat and reduce wastage in government so that Bahamians can receive the quality of assistance they deserve,” DNA leader Branville McCartney, said in a statement.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said when Cabinet meets this week it could consider introducing and implementing a special tax to help finance the repair and recovery efforts following the passage of the hurricane.

He said if implemented, such a tax may be imposed in a way that has a “minimal impact on people.

“We have to give serious consideration to a more effective way of financing the loss that the country has experienced because we’re also paying now for Hurricane Joaquin and it may well be that we have to give consideration to a selective approach to raising money by taxing some item that would be of minimal impact on people.

“But it’s a matter we have to look at because it’s an enormous challenge to the country. We’ve been faced with downgrading. This is not an easy situation. We thought the way was clear with Baha Mar. But now we have Hurricane Matthew,” Christie said.

But the DNA said that citizens have over the past four years watched helplessly as millions of dollars had been wasted by the government through mismanagement and reckless spending.

“The DNA is not comforted by the PM’s promise of a ‘minimal impact’ tax. Over the past four years in office, the …government has failed to deliver on countless promises to the people of this country,” McCartney said.

“Like many right thinking Bahamians, the DNA can’t help but wonder where the millions in VAT (value added tax) taxes collected over the past two years have gone! After bragging about the millions collected, the government has offered no details regarding how those monies have been spent or why they cannot be used to fund the current efforts.”

He said that the country’s geographic location makes it vulnerable to the ravages of hurricanes.

“In fact, in the past 15 years alone, we have had major storms rip through our archipelago causing millions in damage …and by now, a responsible government would have planned properly for the possibility of a major storm including ways to fund recovery and restore a sense of normalcy to its people,” the DNA leader added.