Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

I am a black male living in Massachusetts, USA and I recall that many years ago, a co-worker remarked that I had three strikes against me; I was black; I was a black male; and I had a foreign accent, so I wouldn't be able to be successful in Finance in Corporate America. I didn't internalize it; maybe I was ignorant of what she was trying to say.

Maybe, if I had understood and responded to her assertions, I would have just sat around and found excuses not to achieve. I therefore firmly believe that the descendants of former slave masters have nothing to do with the enslavement of Africans and should not be held responsible for that past atrocity to a race years ago.

This idea of reparation is just for some professors to remain relevant since history in some of our schools of higher learning is not a dynamic course. Are we holding the Africans who participated in the slave trade responsible as well? This is mental slavery, to quote Bob Marley. Let's try to free ourselves, and not try to misinform a young generation, many of whom don't even consider themselves descendants of former slaves unless being reminded, to sit idly by, find excuses and blame the Europeans for our progress or lack thereof.

We are responsible for ourselves and lives and to continue bring up a useless subject like reparation is a waste of energy and distraction from real issues. Issues like how we compete in the global market and position ourselves in a technology driven competitive world.

Dear Editor,

The heated discussions continue about the use of Goat Islands in the Chinese logistics hub development plans and Dr Alfred Sangster has come down on the side of the "conservationists".

The PNP, in 1989, when it signed the protected-area agreement, was no doubt a hostage to, or in complete agreement with, the powerful, politically correct socialists within its ranks on the one hand, and the local environmentalists on the other. But the only real chance Jamaica has to make a dent in the poverty crisis is such a large-scale project, preferably using our own inputs as a major factor. The Chinese suggest Goat Islands; we don't have to agree, they don't have to invest here either.

But, assuming all goes as proposed, how can China want to play the stupid colonialist here when the whole world is looking on? Their success here will be a jewel in their crown, as far as mutually beneficial agreements with asset-rich, development-poor, Third World nations are concerned.

I bet that right now some 'deep-pocket' American investors are asking themselves why didn't they think of a logistics hub somewhere in Jamaica.

I don't think this was even a deliberate plan by the Government, originally. It was probably driven by deep economic desperation in a bid to generate some hope for the poor, given the crime rate, sliding dollar and unemployment. The party has been rather low-keyed and appears ambivalent about firmly asserting that this investment could be a game-changer for Jamaica. I believe that this is due to the PNP hierarchy not wanting to 'diss' party stalwarts who signed the 1989 agreement. The time for all that ancestral genuflecting is long over. The crime rate is a stern warning that the poor are about to cause severe civil unrest if things continue the way they are. It was the relentless attacks by the poor Jamaican slaves that brought down slavery; their resistance, though they were heavily outgunned, made the whole thing increasingly unprofitable.

Cathy Brown

cathy291181@yahoo.com

Goat Islands may be Ja's only real chance

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Dear Editor,

In November 2013 the ordinary citizens of Jamaica thought there was hope in the people's Parliament when South St Catherine MP Fitz Jackson, through a private member's motion, led a debate on exorbitant bank fees and even challenged the banks to explain their charges.

On Thursday, April 17, 2014 Finance Minister Peter Phillips announced new taxes following the banks' model; a levy on the use of ATMs/ABMs, electronic banking, point-of-sales machines, cheques and Internet transfers. This should reap — anagram for rape — $2.5 billion in revenue.

Now we know that the people have no representation as those elected seek new ways to oppress the few who work and save. It was US President Calvin Coolidge who said: "A government which lays taxes on the people not required by urgent public necessity and sound public policy is not a protector of liberty, but an instrument of tyranny. It condemns the citizen to servitude." Wearing the mask of "loving the poor", the Portia Simpson Miller-led Administration is an instrument of tyranny seeking to condemn Jamaicans to servitude by joining with the financial institutions to force citizens to suck 'salt through wooden spoon'.

Dudley C McLean

Mandeville, Manchester

dm15094@gmail.com

This Gov't is 'an instrument of tyranny'

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Dear Editor,

Few would argue that we, as a nation, are where we could be. Jamaica needs a politically engaged middle class as the corrective force. As a group, the middle class has often seemed unmoved by Jamaica's many societal problems; more determined to remain secluded inside the comfort of its self-imposed bubble.

Each day more people who identified themselves as middle class have had to face the unnerving truth that they are now on the brink of extinction. The middle class has vast economic clout, yet often remains politically marginalised in a huge democracy where the politically illiterate masses still dominate the outcome of elections and the moneyed class has the ear of politicians. For politicians, Jamaica has primarily become a site of extraction, a fight over scarce benefit and spoils while trying to secure legitimacy and power.

The minister of finance, on April 17, 2014, glibly introduced $6.7 billion of new taxes. Some $2.25 billion is expected to come from the aptly dubbed withdrawal tax: "The new tax, which will be a levy on withdrawals from deposit-taking institutions and security dealers, will be calculated on a graduated rate system, with withdrawals less than one million being subjected to a 0.1 per cent tax and five million or more subjected to 0.09 per cent tax."

I find it very troubling that the Government would implement new taxes while reportedly not collecting $5.4b from 11 entities. The response offered by various government officials, which include Her Worship Angela Brown Burke and Damion Crawford, suggest that it is a nominal amount and we can afford it, but can we really?

Consider that, according to the 2013 recommendations of the Incentive Working Group, there were over 62,000 companies registered with the Companies Office in 2012, 10,239 corporate income tax returns were filed for year of assessment 2011; and of those only 3,780 returns reported a profit. We have a significant tax compliance issue.

Instead of implementing reform that would ease the burden on the compliant taxpayers, the government has taken the easy route -- tax us some more and figure out what to do with the evaders some other time. Entrepreneurship is stifled by this onerous taxation. The determined entrepreneur must manoeuvre bureaucratic red tape, underpaid and demotivated public servants. We cannot tax our country into prosperity, neither can we target the same set of individuals. The only solution to growth is a vibrant middle class; one that does not bear the disproportionate tax burden and has no unreasonable bureaucracy.

I implore the minister to consider among his options a flat GCT of 12.5% to all items; lowering the income tax rate to encourage the almost two thirds of the workforce who are unregistered to become a part of the income tax network; removing the anti-business Minimum Business Tax (MBT) which became effective April 1, 2014; and lowering the corporate tax rate to boost compliance.

We have complained enough. Perhaps it's time for some type of action.

Dayton Lawton

daytonl@gmail.com

Gov't can't tax the country into prosperity

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Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining Phillip Paulwell:

Prior to the change of government in 2007, and since your resuming office in 2011, I have been paying close attention to your efforts to guide Jamaica's energy future. In the past, I have worked closely with technocrats in your office as well as with agents at NEPA, particularly in the area of alternate bio-mass-fired boilers for the production of electricity.

But, going by recent developments in our economy, it seems your ministry has to take the lead in Jamaica's productive and financial future. Your ministry cannot afford to let this term expire without firmly stamping the way forward for the country.

As an ordinary citizen I recognise the need for Jamaica to end its full dependency on imported oil. A 50 per cent reduction in our oil bill would wipe out Jamaica's trade deficit. The quest, though, is not just only for cheaper energy, but a removal of the country's dependence on expensive energy. Whereas the decision to build a new 360-MW plant is commendable, it is not enough. This, in the short term, will only replace some of what is now obsolete generating capacity, and to grow, Jamaica needs a modern, reliable grid. For a way forward, I implore you to consider to immediately start planning for another 360+ MW facility, fired by coal; and then to study nuclear energy. Coal is no longer dirty and there is technology to ensure this is well established.

Also, immediately start planning for a Waste to Energy (WTE) facility to add another 100MW. The fuel for this is lying in landfills all over the country and is produced daily. Apart from reducing the dependency on oil, a WTE facility will create a whole new job market in the delivery of waste to such a facility -- transport, drivers, loaders, sorters, etc, and the operator can control the price as happens in the scrap metal trade today.

Immediately start planning for CoGen plants with the sugar factories for a possible 200MW. Plans for this are not new, but have been the subject of almost yearly reviews with the same answer.. Yes it can work. Joint arrangements for the provision of bio-mass during crop time in exchange for energy and steam should be put in place; to be followed up by yet another new job-creation programme.

I am sure this will find favour with overseas stakeholders and environmental watchdogs. I envision a composite or the ideas: an energy park with both a Coal Plant and WTE. These exist elsewhere, sometimes in the middle of high-end neighbourhoods, and can work here.

I hope this inspires you to "hold no quarters" in moving to pull Jamaica into the black.

Robert Marrett

gyntafgsg@gmail.com

Pull Jamaica back into the black, Paulwell

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Dear Editor,

In recent times, I have come to realise that many of our banks do not provide a restroom for their customers. Given the usual long lines leading to the tellers and customer care agents, and the daily visits by senior citizens, I find this phenomenon quite preposterous.

It is against this background that I also question the purpose of those exorbitant bank fees when the basic sanitary amenities cannot be provided during the time we conduct our varied transactions over the counter.

To compound this matter, there are few alternative facilities for easing one's discomfort when in public. The public restrooms are most unkempt and reek with a pungent, almost asphyxiating stench. Despite all this, you have to pay quite a bit to use them and access a tassel of tissue.

Undoubtedly, these situations are microcosms of the graver problems besetting our country. They highlight how little we are benefitting from our investments.

Essentially, many of us contribute to or invest in coffers that are regulated by persons who are insensitive to our many plights.

The resolution to our problems certainly doesn't lie in simply establishing restrooms or retracting the fees to use them. It rests in a system of justice, where we make it feasible for our most valuable resources — our people — to enjoy some of the benefits for which they have sacrificed.

Shawna Kay Williams

shawna201@gmail.com

So many fees and

not even a restroom

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Dear Editor,

While the outcry by many against taxation on withdrawals is understandable, there can be no denial that unless the Government reduces public expenditure, by cutting its coat to fit its cloth, it has no other choice but the levy obviously borne out of critical thinking of which Finance Minister Peter Phillips is endowed.

In this context, while the Government must be commended for its policy of living within its means, which is often considered the best policy, I think the better policy is for one to live below one's means and to use the surplus for investment. This will afford one to live an above-average standard of living by increased income.

That is what I have been doing all my working life and, like Warren Buffet, when I last checked, often the richest man in the world, I have never owned a new car even when I was entitled to one at concessionary rate as a public servant. But I have driven only good second-hand ones, and have been labelled as rich by those who only trust new cars and became slaves of those who provide financing, such as banks — the most consuming means in our society, even transferring unearned foreign exchange to parent companies abroad.

I think of all the factors of production, enterprise is perhaps the most important and so Government should cut expenditure and increase enterprise by reducing the size of the public service. So that those public servants relieved of State employment may make their contribution as entrepreneurs and. at the same time, obviate the need for the levy and possible civil disobedience and the change of the otherwise good Government.

Owen S Crosbie

Mandeville, Manchester

oss@cwjamaica.com

Gov't needs to cut its coat to fit the cloth

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Dear Editor,

The Caribbean court of Justice (CCJ) is nothing more than a sham. There is no doubt that we in Jamaica have grown up judicially and are very capable of governing ourselves. Setting laws as well as implementing them are sometimes thorny, but neverthe less are accomplishments under our belt.

The push for the CCJ, in my view, is not a big enough step for us as a solid democracy. The CCJ in the crux of it is still supporting the culture of dependency on foreign handlers.

Regionally, Caricom has set up several organisations to promote integration and interdependency. Whilst not a bad idead in theory, we as a region still lack the maturity to be instructional and demonstrative in moving towards set goals with purpose. So confidence, in most of its structures, is certainly not where we would expect. The CCJ is one such move that has not earned my confidence.

Some of our neighbours have already gone the route of the CCJ, but what would be the benefits for Jamaica to join? Can anyone name for me five good reasons we should? Outside of the notion that we want to symbolically show that we are an integrated region nothing else is worth it.

Some may say that we are too dependent on the UK Privy Council, but surely the CCJ is not the answer. This reason, in my humble opinion, is not good enough for us to surrender our sovereignty to a CCJ.

The relationships between the countries in the regions are fragile at best. We only need to look at our manufactures and the problems they have to do business in other Caricom states.

We can even take a look at the recent ruling by the said CCJ in the Shanique Myrie case. Has Barbados paid over sums owed by the court order yet? On the contrary, the ruling has been met with ire, judging from the utterances of the heads of state.

As a Jamaican I want to have nothing to do with the CCJ. As it stands, it is not worthy of us submitting our laws, scholars and years of training, investing and developing of the legal minds and fraternity. Jamaica's lawyers are by far some of the best in the world and we need only look to the quality that the local universities are turning out. How many international debating/moot competition have we won again?

The Government of Jamaica should, without a doubt, look to remove the Privy Council as the final appellate court. However, at this time, where is stands, the Caribbean Court of Justice is not the replacement.

The suggestion of the Opposition to throw the decision out to the Jamaican people is not far-fetched, though expensive. It is certainly a preposition that should be taken seriously. This decision is not a closed-door one and should be inclusive of the practitioners and those who interact with the judiciary on a daily basis.

Is it too far-fetched to have our own president or king and entrenching our laws to give that person the prescribe powers that is necessary? This democracy is soon52 years old and is old enough to make its own final decision on any matter that governs its people. We need to rethink, or better yet just think outside of the box of the CCJ. The ideas and possibilities should be discussed fully with the people. We do not need a Caribbean court to tell us how to interpret our own laws.

Omaro Mazlyn

omaromazlyn@gmail.com

Jamaican is old enough to make its own decisions

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Dear Editor,

It is rather unfortunate that there appears to be a significant increase in the number of suicidal/stress-related killings by police officers. This is evident in the recent killing of a young lady by her husband who sworn to serve and to protect the citizens of our nation.

Within one year we are looking at three incidents, in May 2013 a policeman was charged for the shooting death of his wife in St Mary. Within the short space of three months a policeman in Portland was charged for shooting his girlfriend and attempting suicide. Unless we deal with the problems proactively with a view of finding the causal link, this may become a regular occurrence, and we may sadly be able to predict an incident within three to six months of this article.

I previously wrote on the importance of psychological testing for police officers. I share a strong passion for this because I recognise that high-stress working environment can break down the strongest of men.

Minister Bunting, you are a world-class leader, with great vision and strategic skills. If needs be, kindly dust off your DB&G proactive thinking cap and move expeditiously with "regular assessment of officers". Not only will you be able to save potential victims, but that very test may save the life of that same officer. We are not reinventing the wheel, this is international best practice. Most recently, two New Jersey police officers and their union challenged a 12-year-old policy requiring officers of all ranks to be tested every three years. The judge blasted the officers and dismissed the suit.

Richard Longmore

richardlongmore@yahoo.comGive cops psychological tests

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Dear Editor,

As an Australian adventurer and conservationist l would like to put in my two cents worth on the Goat Islands debate.

I have travelled extensively and would urge your readers to stop the plans of Chinese firm China Harbour Engineering Company for Goat Islands.

I feel they will only damage your tourism product and environment. Also the bringing in of their own workers for the project will put even more strain on your wonderful country.

Please carefully check any promises they make before approving anything. Review their past actions in other parts of the world as a testament to how they do business.

Veronica Bingham

shadowlady10@optusnet.com.a

A word from 'down under'

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Dear Editor,

It is time the Government demonstrates to the Jamaican people that it is deserving of the confidence the 29 per cent of the voting population placed in them in December 2012. People admire strength and firm leadership from its government. A government that cowers and shows weakness time and again denigrates the office they hold and is not fit, nor capable of serving a country of willing subjects.

The Government's current record of governance is abysmal and the Opposition appears to be, at times, in comatose state. Despite the fact that the People's National Party has governed the country longer than their counterpart Jamaica Labour Party, they do not show proper governance and now, like the JLP when in office, lack the guts to carry out some of its good policies.

The withdrawal tax has been greeted with consternation, disgust, panic, and unbalanced analysis by some commentators, though it depends which side of the fence they are.

But, let us make a rational, simple analysis of the tax; the loss to the taxpayers and the overall benefit to the country.

As proposed, the tax will affect all persons with bank accounts, especially those whose salaries are lodged to the financial institutions. Each withdrawal will incur a tax liability. So, for a $100,000 withdrawal the tax would be $100 — enough to buy a drink of white rum or five ripe bananas.

Now let us put on our cynical hats and create a scenario of devastation of the financial institutions, hidden bank accounts, and there being more robberies because people are keeping their monies hidden all over the place. These thoughts aren't realistic.

This tax imposition is possibly the only method that has the least financial disadvantage to the average taxpayer. A 0.01 per cent tax will have little or no effect on the average taxpayer, so the talk about creating hardship is nonsensical as this will not happen — do the math!

Despite my strong views that the tax should remain, we have a major problem and that is what should be addressed. It is painfully obvious that the Government is running out of tax options. We as citizens should demand more accountability in how our tax dollars are spent.

Focus your thoughts for one moment. If the citizens trusted its government and the government makes an impassioned plea to all employees and employers to contribute 20 hours pay once in a lifetime to reduce the country's debt, what do you think the response would be?

As an elected government you must act decisively and seek innovative ways to grow the economy; reduce unemploy-ment, violence, corruption and inefficiency; and stop tinkering with the lives of the citizens and do the right thing. Otherwise, you do not have the guts to lead.

Tony Miles

tonymiles1940@gmail.com

Gov't should show guts and go forward with withdrawal tax

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Dear Editor,

I applaud the latest attempts by Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke to curb praedial larceny. However, it appears that he is not up to speed with the latest evolution of this crime.

Criminals, particularly those operating in the Ebony Park and Rhymesbury areas of lower Clarendon, seem to be much more studied and selective in the ways that they continue to deprive farmers of their livelihood. These criminals, instead of spending long nights reaping fields of pepper, pumpkins and similar produce — which probably bring little or no return when sold at cut-rate prices — target the very expensive pieces of equipment that farmers need for agricultural production.

It is commonplace for farmers who do not reside on their properties to return to their farms and discover that, overnight, thieves have broken in and made off with the tools of their trade. The preferred items include brush cutters, chainsaws, water pumps, and the highly prized mist blower. Having secured the high-end items, the criminals do not stop there but pack and carry off hoes, forks, shoves, machetes, and agriculturaln chemicals.

While all of this is happening, fields of produce remain untouched. Marking of the items seem not to deter the thieves. Regarding security, the farmer may, as well, leave his storage container open as neither burglar bar nor iron grille stop the thieves who travel with effective cutting implements.

Unfortunately, many of the items stolen are of little use to people other than farmers (and whacker men), which makes the case that some dishonest farmers are themselves aiding and abetting this new form of praedial larceny. In the same way that the police are on the lookout for motor vehicles transporting livestock, they need to pay particular attention to vehicles transporting high-end agricultural equipment for which the drivers cannot give proper account.

Pepper Farmer

windianred@gmail.com

Praedial larceny in this day and age

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Dear Editor,

Heartiest congratulations to Professor Mervyn Morris for having been selected as Jamaica's latest poet laureate; indeed a most deserving honour.

Those of us who were fortunate to pass through his masterful tutelage at his old alma mater are the beneficiaries of his vast wealth of knowledge and expertise, ranging from the comprehension of Shakespeare's masterpieces to the appreciation of Miss Lou's poetic prowess, while adhering to the development of writing skills and the creativity of poetic expression. The net result is that his influence has had a real enduring effect on his students from 'the city set upon a hill' to the halls of Mona and beyond.

This outstanding Munronian, who is more known for his academic achievements, was also the 1958 Rhodes scholar, an avid hockey player, and a national lawn tennis champion who represented Jamaica in Brandon Trophy competitions as both player (and later captain) from the late 50s to 1970, and as non-playing captain of the British Caribbean Davis Cup team in 1967.

I wish to commend the National Library of Jamaica, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, for having made an excellent choice in the selection of Professor Morris for this most fitting title, which goes well with his national award, the Order of Merit.

Troy Caine

trodencorp@gmail.com

Well deserved, Professor Morris

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Dear Editor,

The newly announced tax measure, particularly the tax on bank withdrawals, has drawn the usually unfortunate first response of too many in our society — attack, attack, attack. Too often we attack without careful thought from all angles. I appeal to us as citizens, and particularly politicians and leaders across the board, to stop making bad, worse, by the attacking response to issues. We must now unite to get out of the deep crisis facing our nation on most fronts.

We must acknowledge and accept the fact that the problems (social and economic) of today are the direct result of poor governance, weak political will, and lack of political commitment to the best national good over best perceived party good, for the last 30 years.

We cannot do anything about the negative past that has created the flawed present. But we can do everything about the future by our right action in the present.

We must focus our united effort on solutions, not on criticisms, without workable recommended alternatives. Neither must we continue to oppose for the sake of opposing from a divisive mindset.

The reality is, we are in a serious dilemma. We must find a way out. We may not like the measures, but is there a better alternative to raise that $2.5b with the least impact on the vulnerable? We, therefore, need to suggest viable alternatives in our objections.

In my opinion this particular tax is wrong; morally, economically and directionally.

Successive governments' ap-proach to taxation is often not the best. Our leaders speak as if they have a right to make demands, rather than with the recognition that they have been given a 'trust' by the people, who is their boss, and to whom they are accountable. If this attitude prevails, then a better approach would be that, given a believed option is undesirable but deemed necessary, the minister should first acknowledge that the intended action is undesirable and therefore is not a path that will be continued, moreover reversed as the situation improves. Then humbly ask for the support of us, the citizens, as a short-term measure, to alleviate our crisis with the least impact on the poor. Then honour their word.

It is sad that we had to again resort to the IMF, but on the plus side it is forcing better fiscal practices and our need to address areas that weak 'political will' did not address long ago — and still skirting around some.

Our current crisis demands that there are some things that we will not like, yet are necessary for us to do. In order to cushion the tough times and to navigate the country through the 'turbulences' we require honest, humble, sensitive, and inspirational leadership; governance we can trust; governance of integrity to their word and the best interest of the people. Our people have

not, for decades, believed and still do not perceive that this is the governance of our historical experience and hence the disillusionment.

The nation's hope and success lie in fresh emerging leadership that will earn the right to be trusted so that the negative perception of the populace can be changed.

Al Miller

Pastor, Fellowship Tabernacle

pastormilleroffice@gmail.com

Stop making bad, worse

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Dear Editor,

The Opposition knows that what is being done by the Government, with aid from multilateral such as the IMF, is the foundation for future success.

But, instead of supporting it, they find all means to distract the Jamaican people from the progress being made. Audley Shaw has no moral authority to dictate what should be done with regards to the economy. He got his chance and look what happened.

The right person for the job is already occupying office and it is now up to us to support the minister and his team in their efforts of implementing the right policies to stimulate economic growth and put Jamaica on the right track. Dr Phillips has proven that he is more than capable of balancing our financial books. After all, he is a trained economist.

We have seen the return of investor confidence, growth in key sectors of the economy, a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio and three successful IMF tests. We wait, in anticipation, of the fourth. But, with all these positives, the Opposition is still not convinced that we are not on the right path.

It must no longer be a political thing but a Jamaica thing. Minister, don't be distracted by the detractors that are lurking around. Keep the faith, stand your ground and continue the good work you are doing.

Shemar Barnes

shem_scb@yahoo.com

Dear Editor,

I am not opposed to taxation per se. It is indispensable to the proper functioning of any government. How else would a government be able to fulfil its obligations to its citizens? How else would it be able to fund such necessary initiatives as education, health care, oldage security, and all forms of basic infrastructure? What I am totally against is certain penny-pinching, punitive methods by the government in imposing taxes on its population.

The most recent ridiculous, idiotic, and punitive tax is the Jamaican Government’s imposition of a bank deposit withdrawal tax. This means that any withdrawal from a deposit account would be subject to a tax. What is the justification for this type of bizarre, unfair taxation that is estimated to yield $2.5 billion, when the Government has failed to collect over $5 billion from delinquent taxpayers?

It goes without saying that the withdrawal tax will be counterproductive in that it will definitely discourage people from saving money in the commercial banks.

There is no doubt that this type of disincentive will fuel the underground economy, whereby many business transactions will be conducted on a cash basis. Many people will probably be encouraged to save their money in the proverbial mattresses and other unsafe places. This practice will definitely produce ripple effects such as an increase in burglary.

If this idiotic withdrawal tax is ever implemented the entire banking institution may come to a grinding halt, since very few people and companies will be eager to continue conducting business transactions with financial institutions.

What is needed in Jamaica in order to generate revenue is a complete reform of the taxation system. For many years the country has relied heavily on the pay as you earn (PAYE) system. This meant that the only reliable source of revenue came from government employees.

There was and probably still is no proper accounting practices by small businesses such as shop keepers, small farmers, taxi drivers, pedlars, and trades people to name a few. In addition, big business enterprise may still be evading taxes. Perhaps the Government is negligent in its demand for good accounting practices. It, therefore, follows that the lack of proper bookkeeping practices has made it virtually impossible to monitor delinquent taxpayers.

The absence of a systemic collection of taxes has been the bane of the Jamaican governments for many years. Because of the inability of all Jamaican governments to collect taxes from all sectors of the business community, the present Government has resorted to an easy way to generate much-needed revenue. There is no doubt that the deposit withdrawal tax is regarded as an easy and sure way of raising revenue.

But this approach seems to be backfiring in that most Jamaicans are furious about this penny-pinching form of taxation. My advice to the Government is scrap this absurd and punitive tax immediately and bring about a drastic reform of the taxation system.

Rupert Johnson

Toronto, Canada

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Dear Editor,

We read and listened with very mixed emotions the varied comments on the Ministry of Finance's plans for new taxes to fill gaps/caverns in his 2014/2015 budget.

W, however, have not heard a single mention of the word Finsac, that which has lead the country to the economic state it enjoys today — a state of mendicancy brought on by its incompetent leaders. It's as if that word Finsac has been forbidden or forgotten.

We, the over 40,000 businesses that got Finsac'd in 1990s, were not fortunate enough to be taxed so we could opt to use or not use our credit debit cards. No options were given to us. Our bank accounts, including but not limited to chequing accounts, escrow accounts and all assets (properties, cash funds, etc) were used and misused and swept away into foreign oblivion.

We were, and still have been, unable to recoup any funds and/or assets to this day. No one has explained to us, only a notice by a foreign entity claiming that our properties are about to or have been disposed of and all proceeds dispatched to foreign lands.

Today, under the same government, most of the original Finsac'can no longer afford credit/debit cards. Most of us do not even have a bank account, so fortunately — or unfortunately depending on whether you're standing in Dr Phillips' shoes — we may be exempt from these new taxes. We have very little to contribute to Dr Phillips''hold down tek weh' trough.

So we now say to the rest of Jamaica, "welcome to the lifestyle of the poor and Finsac'd. Dr. Phillips has given new meaning to the term "disposable income". Should you need some survival guides on staying alive without the luxury of food, even water at times, a home, a job, a business, all without the use of a deadly weapon, please call us toll-free and tax-free at 1-800-fin-sacd. You have now become the new FINancial SACrificeD.

The moral of this story to the newly Finsac'd: We played by the rules, we got shafted. You continued playing by the rules, now you're getting shafted. As Dr Phillips continues to play by the IMF rules, he will soon get shafted.

Yola Gray Baker

Kingston

Welcome to the newly Finsac'd/taxed

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Dear Editor,

Jamaica is at a development crossroads. Decades of reliance on traditional markets,and on trade preferences have given way to a new reality, where traditional agriculture plays a much smaller role and competition is fierce.

Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica is well positioned with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. In addition, the country is endowed with strong traditions of political stability, excellent climate and the world's seventh largest natural harbour. The Jamaica Government plans to spearhead efforts to position the country to take advantage of the increased maritime activities anticipated from the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2016, when completed. The hub would become the fourth such facility globally, along with those in Singapore, Dubai, and the Netherlands. The construction of a platform to convert Jamaica into a global logistics hub is a cornerstone of the country's long-term growth strategy. This will require the development of port infrastructure capable of supporting post-Panamax vessels, as well as the creation of enterprise zones and logistics facilities.

Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica is well positioned with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. In addition, the country is endowed with strong traditions of political stability, excellent climate and the world's seventh largest natural harbour. The Jamaica Government plans to spearhead efforts to position the country to take advantage of the increased maritime activities anticipated from the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2016, when completed. The hub would become the fourth such facility globally, along with those in Singapore, Dubai, and the Netherlands. The construction of a platform to convert Jamaica into a global logistics hub is a cornerstone of the country's long-term growth strategy. This will require the development of port infrastructure capable of supporting post-Panamax vessels, as well as the creation of enterprise zones and logistics facilities.

Central to the development of the trans-shipment and global logistics hub is the phased rollout of several components, including the development of the Caymanas Economics Zone, Naggo Head Informatics Park, expansion and privatisation of the Kingston Container Terminal and the Norman Manley International Airport, the dredging of the Kingston Harbour, construction of a dry dock in Jackson Bay Clarendon, bulk shipment port at Cow Bay St Thomas, and the Vernamfield air cargo, air maintenance and aviation training centre. Such a hub will integrate manufacturers and distributors based in Jamaica into the global production and distribution chains. This potentially represents US$ 9 billion of foreign direct investment, with the prospect of creating tens of thousands of jobs in various sectors, including during the construction and operational phases. It is anticipated that a significant economic stimulus will be created from the construction activities related to the logistics hub.

Jamaica is off to a late start, and this initiative is one that requires considerable political will and leadership. It is critical for the success of Jamaica's logistics aspirations. Other countries, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas and Cuba are moving full speed ahead to implement smaller plans to take advantage of the post-Panamax era. Miami and a number of other ports on the US Eastern seaboard are rapidly expanding to take advantage of the expansion of the canal and the US$40-billion Interoceanic canal proposed by the Chinese in Nicaragua. The opportunity is again set for Jamaica to take advantage of its geo-strategic location between the world's richest market, proximity to the Panama Canal and one of world's busiest shipping routes.

Andrew King

Ja must take advantage of development crossroads

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Dear Editor,

The uproar over the "penny-pinching" withdrawal tax may say more about a quirk in our national psyche than Jamaicans may care to admit. The problem with Finance Minister Peter Phillips is not that he listens too much to his advisers, but that he doesn't listen enough to singer Ernie Smith.

Had he done more of the latter, he would have better understood that in a society where folks will happily "beat the gate" then buy out the bar, or scale the Stadium wall when the concert is free, to propose a tax that can neither be evaded nor avoided is a non-starter.

We just have to mash it down. I'm not buying the stated objections to the tiny amounts taxpayers would be called upon to pay on each withdrawal as the real reasons for the uproar. I believe the real, albeit unstated, objection is that the tax is seen as (a) new and different and (b) almost as certain as death. Of course, the PNP Government has only itself to blame.

Had it, as a priority in its first 100 days in office, effected the administrative/legislative changes to enforce and collect that "old" familiar property tax, it could have avoided this tax proposal and the public relations disaster. So wheel and come again, Peter. Level the playing field, Minister. Give us a sporting chance.

This withdrawal tax is "just not cricket". We are accustomed to the "old" familiar income, GCT, property, health, education, housing taxes. We can beat those. But this one ? Even Anancy would have been bowled first ball.

Errol W A Townshend

Ontario, Canada

ewat@rogers.com

Dear Editor,

The tax measures announced by Dr Peter Phillips, the minister of finance, have attracted widespread opposition. Minister Phillips announced that there would be a tax on withdrawals from deposit accounts by whatever means including by point of sale/ATM withdrawals and intra-account transfers in the banking sector.

The percentage and the consequent amount imposed is not large. However, it appears that the objections are based on principles with which most of us can sympathise. It was the PNP administration of the 1970s that imposed a tax on the interest earned on our deposits in banks. Currently, that tax is 25 per cent of all interest that we are paid on our savings in banks.

This tax survived the administration of the JLP which was in power from 1980 to 1989. It has continued since and has now become a fixed tax liability to all savers. It should be noted, though, that the Government’s recent announcement is that the tax will be paid by the banks and not by the customers.

However, the public is sceptical of this and believe that the banks will find a way to pass on this cost to their customers, thus increasing the percentage of our savings and interest being snatched from us.

One has to concede that the Government, operating under the strictures of the IMF, is obliged to find a source to fill a gap of almost $2.2 billion in the budget. No doubt Dr Phillips and his team must have looked at all arrears, and having concluded that everywhere else is overtaxed, they zeroed in on our bank accounts.

The harsh reality is that the country has, for years, been spending more than it earns. I share the view that successive Governments continue to demand more and more from “those dem can catch” — the taxpayers. The majority of taxpayers who make their returns and pay their taxes are constantly harassed by the Government to pay even more taxes and penalties.

On the other hand, there are thousands of persons and organisations that enjoy a fantastic level of earning and a lifestyle that most of us can only dream of yet they pay no taxes. The Government has failed to develop a sensible and effective strategy to bring these persons into the tax net.

Targeting customers at banks is consistent with the policy of going after “those dem can catch”. It is about time the Government changes this policy and instead run down the ones that get away.

Linton P Gordon

St Ann

lpgordon@cwjamaica.com

READERS COMMENT: Descendants of slave masters are not responsible for slavery

Goat Islands may be Ja's only real chance

This Gov't is 'an instrument of tyranny'

Gov't can't tax the country into prosperity

Pull Jamaica back into the black, Paulwell

So many fees and not even a restroom

Gov't needs to cut its coat to fit the cloth

Jamaican is old enough to make its own decisions

Give cops psychological tests

A word from 'down under'

Gov't should show guts and go forward with withdrawal tax

Praedial larceny in this day and age

Well deserved, Professor Morris

Stop making bad, worse

Good job, Peter Phillips, stay the course

Scrap the idiotic, penny-pinching tax

Welcome to the newly Finsac'd/taxed

Ja must take advantage of development crossroads

We want a tax we can evade, Peter

Gov’t beating ‘those dem can catch’