Dear Editor,
Dr Peter Phillips has been criticised for stating that his Administration has done all it can to help the poor. However, his statement only confirms what is wrong with Jamaican politics.
Preserving the rule of law and ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected should be the most important functions of any political administration. Due to the corruption of the political system by both parties, many Jamaicans see the Government as a feeding trough. It is primarily this reason that many believe that poorer Jamaicans are somehow entitled to assistance from Government. The average person may not have a problem with poorer Jamaicans receiving preferential treatment, but may disagree with government policy to provide wealthier citizens with tax waivers and other privileges. However, there is no difference between the two, both policies represent a deviation from the government original intent, which is to enable all citizens to flourish within the context of the rule of law.
Furthermore, the provision of social assistance to the poor can be done by charities and other non-governmental organisations. Long before commercial insurance and government welfare, fraternal societies and other voluntary associations were already assisting the poor. Specialists in the history of pre-welfare organisations have also noted that these associations did not subsidise the misfortune which occurred due to negligent behaviour. Unlike government benefits, which are seen as a right, members of these organisations were expected to insure against future insecurities. Government programmes, on the other hand, are seen as entitlements, with little emphasis on recipients to be accountable for their own actions.
According to a 2013 research paper written by Georgia State University academics, welfare programmes discourage marriage and work. Clearly, when it is easier to collect government benefits, the incentive to acquire a stable job is reduced.
This Administration could start to help the poor by removing barriers to entrepreneurship. For example, the cess on refined sugar will only increase operating expenses for manufacturers, so it must be removed. Additionally, companies like Seprod should have the right to market their own products, therefore a need for a government marketing entity should not arise.
According to UHY Dawgen, Jamaica has the second highest Custom fees among a group of global peers. Therefore, this Administration should listen to the Shipping Association of Jamaica and do more to facilitate trade and stop trying to drain producers. Countries with a high level of economic freedom tend to be rich. If this Administration is serious about helping the poor, then economic freedom should be enabled and not dependence on government.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com
This Gov't encourages too much dependence
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Dr Peter Phillips has been criticised for stating that his Administration has done all it can to help the poor. However, his statement only confirms what is wrong with Jamaican politics.
Preserving the rule of law and ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected should be the most important functions of any political administration. Due to the corruption of the political system by both parties, many Jamaicans see the Government as a feeding trough. It is primarily this reason that many believe that poorer Jamaicans are somehow entitled to assistance from Government. The average person may not have a problem with poorer Jamaicans receiving preferential treatment, but may disagree with government policy to provide wealthier citizens with tax waivers and other privileges. However, there is no difference between the two, both policies represent a deviation from the government original intent, which is to enable all citizens to flourish within the context of the rule of law.
Furthermore, the provision of social assistance to the poor can be done by charities and other non-governmental organisations. Long before commercial insurance and government welfare, fraternal societies and other voluntary associations were already assisting the poor. Specialists in the history of pre-welfare organisations have also noted that these associations did not subsidise the misfortune which occurred due to negligent behaviour. Unlike government benefits, which are seen as a right, members of these organisations were expected to insure against future insecurities. Government programmes, on the other hand, are seen as entitlements, with little emphasis on recipients to be accountable for their own actions.
According to a 2013 research paper written by Georgia State University academics, welfare programmes discourage marriage and work. Clearly, when it is easier to collect government benefits, the incentive to acquire a stable job is reduced.
This Administration could start to help the poor by removing barriers to entrepreneurship. For example, the cess on refined sugar will only increase operating expenses for manufacturers, so it must be removed. Additionally, companies like Seprod should have the right to market their own products, therefore a need for a government marketing entity should not arise.
According to UHY Dawgen, Jamaica has the second highest Custom fees among a group of global peers. Therefore, this Administration should listen to the Shipping Association of Jamaica and do more to facilitate trade and stop trying to drain producers. Countries with a high level of economic freedom tend to be rich. If this Administration is serious about helping the poor, then economic freedom should be enabled and not dependence on government.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com
This Gov't encourages too much dependence
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