Have a heart for taxpayers
THE EDITOR, Sir: This is an open letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness. MOST JAMAICANS share your dream for a prosperous Jamaica, but you need to ensure that this does not become a nightmare for many of us.
You made an election promise to raise the income tax threshold to $1.5 million, and this was based on wrong advice given to you that the money was available to fund this. In order to implement this, you, along with your advisers, decided to do this in two phases. The threshold was increased to $1 million and duly implemented, accompanied by increases in taxes!
With this new Budget, the second phase of the additional $0.5 million has triggered a tax package of $17.5 billion, yet many of us will not benefit from this increased threshold.
I, therefore, have a number of questions, Mr Prime Minister:
What about the pensioners and others with fixed incomes?
What about those who are living below the poverty line and just about surviving?
What about our young people hoping to purchase a piece of the pie?
What if you do not implement this second phase of the additional $0.5-million threshold? Wouldn’t it be better for all of us Jamaicans?
The minister of finance gives the impression that the increase in fuel prices is no big thing, not to mention the 20 per cent hike in motor vehicle licensing and associated fees.
Do you even think of the accumulative effect and the consequences? Do you think of the increase in transport, food and shelter that will result?
Make sure to listen to the cries of the masses and do not surround yourself with those whose financial standing has put them out of touch with the common man.
We continue to pray for you, Honourable Prime Minister, and all our leaders that the best will be done for our country.
After all, I born ya and me naw leave ya! C. JACKSON cpjj2000@yahoo.com
IIII