Private sector groups meet over new tax plan

Monique Grange, Assistant News Editor
The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre

Several private sector organisations are meeting today to discuss the impact of the recently announced taxes on their members.

President of the Jamaica Manufacturing Association Brian Pengelley says a special meeting of past presidents and executives has been called to examine the measures.

He is expressing doubt that the government will be able to earn $15.9 billion in new taxes.

Pengelley says he is still waiting on the government to announce cost cutting measures such as downsizing the cabinet.

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME), have also scheduled meetings with its members.

Meanwhile, President of the MSME, Professor Rosalea Hamilton is recommending that the government look at other sectors in an effort to boost the economy.

She said he government can promote the country’s music and popularity in athletics as a means of earning more money.

Professor Hamilton is again calling for the government to table the MSME and Entrepreneurship policy.

She says the government must also put in place a participatory budgeting process so that Jamaicans can prepare for tax increases.

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