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The Public Sector
– described as the new working poor – joins thousands of
other Jamaicans of modest means who would like their children to attend
college. It is not public sector workers alone who have been ravaged by the
reckless policies of this government over the past 3 years.
This is a discriminatory policy which should be reconsidered. It’s not public
sector workers and their families are hurting. The families of many more
marginal and poor people are also hurting and they too have the same
dreams and aspirations for good education and a better life for their
children.
Other Areas of Tax Revenue
Mr Speaker I will now briefly comment on the other items in the tax package of
$10.348B
1)
Environmental Levy – imposition on domestic supply. I believe this is a
wrong tax at a wrong time. We should be encouraging manufacturing and
not the reverse. I am mindful of the WTO Rules but it is the GoJ that has
decided to implement this tax. It is GoJ policy to implement the tax and the
GOJ has decided to do so because it is now convenient to do so. Further,
the tax credit to be granted on manufacturers’ imports will need
clarification as to whether this will ONLY apply to importation by
manufacturers or importation by any importer of goods to be used by a
manufacturer
2)
The overhaul of Trade and Business License Fees; and, Excise Duty Fines,
fees and Penalties. Mr Speaker, given the amount projected of $500 million
to be raised we need to see the schedule of increases before we comment
any further. For the purpose of good governance we request that the
Minister supply the schedule listing the fees and fines to be increased and
the quantum of each increase.