THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON THE subject of new visa regime for Jamaicans travelling to the UK: The so-called 'mother land' may have every right to impose visa requirements for us to visit, but in all the discussions over the air or in the media, not once did I glean anything to do with our 'reciprocal rights'.
If Britain stands to make upwards of $800 million in visa revenue, what stops Jamaica from earning the equivalent amount in foreign exchange for visa from British travellers to Jamaica. And Omar is short of cash?
Instead, for Dr. Omar Davies to be forever looking for new ways of taxing out our pants and shirts, let him compute what Jamaica can earn in foreign currency if visitors from different countries are made to pay for their entry visas. Funds generated thereof can be used to maintain our High Commissions abroad and also to improve our tourism products. It would at least give our diplomats genuine work to do in their relative missions.
If Jamaica's fear is reduction in tourism revenue, then I say NO FEAR - Jamaica is paradise on earth; the dip in revenue can only be temporary because the 'market' has no memory, and those who love and enjoy Jamaica in the past would gladly pay to return. And if we all try to maintain 'paradise' instead of turning it into Soddom and Gomorrah, visitors would surely come.
I am etc.,
CATHY TUCKER
cathytucker28@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
