THE EDITOR, Sir:AS A TAXPAYER of this country, I have long accepted the fact that my contributions to Government coffers do not entitle me to even the basic efficient, reliable essential services.
So, I did not expect Jamaicans to be consulted about Aristide's visit. After all, everything else is usually just shoved down our throats in a take-it-or-leave-it fashion by those on both sides of the political divide whom we elect to lead.
I was brought up to believe that it is my duty to love my neighbour and to share with those in need but I am a realist and although I do not consider myself "mean", I don't believe in giving away my last meal just because someone is starving in the hope that God will provide me with the next. I believe one should have surplus before playing Santa Claus.
So, my concern over this eight to 10-week visit is, who will foot the bill? Can my Government afford it?
I have heard of at least one foreign source that may be picking up the tab but I would like to be guaranteed that my hard-earned tax dollar will not be wasted on a man who was given a country on a platter to run and made a muck of it.
I do not think that we should be asked to pay for room, food, transportation, security, telephone bills and all the other trappings that people like Aristide and his family will demand.
Jamaicans deserve to see in print, a detailed shopping list of what it will cost to keep him here and, more mportantly, who will pay!
I am, etc
BARBARA ELLINGTON
Kingston 6
