THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE on behalf of the Jamaican public in reference to the new drive by the parish councils of the country to charge business owners for advertising their business on "their own" buildings. I have seen the Mayor of Kingston on television saying that these measures are "legal". That may well be true, but are they fair, are they moral, are they right?
The country is already grossly over-taxed. In our system of government a minister can receive millions of taxpayers' dollars to complete a project. If he fails to complete it he is not held accountable or prosecuted if the funds turn up missing. He is simply moved to another "portfolio". If he or she is caught with their hand in the cookie jar they have the wonderful out of the "Comfort Letter". How much more can the Jamaican public bear?
It is a reasonable argument that in large municipalities such as Kingston, the funds are needed to clean drains, gullies and such. Persons advertising dances should be made to remove their posters and banners after the event. Another way however should be found to do this. Why levy a double or triple tax on a building owner who chooses to do business from a property for which he has already paid property tax by charging him to advertise (on his own building) the same business from which he pays income tax, Education tax, NHT and P.A.Y.E.?
Be warned, such dishonesty is not lost on the youth, they grow with intolerance for justice and what is right. We do not allow "right" to work. What works is lying, stealing, and killing. Thus ill-gotten gain is glamorous and only "dons" are respected. Politicians, for once in your lives do the right thing and put a stop to this travesty. You will be better served managing and putting to honest use the tax money that is already being collected from the largely impoverished Jamaican public.
I am etc.,
JOHN LAWRENCE
Manager
Choice Goods & Services
Brown's Town, St. Ann
