Governor-General, His Excellency Professor Kenneth Hall (centre), converses with Maurice Facey (left) of Pan Jamaican Investment Trust and Beverley Lopez, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ). Occasion was the PSOJ's 30th
anniversary members' luncheon at the Hilton Kingston hotel, St. Andrew, yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERGOVERNOR-GENERAL, HIS Excellency Professor Kenneth Hall, has encouraged the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica to work tirelessly to ensure the country benefits from changes and new developments at the regional level.
"It (PSOJ) must play a leading role in negotiating international agreements in the World Trade Organisation and other trade and economic agreements, such as the partnership agreement with Europe and the Free Trade Area of the Americas," said Professor Kenneth Hall.
"It is only an environment where Jamaica is able to expand its markets, improve productivity, reduce poverty and increase employment, will a private sector have any relevance," he added.
He made the comments yesterday while addressing the PSOJ's 30th anniversary luncheon held at the Hilton Kingston, New Kingston.
The PSOJ is a voluntary national organisation consisting of 330 private sector associations, companies and individuals that work together to promote a healthy and productive private sector.
NO FURTHER TAXES
Beverley Lopez, president of the PSOJ, has recommended that Government does not implement further taxes.
"We would recommend no further taxes as we are already heavily taxed. However, what we recommend is a
broad amnesty programme, which will
eventually increase compliance," said
Mrs. Lopez.
"In addition to this amnesty we are also recommending there be a review of the penalties and interest rates on late payments as in many instances these need to come down to and sometimes down lower than the actual taxes,"
she added.
Other recommendations include the creation of a contributory pension fund for public sector employees and the rationalisation of all special funds, and user fees.
Mrs. Lopez has urged Prime Minister-designate, Portia Simpson Miller, to implement an effective crime plan that will restore stability to the society.
