Reid

With the nation facing harsh economic times and charities to schools and other 'in-need' institutions dwind-ling, a call has been made for Government to introduce tax reform to induce greater individual charitable giving.

The call was made on the weekend by Northern Caribbean University (NCU) alumnus Dr Witford Reid, who was named the "2008 NCU Product Sample" awardee at the first of two commencement services of the university, held on Sunday in Mandeville, Manchester.

"Personal charitable giving is almost non-existent in Jamaica," said Reid, a renowned anaesthesiologist and philanthropist who resides in Sebring, Florida.

Tax reform

"Let me take this opportunity to call for tax reform by the Jamaican Government, a tax reform that would decrease tax liabilities or increase tax credits, thereby inducing individual charitable giving. This will reap a whirlwind of good for the Jamaican people. Institutions such as universities, colleges, primary and high schools and hospitals would benefit tremendously from this reform."

He said that, in the United States in 2007, charitable donations were more than US$306 billion.

Seventy-five per cent of this amount was donations from individuals.

"I implore you, I challenge you, I encourage you and I hope I have inspired you to give back to your alma mater, your country and your fellow citizens," he stressed.

The Product Sample Award is presented each year by NCU, at its discretion, to one of its distinguished alumni who, in his or her life and work, has exemplified the ethos and values of the institution.