Gov't to continue tax and pension reform

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

The Portia Simpson Miller-led administration is set to continue the discussions on two critical Green Papers prepared by the former government.

Phillip Paulwell, leader of government business in the House of Representatives, says Parliament will soon be issuing a request for submissions on the contents of these two Green Papers.

One Green Paper relates to the reform of the tax system, while the other contains proposals for public-sector pension reforms.

"What will have to happen is those interested members of the public would need to make the submissions to us now, and we would entertain the presentations at the committee meetings," Paulwell told The Gleaner.

Phillips to chair committee

Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips is to chair the committee which will examine proposals for the reform of Jamaica's tax system.

Horace Dalley, the minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and the Public Service, is to chair the committee which will examine the Green Paper on pension reform.

Phillips has reiterated the stance of his predecessor, Audley Shaw, that reform of the tax and pension systems is critical to the country's development.

In a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Phillips said the country was desirous of entering a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund and tax and pension reforms would be critical in any future arrangement.

"... Any programme going forward must involve comprehensive tax reforms, the reform of the public-sector pension system, public-sector transformation and a moderation of the growth in public-sector costs which is allied to economic growth," said Phillips.

Two committees of Parliament were considering Green Papers on tax and pension reforms which were tabled in parliament before the December 29, 2011 general election.

However, with the dissolution of parliament the Green Papers fell of the Order Paper.

The Green Papers were, however, re-tabled last Tuesday and Paulwell said the country would know by today when the committees will start meeting.

TAX REFORM COMMITTEE

Dr Peter Phillips (Chair)

Anthony Hylton

Horace Dalley

Dr Omar Davies

Dr Wykeham McNeill

Fitz Jackson

Paul Buchanan

Audley Shaw

Karl Samuda

Edmund Bartlett

PENSION REFORM COMMITTEE

Horace Dalley (Chair)

Derrick Kellier

Dr Morais Guy

Dr Omar Davies

Fitz Jackson

Derrick Smith

Pearnel Charles

Rudyard Spencer

The Pension Reform Committee will sit jointly with a similar committee to be appointed by the Senate.