Readers’ reactions – Tax-free holiday?

President of Guyana Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced a one-month tax-free salary for all members of the joint services. This after the finance minister of Barbados, Ryan Straughn, on Saturday announced a tax-free shopping day for consumers. Here are some readers’ reactions via The Gleaner’s social media pages:

Facebook

Sir PM we would love three months no GCT, no income tax. Memba is only the government body these fees benefit so three months won’t hurt sir. Cause the people of Jamaica would do well with some extra cash in their pocket. – Sharline Davis

The one month tax free is nothing compared to the yearly increase we are accustomed to in Guyana – Darren Wade

Well they’re now oil rich so yes, spread the wealth to everyone … – Hamilton Shaun

Can safely say this wouldn’t happen in Jamaica – Paulette Stephenson

Instagram

Anju: Pay them one week later than them use to get it. – ellavadgrant

What is Ja Government doing for their serving members? – theromboss

Mr Prime Minister of Jamaica and the rest of the House, do something, all the time unnu handing out “care packages” and other benefits to the “not so privileged”. Do something for all those who have been working assiduously under the pandemic. Do something sensible fi dem. – knot4life

Long overdue in Jamaica; teachers, doctors, defence forces and nurses are so underpaid, incomparable to other countries. – Jeanieb2009

All this time we have been leading the Caribbean with reggae dancehall tourism and corruption. Come on Clarks pon foot. We can’t drop back now. U no see them a make this thing a competition – its.all.abt.me

Anju your move now inno, bey noise did a mek up when Barbados leff d queen so how d same ppl so quiet now? Follow this nuh – itsdwayne4u

@andrewholnessjm what says you? We can get a one month break too? All a wi, not just the government workers. – kenxihair

A country with oil and oil reserves worth billions supported by a local economy that is stable and their local currency continues to appreciate can make move of this sort, unlike Jamaica that has no oil, no stable economy and constant depreciating dollar will not be able to do things of this nature unless the annual budget for the upcoming financial year be adjusted and an additional loan granted by the IMF. Well done Guyana – black_berry_original

How Jamaica so quiet. Still I’m wondering how much pressure the changes going to put on the payroll people. – naturalfitnessja

– Compiled by Sandena James