Help us Mr Finance Minister, we can’t breathe

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The nine-day wonder seems to have passed and the dust seems to be settling. The strong public outcry with regard to the humongous salary increase given to the political directorate is seemingly dissipating. It is as though we have come to some sense of acceptance of reality and we are now moving on to other things.

However, though many have accepted this fate, there is one reality that continues to linger in my mind and I can’t forget it. Consequently, I am writing a gentle reminder to the minister of finance and the Government of Jamaica that there are still those among us who have fancy job titles with little remuneration and we can’t breathe. We need a break.

The fact is that many within the public sector have received an increase in their compensation package. While some people are happy with their fattened bank accounts, others are disgruntled that there is no meaningful increase to celebrate, especially as most allowances have now been consumed into the flat salary. It is clear that, with these increases, the mandatory statutory deductions will also increase.

In Jamaica, our political leaders are known to have short-term memories – they often cannot recall. Hence, I am reminding the finance minister, Dr Nigel Clarke, that the line on our payslip that is labelled income tax is still like a noose around our necks and many of us just can’t breathe even while looking at it.

Dr Clarke, we don’t need a microscope to see that there is little that we have had to smile about over the past few months. Hence, it is important that you remain true to your word in reviewing the income tax threshold and give some of us some breathing room, at least to be better able to provide for our families and ourselves.

In addition, if you are thinking about it, there is no way we can wait until the next general election for this to be included in the Jamaica Labour Party’s political campaign manifesto to increase the threshold. If that is the thinking, by that time, sadly, many of us may stifle to death because of financial pressure. Remember us, please, Mr Minister!

CLAYON WARNER