Golding says Campbell was not proposing new taxes on imported foods

People's National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding is seeking to clarify comments made by Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture, Dayton Campbell, suggesting that a future PNP government would impose taxes on food imports.

Addressing a political party meeting recently, Campbell shared plans of a future People's National Party government to impose a tax on imported foods to create a dedicated pool of funds that he said would help to develop the local agricultural sector. 

He stated that the tax would be similar to the levy imposed on incoming international calls, used to create the Universal Service Fund, which, among other things, has established Wi-Fi hotspots around the country. 

But at a similar meeting in Manchester recently, Golding explained that this “innovative approach” suggested by Campbell would earmark existing taxes that are collected on imported food items to create a fund. He said this fund would focus on import substitution and export-led production of critical agricultural items.

He said the PNP does not see a need for new taxes at this time.

 "We should focus on growing local production to replace imported food, strengthening our economy while reducing dependency on foreign goods," Golding said. 

The PNP President criticised the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government for its liberal approach to issuing import licences, which he said led to a glut in the market, and "leaves local farmers unable to sell their produce, resulting in spoilage and significant losses, ultimately destroying local agriculture”.

He noted that Jamaica's importation bill has increased significantly from US$800 million in 2016 to US$1.3 billion in 2023—an increase of almost 70 per cent..

Golding stated that the PNP is committed to practical solutions that empower Jamaicans, promote local production, and reduce the country's reliance on imports without imposing additional burdens. 

He highlighted past tax reforms by the PNP, such as the employment tax credit, which he said increased revenue without stifling economic activity.

- Sashana Small

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