Adventist group raises concerns over planned Saturday opening for some tax offices

The Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists says it hopes the religious freedoms of Sabbath-keepers will not be infringed upon in the Government’s plan to open select tax offices on Saturdays.

The announcement was made yesterday by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, who said the move aims to provide greater convenience to taxpayers and boost revenue collection.

Williams, while opening the budget debate, did not specify when the change will take effect, stating that an announcement will be made at a later date.

For years, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has offered weekend services on the last Saturday of each month at selected locations.

Additionally, the Portmore tax office in St Catherine already operates on Saturdays as part of its regular schedule.

The organisation has expressed concern over the announcement, emphasising that the rights of Sabbath-keepers must be respected.

“We support the Government’s drive to improve tax collection… but we are also cognizant that among government workers are those who worship on the Sabbath. Given our recent summit and the Government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution on religious freedom, we are concerned that Sabbath-keepers must not be forced to work against their freedom of conscience and beliefs,” said Nigel Coke, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in a media release today.

“We hope that good sense will prevail among the management of these TAJ offices regarding workers’ religious freedom in this worthwhile effort. We commend the Government for using alternative methods to improve much-needed revenue collection,” Coke added.

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