Right tax moves

THE EDITOR, Sir:

As a PAYE worker who is close to breaking point, I am happy that the Opposition leader has picked up the mood of many of us who were alarmed at the prospect of having to pay more taxes. I am also happy that the finance minister has heeded the warning.

Normally, I wouldn't be inclined to contemplate standing on the roadside with a placard, but if graduate students in the United States find it necessary to join the 'occupy movement' and take over major public spaces to drive home their point about the greed of the elite in their economic system, then why shouldn't I find it my duty to protest unfair treatment by the tax man here?

Make no mistake about it, Dr Peter Phillips deserves kudos for his sincerity and steadfastness. But he should remember that genuine economic reform cannot be lopsided. Intense efforts must be made to close in on tax dodgers and other well-heeled economic untouchables. They simply must be required to shoulder their fair share of the sacrifice. PAYE workers are sick of being 'hit up' for new taxes by successive finance ministers when revenue targets are missed.

But there is another point I wish to make. It has to do with the demeanour of both gentlemen - Mr Andrew Holness and Dr Phillips, as well as the content of their exchanges. This week, we saw the best of both men. Mr Holness made a solid case for the introduction of an economic stimulus and a sound growth strategy. His call was accompanied by thoughtful and practical recommendations. He spoke without being quarrelsome and fixated on the past. If he keeps this up, he will, indeed, earn the title 'transformational leader'.

reason to hope

While I am not satisfied with Dr Phillips' response, I very much appreciate his willingness to speak to the public - and in a manner that is neither imperious nor quarrelsome. It is so encouraging. Perhaps there is reason to hope that this 'pairing' of intelligent and dignified competitors will be a productive one where the welfare of Jamaicans is concerned. I look forward to them exchanging more ideas and taking their debate to the next level. Enough of the mindless criticism and tit for tat. Jamaica is crying out for dignified and transformational leadership. Time is running out. Fast.

E. Levy