IADB and tax breaks

The Editor, Sir:

It is fortuitous that in the week in which we celebrate our Emancipation and our Independence we find ourselves being told by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) that they disapprove of tax breaks given to the tourism industry.

The principle of these tax breaks for one of our most important industries, to give them a chance to refurbish and prepare for the end of the recession, is forward thinking and progressive.

As Jamaicans, we are among some of the most intelligent and brightest minds in the world. Collectively, as an independent nation, with God's help, we have the ability to determine the future value of our current investment and make sacrifices now to achieve a future and a hope for our children. We must always remember that as long as we are alive there will always be those around trying to enslave us.

Let us assume, however, that the IADB is looking after our best interest and after carefully justifying why we see this investment to be necessary and the future value to the nation, that the right decision will be made. Let us, like our former colonial leaders, resolve that Jamaicans never, never again will be slaves.

I am, etc.,

BRAD EDWARDS

drbradedwards@yahoo.com