More needs to be done than tax credit

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The reverse income tax credit proposed by the Government has been widely accepted by persons who have been overwhelmed with the scarcity of funds.

Former finance minister Dr Nigel Clarke said in a speech in October: “The initiative will provide relief to low-income earners by allowing them to enjoy the gains from Jamaica’s macroeconomic stability.” He further stated that the Government has estimated that this initiative will cost $11.4 billion. This much money would be better spent implementing a social programme that empowers our young people, and inhibit the need for violence and crime.

I believe that most Jamaicans are excited about this programme and have applied for the credit. When food is dangled in a hungry man’s face, he will no doubt grab for it. This is not a way to end poverty. It is not a means by which our people can improve their financial woes. It solves nothing. It is simply a ploy to get us thinking that the government is helping. This is a minute portion of our money that has been taken from us in consumption tax that we pay on basic, everyday items whose prices increase often.

We are despondently aware of the fact that our dollar has an unprecedented low value and, as such, our spending power as individuals has diminished. The intervention that we need as a people is not handouts. We are a proud nation who pride ourselves on being self-sufficient but, lately, we have been sinking into hopelessness that has bred a dependency syndrome that we need to discourage, not support. Our young people need opportunities that will empower their progress. Our elders need sustainable perennial care. A drop-in-the-pan dole is no answer to our distresses in this country. We seem to be descending into a nationhood of undesirable dependency. What we need is maintainable programmes that uplift despondence and provide financial stability.

Rather than contributing to the development of a perceived image of turpitude, or an acceptance of helplessness in our nation, we have a responsibility to help our people to hone their own self-reliance.

RUPERT ANDERSON