THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY LATE mother was a fanatic about paying her property taxes. She 'knotted' and saved until she acquired the total amount and then off to the local post office she would go, to make sure that the payment reached the collectorate by April 1. My mother lived in awe and fear that government would 'tek wey her lan.' The 'lands' in question generate no income, and mainly consisted of stones and bush except for one piece on which there was an old house, from which she collected the princely sum of $25 per month for rental.
On Tuesday I went to St. Ann's Bay to pay, knowing that I would have to meet the new increase, I carried twice the amount that I did for the year 2001-2002. When I was given the new figures I all but fainted. The total tax bill previously was $500; now increased to $7, 950.
If this is not oppression and wickedness please tell me what is?
I will personally have to do without food and cease the payment of my other bills to meet this payment. I would like to emphasise that these lands are situated in an area where once upon a time the small farmer could sell a cow to meet his obligations. Now the state of the cattle industry is of such, that he is lucky if he sells a cow in a year. Mr. Arnold Bertram will get his increased revenue, but some of us will not live to enjoy the fruits if any. After all how much more can we bear.
Is there no balm in Gilead to set the captives free?
I am, etc.,
MABEL KNIGHT
Portmore
Gregory Park P.O.
St. Catherine
