THE EDITOR, Sir:
IF AND when the Finance Minister Omar Davies comes to the taxpayers for more funds, I hope we remember just how much money our Parliamentarians cost us.
I was most shocked to read in The Gleaner, that a second pay raise was granted to Parliamentarians. The pay raise does not include travel expenses abroad, local travel expenses (including helicopter rides) bodyguards and housing allowances. Perhaps an accountant could tell us the grand total per Member of Parliament.
In one week, Dr. Peter Phillips, Commissioner Forbes, et al, travelled to England. The Prime Minister is travelling to New York and Sharon Hay-Webster is going to Brussels! Those are just three overseas trips in the last few days. Oh yes, K.D. Knight just came back from South America regarding negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. If I were his teacher, I'd give him a fail grade for his report since the only thing I learned from his trip is that sugar will no longer enjoy favoured status in Europe. Gee, I read that on the Internet four weeks ago.
The fracas that occurred outside Gordon House is just a taste of what is to come. Wait until the people storm the gates. Remember Marie Antoinette? She was beheaded in the 1700s in France. So I say to all Parliamentarians ignore our tears at your peril for I shall shed none for you.
I am, etc.,
A frustrated and broke taxpayer
LINDA FRASER (Mrs)
Monterey Drive
Kingston 6
