$3,000 tax on one shirt
published: Wednesday | December 24, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ON DECEMBER 13, 2003, my two children, who are United States citizens, ages 16 years and eight years, travelled on Air Jamaica from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Norman Manley Airport in Kingston, Jamaica. On arrival they were checked by a customs officer who charged them J$3,000 tax on one shirt. I think this is very unfair and inconsiderate.

Jamaica might be expensive, but there is no way tax should be charged on a simple man's shirt and even if so, J$3,000. The customs officer was even rude in telling my children that she should have charged them more than J$3,000, because she "don't know why they have to carry so many things which does not belong to them".

My kids have cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts living in Jamaica that they have not seen for a whole year. How on earth can a customs officer become so personal in her job. Does it matter what you carry with you to Jamaica. Their luggage did not exceed 70-lb, and it did not include any contraband.

I am etc.,

SHERAINE SMALLING

S_Sheraine@hotmail.com

Roselle, New Jersey

Via Go-Jamaica