How is it justified?
published: Wednesday | March 17, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THERE ARE just a few things I would like some clarity on. I received a package from a friend in Belgium a few months ago, which contained: a postcard, a small tin of cookies from Antwerp and three blank DVDs. These arrive at my local post office box. I had to pay in excess of $8500 for these items! I saw the list of duties and charges, but really it still makes no sense to me. Who can justify charging what was charged for the items in the package?

I had sent here a computer desk for which I paid US$99 in Florida. I ended up paying two times the amount to collect it here! Some have said to me, "...but can't you get a computer desk here?" Certainly I can, however not so perfectly suited to my needs as that one was, and in any case, am I to be limited in my selection simply because I live in Jamaica and we all like to rip each other off given the slightest chance? How is it justified?

I am etc,

MICHAEL HARRIS

aelsean@yahoo.com

Lauriston

Spanish Town PO Box 574

Via Go-Jamaica