THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN THE old days, words such as please, thanks and I am sorry were a part of our psyche. They were important words in our socialisation process and, even today, expressing gratitude is second nature it makes me feel accomplished.
My problem, however, is with this gesture of the Prime Minister the sum of $5000 given to NIS pensioners to offset expenses due to Ivan's visit, for which, the feeling of gratefulness evades me.
Reason is the burdensome taxation levied on Jamaicans which makes the gift from Government seem an appeasement.
Pensioners pay income tax, GCT on most necessities purchased; tax also on interest on the few dollars in the bank plus many more. A small package with a few items (a gift from abroad) is so heavily taxed one is tempted to ignore the parcel notices so that the post office may dispose of contents at their pleasure. My thanks go to the business places which offer senior citizens a small discount on some monetary transactions.
If some of these taxes we pay were reduced for pensioners, we might not need handouts even after a storm.
Believe me I am still trying to be grateful but, after over 30 years of wholehearted service to my country, the pension I receive is not enough to pay a fulltime helper a necessity not a luxury.
I am aware of the country's poor economic condition but if there was better management and less or no corruption among some of those who offered themselves to run the country's affairs, this situation would not exist.
Speaking for myself from a platform of a fixed income, the $5,000 I received I see as money which should be given to me on a regular basis, at least quarterly.
With this mindset I just cannot say I am totally grateful for this unexpected gift. My head wants to say thanks, but my heart refuses.
I am, etc,
MAVIS E. LOVE
1 Sargasso Ave
Kingston 17
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