THE EDITOR, Sir:
OVER THE years, I have seen a number of simple solutions which could vastly improve our quality of life. The first is fixing and upgrading the road network across the major city centres.
Whenever this comes up for discussion, the immediate response from the Minister of Transportation and Works is we have no money. I wonder if this is being penny-wise and pound-foolish.
How much money is spent by consumers to frequently repair their vehicles? Could this money be placed in a savings/investment account? How many man-hours are spent in traffic, how much gas is burned and to what extent does this negatively impact on our nation's productivity? How much foreign exchange would we save from purchasing less fuel and spare parts?
The second is effective consumer protection laws. Legislate that prices of items, GCT and income tax compliance certificates must be visibly displayed at all places of commerce.
This will increase competition and force companies to be more efficient if they want to remain profitable.
SORE POINT
The issue of receipts for goods purchased is also a sore point. In a number of establishments, especially groceries, the cashiers often quote the price from memory and the receipt, when given, does not provide information on the actual item, only the price. What if the price entered is incorrect? How will the consumer know? Or, suppose a wrong or spoiled item is issued? How will the consumer get a rebate?
The consumers of our country need to be proactively protected. The interesting thing is, in protecting the consumer, the Government will also protect its revenue. I am not convinced that the majority of our merchants who sell jewellery, clothes and appliances are paying the correct GCT, income and education tax, among others.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
These taxes are legal requirements of operating a business in Jamaica. Maybe if the items were scanned, and a proper receipt generated, then there would be a paper (electronic) trail for the tax authorities to follow. We need the legislation!
The third matter is the enforcement of the labour laws. For example, persons who have worked for one year should become eligible for NHT benefits.
These benefits over time help to alleviate poverty. However, we find that a number of merchants consistently fail to offer that facility.
They pay below the minimum wage, employ persons without a written contract, and pay 'salaries' without a pay slip. They don't offer sick leave, vacation leave, or paid maternity leave.
Now, how can we improve the quality of life of our citizens, if business owners are allowed to act in blatant disregard of the law?
Jamaica is a sovereign state. We have the freedom to both determine and enforce the legislation that is required for stability and growth of our nation as a whole. Let the powers that be recognise that, constitutionally, they hold the handle and not the blade.
I am, etc.,
CHADWICK ANDERSON
Chad_ivor@yahoo.com.
Kingston
Via Go-Jamaica
