The Editor, Sir:

The article captioned, 'Tax authorities set sights on high-return schemes - Warn investors that payments are due', was found rather interesting by myself and others in the diaspora today.

While it is necessary for the new Government to collect most-needed revenues, it is just appalling that the poor, who are by far the largest beneficiary of these schemes, are always the first to shoulder the burden of the country.

Outstanding taxes

It is important that the Govern-ment gets the necessary revenue needed to run the country. However, they should also ensure that those business people who owe taxes amounting to billions are brought to book.

There is a significant number of those persons who have withdrawn taxes from poor people's salaries which have not been paid over to the Government, after which they file for bankruptcy and, as such, get away scot-free, while still being allowed to live their ostentatious lives. Especially when they are affiliated to the ruling political party.

It is about time the playing field is levelled and all persons, no matter of what persuasion they are, be held liable for taxes. However, this is but a pipe dream, as the political will needed to achieve same is surely not found in Jamaica. Again, this reminds me of 'Animal Farm': all men are created equal but some are more equal than others.

I am, etc.,

ADRIAN PRYCE

deomadpr@yahoo.com

Toronto, Ontario

Via Go-Jamaica