No tax, no help

I believe that the Government should do more to help business/groups to get back on their feet in times of trouble/natural disasters. However, I am sick and tired of some groups, farmers and especially fishermen, who have contributed nothing to the tax base, but constantly run to the Government, hat in hand, seeking a handout.

Farmers get subsidies in fertilisers and farming equipment; fishermen get subsidies in marine fuel, boats and other tools of their trade, yet they pay no income tax.

The Government should help only those farmers and fishermen who can prove that they have paid income tax.

The finance ministry should send a clear message - if you are not paying taxes, you will not be given any more assistance, apart from what you are already receiving.

- Authnel Reid

authnelreid@optonline.net

New Jersey

Why no price reduction

Why is it there has been no significant reduction in the price of fuel, although the price of oil has fallen below the US$100 per barrel mark (before Hurricane Ike)? And why is it that a particular utility company keeps sending out inflated bills to its customers although the price of oil has fallen?

If there are no reasonable answers to these questions, then the only option the public has is to speculate.

Are the utility company and the Government-owned oil refinery just cashing in on the price difference created when the price of oil falls on the world market?

- Clyde Gutzmore

e-v-o-8@hotmail.com

Buff Bay, Portland

Burrell should fire himself

The 'baker' who hired René Simoes, in the first place, should also fire himself and stick to selling harddough bread. He's the one making all the poor decisions! Now we have to wait six more years. This is ridiculous and embarrassing.

- John Ziadie

johnziadie@yahoo.com

In praise of Ho Lung

I just wanted to say thanks and God bless to Father Ho Lung. Several years ago, when my mentally challenged brother was hit by a car in Kingston and no one knew who he was, representatives of the Missionaries of the Poor took him off the street after he was left there like an animal, with broken legs and God knows what else. They nursed him, gave him therapy, and kept him clean when it seemed he had no family - we did not know where he was. I have supported and will always support this organisation.

- S.A. LewisFort Lauderdale, FL