I recently asked a friend in the United States of America to send me three academic books through Amazon, the online book retailer. The three books cost a total of US$72.52 (books are expensive these days). An additional US$50.96 was paid for shipping and handling by DHL courier services, a total of US$123.48.

I thought that would be the end of it, since to my knowledge, books in Jamaica attract no duties or GCT. To my surprise, the package of three books was held by Jamaica customs and I was charged fees of J$950.19. This meant that I then had to pay DHL a fee for informal clearance of J$775.00, a credit charge of J$387.50, a further charge for handling of J$600 and GCT on services of J$290.81.

The total cost of getting the books to me was about US$90 or more than the original cost of the books. I have decided that clearly it's too expensive to try to pursue any kind of self-improvement through reading. Next Christmas, I'm just going to save my money and go to Sting instead!

I am, etc.,

BRIAN HEAP

brianheap@gmail.com

Philip Sherlock Centre, UWI

Mona, Kingston 7