I AM disappointed but not surprised at the level of taxation that exists in Jamaica. Once there is a shortfall in the budget, the next step is new taxes. Why can't the tariff be revised with the view of lowering customs duty? Excessive taxes and excessive customs duty discourage business.

In spite of all the taxes, there is still a financial crisis. Jamaica needs to find a way to help itself out of its own mess. I believe Jamaica is waiting to see what happens in the United States before their final plans are implemented.

Stabilising the economy

What will it be, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) thing or more taxes? The Government must understand that there are other ways of stabilising the economy without incurring more debt. This may lead to borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. Will the borrowings be used to pay the police, soldiers, teachers or the nurses? These three critical sectors need to be addressed before it is too late.

There has been a trend of previous administrations to selling state-owned assets to foreign investors to ease cash flow problems. Why can't the deals be so structured that the country still benefits from the sale years down the line? We could sell the majority of the shares in an entity and the state holds a minority. Therefore, there would be liquidity in the system and continuous revenue for future years. Why can't we look at agriculture? Focus on what we are good at. Find ways to encourage this sector.

I am, etc.,

DEVON KING

mailbox4844@yahoo.com

Kingston 19