Recent pronouncements that tax will be placed on reading materials previously exempt, and which was later clarified as only those under the leisure categories, is nothing but a retrograde step by the administration.

How can a country with a less- than satisfactory literacy rate be thinking about taxing reading materials? This is perhaps the worst decision made by an administration in many decades.

Where are we going with this move? It is rather irrational for the Government to carry out such a move, purely because they can rake in a few extra dollars for the country's coffers.

Number-one priority

Educating the masses should be the number-one priority of the Jamaican Government at this time as our future truly depends on it.

Reading has been and continues to be our greatest issue, as far education is concerned and we are doing absolutely nothing Mr Prime Minister to change this situation.

It is in our greatest interest to see to it our children and adults develop a greater appreciation for reading. Mr Golding, Mr Shaw and Mr Holness, don't let it be said that you were collectively the ones responsible for the further decline in the education standards of our country. Quit the hypocrisy and political expediency and give the country what it really needs.

I am, etc.,

Paul Clarke

paul_nathan2006@yahoo.com

Westmoreland