Economic crisis exist globally and there is no sign of tax increase by other Caribbean Island to sink their citizens further into poverty. TAX INCREASE IS NOT THE ANSWER AT THIS TIME. Figure out how to decrease imports and increase exports. An Island that cannot feed its people without dependence on imported goods must re-evaluate its plans. Infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, bridges must be a priority to get the citizens moving from point A to point B as well as transporting the produce from hard fetch areas to the marketplace.

No doubt the will of many citizens have been broken by this devastating new of a tax increase on basic food items. Jamaica cannot adopt the lifestyle of countries such as the USA. Basic food items are not taxed in the USA so its citizens will always be able to buy basic food items without heavy taxation. I am sure the citizens are crying out for mercy as they face the New Year. With the new taxes please also develop a plan to put the people to work so that such tax burden can be alleviated; also consider lifting the taxes from basic food items so that the citizens can retain the dignity of providing for themselves. Remember why the people voted you as their leaders because they believe in your honesty and that you were capable of pulling the country out of the rut and put it back on the right track. Both parties must come together and plan for the betterment of the Island and not destroy the good ideas from either side of the Isle.