Tax, a four letter word

In Jamaica nothing can be said to be certain except death, taxes and more recently debt and/or death by taxes. The Golding Administration has finally released the list of the previously tax-free goods and services that are now subject to GCT. Literate chicken farmers with asthma, who lease land, are thinking of buying a stand-by generator and need to have their goods transported to the market to earn some money to repair their tractors are going to be the hardest hit.

Here are 7 of 59 goods and services that will now attract GCT.

1. Brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for religious purposes and books other than schoolbooks and booklets.
   
2. Animal feeds (excluding pet food) reinstated as zero-rated
   
3. The rental or lease of land used for agricultural purposes or as a building site.
   
4. All drugs used primarily in the treatment of asthma
   
5. Apparatus or machinery designed to produce motive power, heat, light or electricity through the utilization of renewable sources of energy, for example, sun, wind and water.
   
6. Transportation of goods within Jamaica.
   
7. Repairs to agricultural equipment, tractors, implements, and aircraft and vessels used in international transportation.
   

Jamaicans have been protesting against the recent taxes imposed by the Government. Police have been busy clearing several roadblocks across the corporate area from as early as 8am. I’m not going to take any chances, I think its time I get home.