Opposition proposes removal of tax on basic food items

By Kimone Witter    

 

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson has suggested the reduction of tax on basic food items to alleviate the cost of living crisis in some Jamaican households.

 

There has been public groaning about the increased cost of goods and services.

 

Mr. Robinson says inclusive economic growth is imperative to allow the majority of Jamaicans to benefit. 

 

"Immediately, I think you have to look at basic food items to determine whether there is some that you can look at the GCT and whether you need to remove GCT and have exemptions on other expanding group of food items that you would remove GCT on," he said, adding that the social afety net must be strengthened. 

 

He acknowledged that issues have been about the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), and the government is undertaking a review. 

 

"You have to ensure that the persons who are most vulnerable actually get the support that they need and in a meaningful way. But ultimately, while you have to protect the most vulnerable, you have to grow the economy so that all Jamaicans can benefit from that growth," he asserted.      

 

For the medium to long term, Mr. Robinson said there should be expansion of investment in critical sectors, including agriculture. 

 

"We have to expand irrigation. Only 10 per cent of our lands are irrigatable. We have to put more money in research and development, so that farmers know what to plant, when to plant; they can be more scientific in their approach. There are other sectors which provide the opportunity for growth like culture and the creative industries," he suggested.     

 

The opposition spokesman was a guest, Tuesday, on the Morning Agenda on Power 106.

 

The Star reported on Tuesday about vendors, wholesalers, and retailers who have been selling products in smaller portions to meet the shrinking budgets of struggling customers.