IN JAMAICA: 'We've Been Butchered': Holness Tells Gov't To Backtrack On Taxes, Pitches 10-Point Formula

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness yesterday summoned the Portia Simpson Miller administration to halt plans to impose the revised property tax, even as he launched a broadside against the Government for subjecting Jamaicans to what he characterised as unprecedented hardship."The Government has butchered us with taxes," he said. "I say this in all sincerity, with the greatest respect, it will have a negative effect … ," warned Holness during his contribution to the Budget Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday. Holness also called on the Government to roll back the Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty, which were announced by Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips in February. The opposition leader appealed to the Government not to permit a rate increase for which the National Water Commission (NWC) has applied. "We are not of the view that a rate increase is necessary at this time," he stressed.... READ More...