Despite Government’s claim of no new taxes, Jamaicans are paying more in taxes – PNP

Opposition Leader Mark Golding challenged the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government’s claim that it has not imposed any new taxes on Jamaicans over the past seven years. He stated that while Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke has made this assertion, the reality is that tax collections have significantly increased under the current administration. Golding pointed out that tax collected as a percentage of GDP has risen from 24% in the final year of the previous administration to over 28% currently. He highlighted that over the past four fiscal years, tax collections have increased by J$419 billion, representing a 66% increase.

Golding presented data showing that the JLP Government has effectively doubled the annual tax burden on each Jamaican citizen since coming into office. He emphasized that the government has collected an additional J$190,000 per person, totaling J$342,000 per person in taxation in the 2024/25 Budget. Despite the government’s assertion of no new taxes being imposed, Golding argued that the significant increase in tax collections contradicts this claim. He pointed out that the recent Local Government Election results reflect the impact of increased taxation on the Jamaican people.

The Opposition Leader criticized the JLP Government for imposing over J$30 billion in new taxes during the first two years of its term in 2016. He contested the government’s narrative of not introducing new taxes, citing the substantial increase in tax collections over the years. Golding’s remarks in the House of Representatives during the Budget Debate aimed to shed light on what he sees as a misleading statement by the government regarding its tax policies. He emphasized the burden placed on Jamaicans by the significant rise in tax collections under the current administration.

Golding’s arguments highlight the discrepancy between the government’s claims of no new taxes and the actual increase in tax collections experienced by Jamaicans. His presentation of data and statistics aimed to expose what he believes to be a misrepresentation by the JLP Government regarding its tax policies. By demonstrating the significant growth in tax collections over the years, Golding sought to challenge the government’s assertion and draw attention to the financial burden faced by the people of Jamaica. The Opposition Leader’s remarks in the House of Representatives underscore the ongoing debate over taxation policies and their impact on the country’s economy.

The debate surrounding taxation policies in Jamaica reflects broader discussions on government spending, revenue generation, and public perception of fiscal policies. Golding’s allegations of increased tax burden and discrepancies in the government’s claims contribute to a broader discourse on accountability, transparency, and economic management. The Opposition’s scrutiny of the JLP Government’s tax policies and collection practices serves as a reminder of the importance of effective fiscal governance and public discourse on financial matters. As the discussion continues, the implications of taxation policies on Jamaican citizens and the overall economy remain central to ongoing debates in the country’s political landscape.