THE Jamaica Observer yesterday sought the views of members of the public on the new $16-billion tax package announced by Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips in Gordon House on Tuesday. The revenue measures will affect property tax, the General Consumption Tax on telephone calls and phone cards, stamp duty and transfer taxes, some customs fees, winnings on several chance games, education tax, among other items. (Photos: Lionel Rookwood)

Neville Hutton -- educator

The majority of the people in Jamaica can't afford to pay their bills, can barely exist. I see people now begging who never used to beg. I have students whose parents pay their tuition for the first term and can't afford the next. It's a very awkward position they are putting people in.

Carla Bennett -- accountant

I don't see any problem with new taxes, but they have to ensure that proper planning is in place.

Tashena Kenny -- gas pump attendant

It will affect me. The whole Government system is just pressuring poor people. It doesn't really affect them. If you go to the supermarket, $2,000 can't buy anything. And it's worse if you have kids. Portia said she is a lady of soft heart, she needs to look into herself and see what she can do for poor people.

Karla -- higgler

Only the fittest of the fit will survive. Look how much tax they put on things and they not raising people's pay? Mi nuh feel seh dem fi put on any more tax on anything. It already cost too much for people to cook a good Sunday dinner.

O Kelly -- chef

It's kind of drastic on the people, especially on those poorer class of people. I don't know how we are going to manage. We can't take anymore taxes.

Alexis Blake -- student

I guess if it's for the betterment of the country we just have to suck it up and deal with it. I don't know if I'm saying that because I'm not working now.