VIDEO: Gov’t auto tax policy stifling, say consumers
Jamaicans are pleading with Government to review its high motor vehicle tax policy and allow cars to be more affordable to the average consumer. Local car prices are amongst the highest in the region.
Largely because the Jamaican government charges up to a burdensome 194 per cent of the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value of vehicles shipped into the country, driving up the price of cars at point of sale to the consumer.
The Observer took to the streets yesterday and found a frustrated consumer base urging Government to be more sensitive to the plight of its citizens. Below are comments from some of the persons the newspaper interviewed.
Edward: I think they could reduce the (taxes) to make it more affordable for persons to buy (cars) and go about their daily business. I myself have a license but don’t own a car, and I would like to own one.
Shawn: I lived in America for a while and you can go to the dealer and pay a small amount of money and drive off a car lot. But to get a decent car in Jamaica, the least you can pay is $600,000. Who can afford that? When (Government) increase tax on cars, who make the money? Government and the big man.
D Brown: I would really like a car right now… (but) the price of car? I can’t afford it.
Michael: It’s too expensive to own a motor vehicle. I think Jamaica is the only place where 10 year-old and 12 year-old vehicles, for example, sell for a very high price. Government has to put something in place for persons like myself — ordinary minimum wage earner — can own a vehicle.
Dennis: I would like to own a motor vehicle but when you check the car mart, it’s just too expensive: $1 million odd, $3 million odd …
Lacora: I think its too high for us as jamacans especially in this crisis. I can’t afford a car…
Wayne Johnson: in terms of car prices, it’s out of the reach of the average man like myself…. I think Government should do more to reduce the cost, whether it is through the import taxes or duties, whatever it might be to make the average person have something on the road to drive.
