Dear Editor:

Tax reform was declared to be a priority for the two major political parties during the election campaign. There is the general idea of broadening the tax net and implementing more measures to facilitate payment and ensure greater compliance.

Taxes are the lifeblood of the economy, the payment of which is part of our moral and legal obligations. But compliance is reportedly low in Jamaica.

One of the possible ways to increase compliance is to ensure that those who govern, or wish to do so, pay their fair share of taxes. Legislation can be enacted to reform our electoral system. This would require all candidates in a general election, by-election or local government election to be tax compliant.

It should become mandatory for every candidate to present a valid certificate tax compliant certificate at the nomination centre, in order to be duly and properly nominated.

In general, followers are only as good as their leaders. No one expects perfection, but ensuring our leaders and legislators lead by example is definitely the better way forward and should form part of any progressive agenda.

Daive R Facey

DR.Facey@gmail.com