Dear Editor,

I am tired of listening to Dr Peter Phillips rave about things that mean nothing to us, the real people of Jamaica. What does it take for the people we elect to take care of our country to get a grip on reality?

I get the impression that the Government is determined to empty our pocket through taxes. Things to improve our standard of living are of immediate concern as neither he nor the prime minister mentions a word about them. Instead, they rant and rave about things that mean nothing to any ordinary citizen and accomplish nothing.

I get the impression that the Government is determined to empty our pocket through taxes. Things to improve our standard of living are of immediate concern as neither he nor the prime minister mentions a word about them. Instead, they rant and rave about things that mean nothing to any ordinary citizen and accomplish nothing.

The prices of basic food items continue to rise and the Government behaves as if they are doing a good job. Portia Simpson Miller and her Government have shown nothing but disdain and contempt for the citizens of this country, they have no respect for the division of power or competence, as ministers continue to operate ministries like patty shops, initiating projects based on all kind of nonsense, yet they want to tax us more.

Public sector workers more than any other group are feeling the effects of a stagnant economy with a wage freeze in place. I have listened to Ralston Hyman on the radio telling us that the Government cannot give public sector workers no more than a five per cent increase and “they must get that in their heads”. When I go to the supermarket, I still cannot afford but to pick up the very basic items that I need. The working middle class has been repeatedly called upon to finance gaps in the budget, and there is no benefit for the sacrifice.

The Government revels in the fact that it is passing IMF tests and international ratings are going up, but the benefits are not being reflected in my life. When you look on the situation I have to conclude that the Government is spiteful and contemptuous.

Grace Lawrence

St Mary