MOTORISTS are nervous about today’s planned implementation of the $7 hike on the tax on each litre of petrol — a tax measure that was announced by Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips during his Budget presentation last Thursday. The motorists believe that it will create even more hardship for them in a contracting economy. The views below were solicited from motorists in the Corporate Area and St Catherine yesterday.

Omar Patterson, Taxi operator (St Catherine)

“Right now I can hardly find money to buy parts for my vehicle and then we hearing about more taxes again, especially on gas. This is not fair.”

Omar Davis (St Catherine)

“We do not like it one bit. This plan to increase gas tax is just going to put more pressure on us.”

Dane Smith, bus conductor (St Catherine)

“Is a case where every man just have to make up their minds to let their voices be heard. Right now this increase is just going to pressure poor people more.”

Dennis White (St Andrew)

“I am in total disagreement. I think Government needs to come up with more creative measures to catch the tax dodgers and stop pressuring those Jamaicans who are legal tax payers. For instance, the Chinese community, this is one area where more pressure should be placed. Careful observation will show they conduct their business hardly using the formal banking sector; they use strictly cash therefore are able to bypass tax measures with these practices. These are areas that need to be addressed.”

Keith Adams (St Andrew)

“Wicked and heartless! I think this move will only place Jamaicans under greater pressure we are already overtaxed.

Chris Francis (St Andrew)

“I think it’s horrible. We cant take anymore taxes at this time, especially on gasolene.”