Dear Editor,

The recent announcement of increased fees for passports understandably have caused much uproar. There is no justification for such high increases in these fees at this time.

Many Jamaicans use passports for identification purposes and not only to travel. The average family of four would probably need a loan to renew their passports. Although these fees are relatively lower than passport fees in many countries, we must remember the earning power of the average Jamaican is also significantly lower.

I, therefore, urge the Government to reconsider this massive increase, otherwise I suggest Jamaicans boycott the service or delay applications and renewals, if they can, for as long as possible. A massive reduction in demand for passports, even for a few months, would send a strong message. Let’s see how well the passport office handles the reduced load and reduced revenue.

Government thinks taxpayers are dumb. They always try to deceive taxpayers into thinking they are giving them a break in some areas, then later on they sneakingly turn around and slap on a massive increase in another area because they know they’ll collect even more. It is time for taxpayers to start standing up to the Government and stop covering up their inefficiencies and incompetence.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com