THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM among many advocating greater efficiencies by use of a standard duty rate for all imported items.
It is more than apparent that the higher the duty rates, the more resources are needed to achieve their collection. The need for a Tax Compliance Certificate in some cases, is just an open invitation for corruption.
Consider the case of Panama, where the duty rate is a universal 5 per cent. Collection of that tax is not fraught with the corrupt avoidance techniques which Jamaica's outrageous rate schedules create.
A universal duty rate would eliminate the paperwork and multiple classifications now obtaining. The resulting efficiencies would allow the Government to cut back on its payrolls, office rents, maintenance, existing in its bloated duty collection infrastructure.
A universal duty rate of, say, 10 per cent, would, I think, go a far way towards de-motivating those who would readily evade one of 250 per cent.
A hassle-free clearance system provided by presentation of appropriate ID and on-the-spot payment, would complement the tenure of any government.
Maybe it's just too simple to work?
I am, etc.,
ANTHONY GOFFE
P.O. Box 34
Mandeville
