Energy-saving light bulbs (compact fluorescent bulbs) on sale at Loshusan supermarket in Barbican, St. Andrew. Visible on the shelf price is the GCT which should not be charged. The supermarket promptly removed the charge upon being informed that CFLs are one of 30 products exempted from GCT and import duty. - Photo by Ross Sheil

Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

Consumers are being illegally charged GCT on tax-exempt energy-saving light bulbs amid admission by the Government that it has failed to sufficiently educate the public.

The bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), were one of 30 energy-saving products made GCT and import-duty exempt last year but retailers and consumers told The Gleaner that they were unaware of the development. Government granted the exemptions last year as part of efforts to encourage energy saving and reduce the country's spiralling oil import bill.

No GCT on the bulbs

"Probably they are not as aware as I would prefer," said Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Phillip Paulwell. "The public needs to be advised that there is no GCT on the bulbs."

The minister, whose portfolio covers both consumer affairs and energy policy, said that greater steps would be taken to inform the public. Government has spent heavily on energy-saving education with regular campaigns being put on by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ).

When this newspaper attempted to buy a CFL at the Loshusan supermarket in Barbican, St. Andrew, yesterday, the cashier rang up the price and included GCT. When contacted, Operations Manager Allan Ridgeway said the supermarket was previously unaware about the exemptions.

"We abide by the law to the extent that we would not put it on the shelf with GCT added if we knew!" said Mr. Ridgeway. The supermarket has subsequently removed the GCT after contacting the ministry, he said.

The loss in tax revenue to the government across the range of tax-exempt products is expected to be $487 million annually, said Mr. Paulwell in his Budget speech last year.

Government is currently distributing islandwide and free of charge four million bulbs donated by Cuba in the 'Jamaica-Cuban Energy Saving Project'. The ministry revealed at a press conference yesterday that the project has been challenged by a lack of public awareness about CFLs.

ross.sheil@gleanerjm.com