It was a foregone conclusion that if the Government had increased its expenditures in a dwindling tax base the need for new revenue streams was imminent.

Consequently, last Sunday's announcement by the prime minister would not have caught many of us flat-footed. But where are such revenue streams to be found?

Speculation has been rife. Gasolene, GCT, cigarettes, alcohol, the lowering of duties on motor vehicles with the expectation of increased purchases to yield increased tax revenue are among speculations.

The need for additional tax revenue is understood. Equally, if we are serious about spreading the tax burden then here are some avenues to pursue:

This is not a tax measure but it is relevant. We need to manage our dwindling foreign exchange and external debt much better than in the past. The importation of motor vehicles has been a big drag on our foreign exchange resources. Second, it does not appear that there is a shortage of motor vehicles in the country. One would, therefore, recommend the suspension of importation for at least three years.

It is hardly a secret that many of our professionals - doctors, lawyers, accountants, realtors, among them - have not been paying their fair share of taxes. These should be targeted. Perhaps the Government should ask the United States, Britain and Canada to assist us with tax personnel to operate a tax unit with the view to arresting the matter.

Ordinary workers' income has been classified as salaries/wages. Those of the middle and upper classes have been categorised as 'remuneration packages'. To be found in such packages would be items of allowances such as car, housing/rental, entertainment, travelling, medicare, education, free telephone, etc, and a salary component.

The effect of 'remuneration packages' minimises the beneficiaries' tax liability, to put it mildly. From a rational perspective, these packages may be perceived as tax shelters. One would recommend that these packages be fully taxed for at least a period of three years, subject to review thereafter. Review would be for the purposes of determining whether tax thresholds could be increased or rates reduced.

One understands that there are 'approved investment' instruments which are not taxed at source. Like 'remuneration packages', these instruments lend themselves to allowing the interest to escape the tax net. The minister needs to have these 'approved investment' instruments reviewed with the view to making them taxable at source.

There have been loud calls for the Government to apply a surtax to bank profits and interest on Government papers. The prime minister has rejected that path, arguing that lenders would likely increase interest rates to recoup any loss of interest income. One tends to support the position of the prime minister.

We need not panic. Let those who have benefited in the past in no simple way, and continue to benefit, put their shoulders to the wheel. Let them not allow those who would recite "Breathe there a man so dead, who had never said to himself, this is my own, my native land". Point fingers at them.

I am, etc.,

LIONEL RUSSELL

Ensom City

St Catherine