When Bruce Golding was head of the National Democratic Movement he told us that rich people don't pay taxes. He used a doctor, for example, who, if taxes were increased, would simply increase his fees, and he wouldn't drink a cheaper wine or shop at a cheaper department store, and this applied to other professionals. This means that the increase in taxes as a result of the International Monetary Funds loan agreement will not affect those who are better able to withstand the pain.

Damien King, a University of the West Indies lecturer, told us that reducing taxes on, for example, tinned beef benefits the rich more, as they are better able to afford more tinned beef than the poor.

The prime minister should by now realise that his town hall meetings and radio broadcasts have borne fruit, so there is no need to keep looking back. Most Jamaicans know who wrecked the economy; what we are concerned about is how will it be fixed. We know the huge blows caused by the US$1-billion loss due to the fallout from the bauxite industry plant closures, the US$350-million loss from remittances, and the fact that after more than two years in office, we can't sell a haemorrhaging Air Jamaica airline.

It must be a daunting task given the fact that as economist Dennis Morrison's research tells us, no country in the Latin American or Caribbean region, although lying within the spheres of influence of the United States (US), has been able to show spectacular economic development. Now that the US is in trouble, it will have an even greater negative impact on us.

Where are the trade missions to Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and other successful Asian countries who have shown spectacular economic gains despite not being within easy reach of the US? These economies are close to China and can only benefit more. More taxes will not help us; what we need is more investments.

I am, etc.,

MARK CLARKE

mark_clarke9@yahoo.com

Siloah P.O.

St Elizabeth