Dear Editor,

HOW does a government credibly assert its right to throw the book at tax dodgers, while at the same time unilaterally breaching wage agreements with its own workers in the public sector, and with such bravado? How reasonable is it for the government to expect the public to understand that it simply “cannot afford” to pay outstanding money to public sector workers, while it hardly spares a thought for persons who, for numerous reasons, may have genuine difficulty paying certain taxes? It may be the case that the dwindling fortunes of the small business class may have led many to operate, unwittingly, I must add, under the tax radar.

And, having advised public sector workers, en passant, during a tax package parliamentary presentation about an imminent unilaterally imposed wage freeze, notwithstanding the existence of an unexpired memorandum of understanding, how does the government expect immediate compliance by the increasingly burdened taxpayer? Perhaps the government harbours notions of lordship over the beggarly masses, who have no other recourse than to obey the overlords that have imposed their unique brand of government on a beleaguered nation.

No economy can perform optimally unless every eligible taxpayer meets his tax liabilities. This is to be encouraged. A significantly improved tax compliance rate does translate to a better level of service to citizens, all things being equal. But as the government drops its heavy hand in gathering the tax dollar, it must be reminded of its moral obligation to honour agreements made with its workers, instead of the obstinacy, insults, and dismissive attitude demonstrated of late.

The government’s much publicised attempt to close down an allegedly tax-owing popular sports bar in Kingston under the glare of TV cameras last year has left a bad taste in the mouths of many.

If aggrieved public sector workers who are owed billions should take their cue from the state in going for the overkill, and take seriously disruptive industrial action, would the government have the moral authority to berate their actions? Then, is it not conceivable that persons who owe taxes are similarly broke, spent and extended like the government, and need the kind of breathing space that is being asked of the public sector workers by the Finance Ministry?

It is clear that while the government has the legal authority to levy and collect taxes, it is losing its moral authority to demand compliance in light of its own failure to honour agreements hammered out in good faith. We are witnessing an unprecedented squandering of social capital, so painstakingly built up at the bargaining table and through other social compacts. Rather than be elevated, as promised prior to the last elections, the governance threshold is being systematically lowered by an increasingly morally bankrupt government.

Wat Ching

St Andrew

wat.ching@yahoo.com