Dear Editor,

The nine-day wonder has passed and the dust seems to be settling. The strong public outcry with regard to the humongous salary increase given to the political directorate is seemingly dissipating; it is as though we have come to some sense of acceptance and we are now moving on to other things.

However, though many have accepted this fate, there is one reality that continues to linger in my mind, and I can’t forget it. Consequently, I am gently reminding the minister of finance and the Government of Jamaica that there are still those among us who have fancy job titles with little remuneration, and we can’t breathe, we need a break.

In fact, many within the public sector have received an increase in their compensation packages, but while some people are happy with their fattened bank accounts, others are disgruntled that there is no meaningful increase to celebrate, especially as most allowances have now been consumed into the flat salary. It is clear that with these increases, the mandatory statutory deductions will also increase.

In this our island Jamaica, our political leaders are known to have short-term memories; they often cannot recall. Hence, I am reminding Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke that the line on our payslip that is labelled income tax has its foot on our necks and many of us just can’t breathe while looking at it.

Dr Clarke, we don’t need a microscope to see that there is little that we have had to smile about over the past few months. Hence, it is keen that you remain true to your words in reviewing the income tax threshold and give some of us some breathing room, at least to be better able to provide for our families and ourselves.

In addition, if you are thinking about it, there is no way we can wait until the next general election for an increase in the threshold to be included in the Jamaica Labour Party’s political campaign manifesto. If that is the thinking, by that time, sadly, many of us may stifle to death due to financial pressure. Remember us, please, Mr Minister.

Clayon Warner

claywarn@gmail.com