The Dread 2010

From all indications the new year will be dread. Like the numerical symbolism, we will probably have to cut in half our standard of living—starting with 20 and ending with 10.

The “bad” news is that the government has decided to levy 17.5% GCT on all criticisms/new ideas/leadership initiatives. The “good” news is that government itself is exempt from paying GCT and there is not much to be realized from the Opposition.

That Jamaica has a substantial fiscal deficit is an unquestionable fact. All are experts in how we got into this situation. But we are in a pickle and no experts have come forward with any workable plan. Lots of hope and wishes. Voodoo economics and bandooloism abound. The sad fact is that we have a systemic leadership deficit.

Watch the games being played. The Minister of Finance announces a dreaded tax package in Parliament at a special sitting. The Prime Minister announces the “revised” package on TV. Why is it that the bearer of the bad news is not the one to announce the “acommodation”? Who negotiated such a horrible package with the IMF? Is Audley Flaw being set up? Will the real Minister of Finance please stand up?

Given the dismal record of the named (and maimed) Minister of Finance, we have to question seriously the notion of collective responsibility. On each and every occasion, did the Cabinet approve the taxation package to be announced?

We can only hope that Audley Shaw’s middle name is neither Stephen, Stewart, Samuel or Sidney. For then it would be more than destiny if he turns out to be a perfect A.S.S.