Punitive tax on homeowners

In fact a good gauge of a community’s desirability is reflected in the quality and standard of houses.

While I agree with some form of nominal property tax, the infliction of punitive taxation on all homes is an attack on the freedom and enjoyment of personal property. This is typical PNM-style fiscal policy where self-reliance and property pride are penalised to encourage State dependence and lacklustre, mediocre, Third World accommodation.

Reduction in Government’s wanton spending and the curtailing of wasteful projects and penalising officials for costly mistakes will obviate the need for much of the $500 million estimated harvest from the property tax. I am therefore in no mood to enhance my property in any way and in fact may have it “run down” to lessen my liability.

Ugly houses reflect an ugly country.

I can also assure all citizens that this tax will be passed on to the lower and middle classes with a pernicious multiplier effect. Do you know that super grade housing where rent is collected in US dollars are exempted? Future generations are robbed via depletion of the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund and the current generation is being brutalised via taxation. I hope the next administration is kinder.

Listen to the ground well, Mr Minister of Finance.

ALTON DANIEL via email