Getting maximum benefit from donations

THE EDITOR: But seriously, will our hurricane victims get the true worth of our donations? Trinidadians and Tobagonians are generous and sometimes, overly generous. Disaster strikes. A need arises. An appeal is made. And we start to donate. Even hurricane stricken Tobago is sending supplies to Grenada. But what is it worth? An imported product has a landed price. To this is added customs/import taxes and VAT. The importer then adds a profit margin before selling to the wholesaler/distributor. The wholesaler/distributor then adds a profit before selling to the retailer. The retailer then adds a profit before selling to the consumer. Similarly, a locally manufactured product has a manufactured price. To this is added the manufacturers’ profit and VAT, before selling to the wholesaler/distributor. The wholesaler/distributor then adds a profit before selling to the retailer.

The retailer then adds a profit before selling to the consumer. The consumer therefore receives a product that maybe 50 percent to 100 percent and possibly more than the landed or manufactured price. When the public is asked to donate to the disaster and charitable effort, we spend $1.50 or $2 for a product of $1 We therefore contribute to the profits of everyone in the business chain, including the Treasury, which is the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, one of our financial institutions should create a fund. This fund should be managed by persons of impeccable credibility and integrity. Hence it excludes the Government, the Ministry of Health and I dare say the Regional Health Authorities. The fund will then seek from local manufacturers, products at the manufacturers’ price, excluding all profits and taxes.

The Government must make all tax concessions. Foreign products should be excluded. By utilising only local products, we ensure the viability of the manufacturing sector. We create jobs, both directly and indirectly. Manufacturers can then advertise their effort and product for free. Local products will now be in the hands of the people of Tobago, Grenada, St Vincent, Barbados and Jamaica. This is a form of advertisement at virtually no cost to the local manufacturers and Trinidad and Tobago. Even trade missions will never be able to achieve such widespread reaching out. Instead of John Public individually spending $2 to purchase one item, John Public should be encouraged to collectively contribute $2 for the purchase of two items. But seriously, let us collectively contribute wisely to achieve maximum benefits.

PHILIP AYOUNG-CHEE FRCS
San Fernando