The Government of Jamaica continues to encourage businesses to return to downtown Kingston. The latest in this drive is the tax break being offered to these businesses if they set up offices downtown. This is being done under the Urban Renewal Tax Relief Act (1995). Which will see the tax credit moving from 25% to 33.33%.


While this seems like a brilliant idea on the face of it, there is a lot to be considered. One remembers that just last week, the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) was saying that if Christopher 'Dudas" Coke was extradited to the US, that downtown could be disrupted by crime.


Downtown is still controlled by extortionist. Dudas and Zekes ( who is now in prison) have controlled the level of crime in downtown, operating a system of justice, where criminals know that if they commit crime they will face severe punishment. However, can the Government continue to condone such behavior? If businesses are to return downtown, they may be required to pay extortion or be asked to leave. The police to a large extent has failed to provide the security that these 'dons' provide. It seems that the approach of the 'dons' work in downtown and some other areas, but at what cost. Taxpayers are already burdened by all the taxes they pay, and still have to find money to pay extortionist. This system is not feasible.


The Government has failed to mention what protection will be given to these businesses when they return to downtown. Are we going to continue to ignore real issues? There is dire poverty all across downtown Kingston. One just has to take a drive throughout the communities and it is glaring. What is the plan for these communities? Why are these communities even in the downtown area? If downtown is to be a business capital, then what are the plans for these communities? Will they have to be moved?


Businesses cannot thrive for long when poverty is all around. Crime will increase for sure. If 'Dudas" is extradited, then you can expect that crime will be on the increase. What plans does Government have in terms of working with these area leaders to change the extortion system that is now in place. It would be really crazy for businesses to just move without considering all the issues at hand.


However, if businesses are willing to fork out money every month to pay extortionist, then go right ahead. But bear in mind, that even when your businesses are not doing well, you still have to pay. We have recently seen where Phil's Hardware was fire bombed because they could not pay extortionists. The tax break is great, but not anything new.. The Government needs to have a clear vision for Jamaica, right now it seems as if there is no one at the wheel, the country's affairs are on auto pilot....