Negril.com Arts and Culture Blog

Bookophilia heads encourage

Jamaicans to fight with the pen

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

IN AN ONLINE campaign begun by one-year-old Bookophilia, Jamaicans are being mobilised to bring about change in Jamaica through the gift of writing. This signifies that Jamaica has come a long way since its independence, with the citizens now assuming a new role of holding government officials accountable. This especially when it comes to the literacy and advancement of the island’s natives.

Led by the representatives of Bookophilia bookstore and club, Kingston, Jamaicans are being challenged to take a stand against, and, to insist on a repeal of taxes which will affect all Jamaicans.

This is in direct response to an imposed the new literacy tax by the Government. Accordingly under the category of “Books, Newspapers and Education” - previously tax-exempt, books and reading material as of Monday, April 27 are being taxed.

“Books, Newspapers and Education” [are defined as]:
10. Printed matter, articles and materials such as –
(a) brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for religious purposes and books other than schoolbooks and booklets
(b) newspapers journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated
(c) children’s picture books and painting books;
(d) maps and hydrographic charts and similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps and topographical plans, printed globes (terrestrial or celestial).”

The revision issued on Monday is that religious materials and educational materials (as defined by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue) will be tax-exempt.

In 2003, similar attempt to impose a similar tax failed after swift action from citizens who protested and lobbied in unison.

Bookophilia heads negotiate the imposition as unfair, in a country where the literacy rate is already woefully low. In a recent release they also argue “We have to make our leadership understand that the list of MOE textbooks is too narrow a definition of “educational”. Every children’s book is educational - and reading of any book should be encouraged.

They also propose that the move will also present a practical difficulty in how this would be implemented. For example definitions on religious and educational books seemingly remain unclear.

Questions proposed are Is Mother Teresas biography a religious book? What about books by the Dalai Lama? Is a book on Caribbean politics educational? What about a great work of literature like say a copy of War and Peace? How long will it take to clear goods on the wharf as Customs officers try to decipher which of the 1000 different titles in a shipment should attract tax? 

Already the team has demonstrated the advantage of being literate, at least computer literate.

In a posted note on Facebook, contact information for both the Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Member of Parliament (info@cabinet.gov.jm; info@mof.gov.jm; FitzAlbert_2@yahoo.com)

Supporters are then asked to copy, edit and pesonalise the letter below into a personal e-mail to the above addresses. 

>>>>>>>>> sample letter >>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Prime Minister Golding and Minister Shaw:

As a concerned citizen, I am writing this letter to urge you and your colleagues to act swiftly to repeal the tax on books. Protecting our ability to access books and affordable reading material is critical to our nation’s development.

I urge you to stand with us on this issue and keep all books affordable for the people of Jamaica. I am particularly concerned about the following:

1. That only the MOE list of approved textbooks or religious texts are exempted - This narrow definition, limited to MOE approved textbooks and books deemed religious by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, is unacceptable. We believe that all books, especially children’s books, are of educational value.

2. That reading, books and education are not luxury items to be taxed for quick returns and short-term revenue gains. We demand that our government take a long-term view of this issue and its impact on the future of our nation.

3. That with the impact of recent devaluation, the price of books has already increased and this tax will put many books beyond the reach of the average citizen.

We have the right to develop into a literate and educated society. Citizens must have access to diverse and affordable reading material. Reading of any and all types of material, must be strongly encouraged by our government.

I strongly urge you to act now to repeal this tax and allow all books and reading material to remain tax-exempt.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

Sincerely,

………………………
(your name)

Up to publication time, the number of participants or letters submitted remains unknown.