Economic Power Dynamics in Jamaica: A Call for Change

Contributed By Michael Spence

The current state of governance in Jamaica has raised questions about the distribution of power and economic opportunities. While the government is supposed to serve the people, it appears that real power lies with those who hold economic sway. 

This is particularly evident in the plantation economic model (PEM), where those at the top exercise significant control over workers.

This system bears an uncomfortable resemblance to the exploitative practices of the past, where slave drivers wielded absolute power over enslaved people. Today, the tools of control have evolved, with technology and artificial intelligence playing a significant role in shaping the narrative and maintaining the status quo.

One glaring example of this economic imbalance is the tax system. 

Plantation workers bear a disproportionate burden of direct taxes, while certain industries, such as hotels and agriculture, enjoy exemptions and incentives. The Hotel Incentives Act and Agriculture Incentives Act provide generous benefits to these sectors, but do these benefits trickle down to the workers?

The disparity is stark when comparing the tax exemptions enjoyed by ministers, MPs, and senior civil servants to the high taxes paid by ordinary citizens. 

The selective application of tax laws and customs duties creates an uneven playing field, where those with economic power are shielded from the same burdens faced by others.

The recent scandal at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) highlights the consequences of this system.

The importation of goods without paying customs duties and taxes undermines the integrity of our institutions and perpetuates corruption.

To create a more equitable society, it's essential to level the economic playing field. 

This can be achieved by reforming the tax system; eliminating direct taxation would eliminate the need for so many exemptions and ensure that everyone contributes their fair share. 

By doing so, we can reduce corruption, crime, and fear, thus building a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all Jamaicans.

Michael Spence

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