If not property tax, where will $$ come from?

THE EDITOR: The truth does not automatically set any and everybody free, certainly not in TT.

A general election was handsomely won in 2010 by the People's Partnership. One could say that electoral success flew on the wings of the "Axe the Tax" slogan. The electorate was excitedly freed of that personal concern.

Why is a tax on property so important? Because that golden revenue collected, facilitates what we deeply envy and defines the differences between us and the First World. Perfect utilities, the provision of water, electricity and perfect roadways.

But all of this comes through taxation, including on properties, both home and commercial. These taxes finance public-utilities perfection. Questions surrounding sabotage of vital equipment never make it to social media. Everything works, ent?

Property taxes are paid without unnecessary confusion as it is part of normal life in successful countries.

The actual amount of taxation on homes depends on where you live. If you are considered as living in an expensive area, you pay more.

We live in TT, which is indeed a dream world. We walked away from property tax, and in the process lost billions of dollars in revenue to the government. Yet we all expect perfect utilities. But for free?

Hundreds of trained staff and expensive equipment to provide amenities will not drop out of the sky.

Can evading the necessity of property taxation on homes win another general election? Will this depend on who you are? Where you live? If you constructed your own home at private expense and great personal denial, then does this mean you do not owe the government anything?

How can the educated still expect the accoutrements of the First World when the reality is that nothing in life is for free?

This letter is not about which government is in power. Or is it?

Will any successful government be expected to provide free water and electricity? Fix potholes immediately if not sooner? Build bridge after bridge and fix extensive flooding for free?

Where will the money come from to stave off the debilitating aspects of climate change and still pay public-sector workers?

Is this letter addressing the smallest of the political fine print surrounding property-tax evasion? Can a political party board the same bus named Property Tax and ride into power at general election 2025?

LYNETTE JOSEPH

Diego Martin