Dear Editor,
Please let me add my two cents to the discussion on container fees. A $25,000.00 fee on containers will result in far less than a 0.05% increase in import costs, a very inconsequential sum. Objections to this seem to be a reactionary and defensive response by the importers. There is obvious need for the municipality to increase its revenue base to support and maintain a clean city, since it cannot be supported indefinitely by central government. However the imposition of the fee is poorly thought out and implemented; it must be done in collaboration with government, and the fees should be collected by the wharfs to be paid prior to release of the containers along with other charges, and then remitted to the M&CC.
Owing to several factors, this should be done very carefully and should be regulated so this fee does not escalate uncontrollably and cause distress to businesses and consumers. A new dispensation of public-private cooperation on these national issues is what is required, to ensure that the paths taken are the correct ones and we do not suffer the serious consequences of ill-advised planning.
Yours faithfully,
Roy Beepat
Chairman
Giftland Group