KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Following Tuesday’s announcement of a J$15.9 billion (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents) tax package, Finance Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips has stated that the additional tax package should not have come as a surprise as several signals had already been given. Phillips, was responding to those who have taken him to task over the timing of the announcement and for not holding consultations. In a radio interview late Wednesday, Phillips said he made it clear following a Cabinet retreat held in January that revenue measures would be included as part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
