Ja: Money, money, money!

The Port Authority of Jamaica is trying to recoup its security outlay in one shot. In their bid to do that, they're squeezing businesses. If the Port Authority doesn't relent, look for an increase in smuggling as businessmen find loopholes and ways around the onerous financial burden posed by higher port fees.

SEVERAL EXPORTERS, importers and other commercial interests are objecting to the higher inspection fees being demanded by the Port Authority of Jamaica as part of its effort to recoup the more than US$50 million which it spent on improving security at the seaports.

Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Beverley Lopez, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), and Doreen Frankson, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA), said the combined private sector had written to the Port Authority expressing concern and counter proposals.

Mrs. Lopez said that both sides had been meeting to discuss the fees which, they fear, would make import and export businesses more uncompetitive, compared with the country's trading partners.

She said that the two sides had met as late as Thursday, when the PSOJ requested a reduction in some fees. "My impression was that they were agreed on and they were supposed to send some new calculations," she said.

The Port Authority should know that nobody eats a bread by stuffing the whole loaf in his mouth. One bite at a time. Gently, gently.