KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson has criticised the government’s proposed revenue measures for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, arguing that the new taxes will hurt vulnerable Jamaicans and slow economic growth.
Speaking during the budget debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Robinson said the tax package included in the Estimates of Expenditure would place additional financial pressure on households already facing economic challenges. The government expects the measures to generate about J$30 billion (One Jamaican dollar = 0.008 cents) in new revenue in the upcoming fiscal year.
Robinson particularly criticised the proposed tax on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages, saying the policy is unlikely to change consumer behaviour and will instead increase the cost of living for poorer Jamaicans.
He also opposed the increase in the environmental levy, warning that businesses would likely pass on the additional costs to consumers through higher prices.
The opposition legislator said a government led by the People’s National Party would adopt a different approach to raising revenue.
Robinson outlined an alternative plan expected to generate about Jo$10 billion without introducing new taxes. His proposal includes introducing an electronic invoicing system through the Tax Administration of Jamaica, which would automatically record sales transactions and improve tax compliance.
He said the system could generate about $8.6 billion in additional revenue by reducing underreporting and ensuring taxes are properly collected at the point of sale. Robinson cited examples from countries such as Chile, Mexico, and Peru, where similar systems increased tax revenues.
The opposition spokesman also proposed establishing a Digital Nomad Programme to attract remote workers to Jamaica. Under the initiative, foreign professionals would be allowed to live and work in the country while employed overseas.
Robinson suggested charging a US$2,000 visa fee and targeting about 5,000 participants in the first year, which he said could generate about $1.5 billion while boosting spending in the tourism and services sectors.
He also called for targeted transfers from public entities with surplus funds, including the Bank of Jamaica and the Factories Corporation of Jamaica.
Robinson further proposed ending the annual $11.4 billion withdrawal from the National Housing Trust, arguing the funds should instead be used to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Melissa and support construction activity.
In addition, he recommended saving about $2 billion by postponing plans for a new corporate headquarters for the Airports Authority of Jamaica.
Robinson said the opposition’s proposals would leave a revenue gap of about $15.6 billion, which he suggested could be financed through additional treasury bills, slightly increasing the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio.
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