Dear Editor,

Some more items have been zero- rated for VAT in this year’s Budget but just one week later, the same items’ prices have skyrocketed. This is unfair to us consumers.

Why not have desks in New Amsterdam with GRA staff to visit the business places in the entire Region Six area? The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) must know the prices of those items imported in this country. The price increases need to be justifiable and verified.

The price of powdered milk and split peas has risen. Split peas have jumped from $45. per pint to $95. per pint and this item has been zero- rated. I urge the IRS to check the East Canje area.

This is grossly unfair to the consumer as we suffer at the hands of these unscrupulous businessmen.

Yours faithfully,

J Marakhan