Let me start by making a few assumptions. Let's assume, that the Government is serious about curbing crime, and has no intention of "easing up" any of their partners, contributors, etc;
Let us assume that the police service is properly run, has few corrupt police and is not influenced by politicians or others to turn a blind eye to (some) crimes;
Let us assume that the police and security services are doing everything they can to reduce crime, and bring the perpetrators to justice;
Let us assume that the judiciary is working assiduously to reduce the backlog of cases and to implement measures to streamline future cases.
Since this is what is being fed to the public, we therefore have to assume that there is no hope or future for us.But wait a minute! If memory serves me correctly, about 80 years ago the Chicago Police had a similar problem.Al Capone, one of the most wanted men in America, was never charged for murder, was never charged for gang warfare, was never charged for rum-running, prostitution or racketeering. Al Capone went to jail for tax evasion.
If as we are told the Government is serious about crime, why aren't more people being charged for tax evasion?Cepep workers (supposedly) earning $5,000 per month, yet driving million-dollar SUVs and dripping with gold?Store owners, who declare small salaries, with stores that consistently make "losses" on their tax returns, yet have several houses in posh areas and live like kings.Store owners who "forget" to charge VAT?
Once your lifestyle and assets do not coincide with your tax return, a closer investigation should be done.If the Government is serious, and the Board of Inland Revenue seriously gets involved and liaises with the police, many of our criminals, large and small, blue-collar and white-collar can be prosecuted. And once convicted, they are jailed and their assets confiscated under the proceeds of crime act.
What good is being a multi-millionaire, either from drug dealing, gang activities, bribery for contracts, or even tax evasion, if you cannot spend it?
Andrew Dalgliesh,
Diego Martin