Dear Editor,

PLEASE let me add my two cents to this discussion on the charging of a container fee by the M&CC. A $25,000 fee on containers will result in far less than a 0.05% increase in the cost of imports — a less-than-inconsequential sum.Objections to this fee by the importers seem to be reactionary and defensive. There is obvious need for the City to increase its revenue base to support and maintain a clean City. This revenue base cannot be supported indefinitely by Central Government.

Imposition of the fee is, however, poorly thought out and implemented. This must be done in collaboration with Government, and the fees and other charges should be collected by the wharves and remitted to the M&CC prior to the containers being released.
ROY BEEPAT