ARTICLE - EDUCATION TAX AFFECTS CALLING CARDS

EDUCATION TAX IN EFFECT AS $2 CALLING CARDS DROP FROM 22 MINUTES TO 6 MINUTES
(Defend Haiti)- By Jonel Juste

MIAMI - Taxes on international calls and transfers of money came into force Thursday and are already affecting the diaspora community.

"There it is, this is what we deserve, we helped him get elected and this is how he thanks us", says Jeannette, a woman standing outside of a shop in Miami where she came to find out that a $2 calling card to Haiti lasts little more than 6 minutes; down from the usual 22 minutes.

Indeed, taxes on international calls and transfers of money came into force on the 15th of June to support the country's free education program. In the program, President Martelly's government will collect 5 cents per minute on every international call and $1.50 on each international money transfer.

At a Dominican shop in Miami, a poster announced the new measures. The cashier with a strong Hispanic accent explained to each purchaser that the number of minutes on a $2 calling card to Haiti fell to six, and that it is a decision of the new Haitian President.

"Me, I got 4 minutes on my calling card", complained Sergeline, who commented via a social network.

"Now when I send 50 dollars to Haiti, the recipient receives only $48.50", she continues.

Reacting also to the news, David, a Haitian immigrant and member of a union in Florida, said that it is an "illegal and arbitrary decision made by Martelly."

"This is not only the diaspora who challenges these taxes, but even members of Parliament in Haiti." "These taxes have no formal framework, and as always they are the poorest who are drinking", he continued.

David, living for a decade in Florida, asked who in the diaspora did President Martelly contact before applying these taxes.

"I do not think that he has met with any organization of the Haitian diaspora but only those responsible for telephone companies and transfer offices", arguing that political activists should "organize in response to President Martelly."

Other fellow citizens, supporting President Martelly, support this decision and argue that the diaspora should be taxed more. "If it is for the good of the people, I support it", said André in Fort Lauderdale.

Jean-Louis, of New Jersey, fears that one side of the aftermath of these taxes are a decrease in calls and transfers to Haiti.