Concern is being raised by Sabbath keepers about plans by government to introduce Saturday operations at select tax offices in every parish.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams made the announcement yesterday, saying the plan by Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is aimed at improving taxpayer convenience and boosting revenue  collection.

 It’s also to ease congestion at the offices during the week.

TAJ now provides weekend services every last Saturday at selected locations.

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Nigel Coke says the organisation supports government’s efforts to improve tax collection. 

However he states that  the rights of sabbath keepers must be respected.

He notes that at the  religious liberty summit held in January the government and trade unions committed to religious freedoms and respecting the rights of workers.

The Finance Minister said the dates for opening of tax offices on Saturdays will be announced.

Mr. Coke points out that while government has indicated support for workers’ religious rights, managers or supervisors may not comply.

He expects the issue to be raised with the minister at a meeting scheduled for later this month.