A Jamaican man who re-turned to the island after being away for 25 years is happy to see some of the changes in the country.

He is particularly happy to see that as of next month there will be free health care for the citizens.

"It is really good news to learn that the Government plans to give free health care to the citizens, because for a country to prosper the citizens must be able to go to a doctor when they are sick and not have to worry about doctor bills or hospital bills," he said.

"I used to live in St Catherine before I left Jamaica and to tell you the truth, I remember when my grandmother was ill there were days when we could not find money to take her to the doctor.

"I am not ashamed to tell you that many times that we had to boil bush remedy for my grandmother, who had a stomach ailment. My mother did not work and my father, who was a farmer, was the sole breadwinner so we could hardly find money to pay a doctor.

"The previous Government must also be commended for taking the first step to provide free health care for the children and likewise I must commend the present Government for taking the giant step to provide free health care for everyone.

"I understand that some people are debating as to where the money will come from to provide the services, but it has happened in other countries so I cannot see why it cannot happen here.

"Jamaicans must learn to be optimistic and work hard. I notice that there are so many young men idling about the place and it seems some of them do not want to work. It is a shame.

"I am also ashamed to know that business people have to be dragged to court to pay their taxes. So how do these people expect a country to flourish if they do not pay taxes that are due to the Government?"

The Tax Collection Act which came into effect in August 1867 gives the collector of taxes the authority to collect taxes on behalf of the Government, and also to bring delinquent taxpayers to court.