High cost of living totally unacceptable

More and more citizens have repeatedly voiced their displeasure over the increasing costs of basic food items, which are contributing significantly to the ascending inflation rate. The inordinate and ridiculous prices of powdered milk, rice, flour, sugar, just to name a few that now prevail on the grocery shelves are taking a severe financial toll on many families across the country. Government has to this point failed to effectively address this worrying trend. The recent announcement of Junior Finance Minister Conrad Enill however, on Government’s intention to address this injustice in the upcoming fiscal package has provided some temporary comfort. Kindly allow me the space to highlight two initiatives which can impact positively on this worsening problem.

Remove Value Added Tax (15%) from Gasolene and Diesel products. This measure will result in lower costs of transporting goods and services and ultimately reduce the cost of food items. The financial burden on our citizens will be eased significantly once this move is undertaken. I believe the removal of VAT from the price at the pump will also stimulate growth in the non-energy sector since more individuals, particularly young people will be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship without incurring high operational expenses for transportation and delivery.

The second point is the persistent ill-treatment of the agricultural sector by those in authority. We have not utilised the vast areas of agricultural lands throughout the country to the benefit of all. Farmers are beset by praedial larceny; flooding; inadequate agricultural access roads; high costs of fertilisers and machinery — the list goes on. What mechanisms have the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders implemented to date to help these disadvantaged members of society. The incentives given to farmers who have experienced severe losses every year due to flooding are inadequate to say the least. It is time the Government of the day realise the full potential of the agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago. A revival in agriculture can impact on our current food import bill, provide employment for citizens who are not qualified in other fields of endeavour and most importantly reduce the prices of vegetables on the local market.

I strongly urge you Mr Manning, please, please, place more emphasis on easing the plight of the poor in the next budget. The issues of food security, high cost of living must be dealt with holistically. At a time when our country is earning major revenue from oil and gas reserves it is imperative that this economic fortune trickles down to the most vulnerable in society. There is no excuse for the untenable hardships some of us are confronted by on a daily basis. The time has come for all citizens to benefit from our country’s wealth. Take heed now Mr PM.