CASTRIES, St. Lucia– Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet Wednesday expressed concern at what he termed the “government’s tone-deaf response” to rising inflation, gas prices, and significant economic woes affecting St. Lucians.
“It seems the government’s meaning to “putting people first” is putting people first to bear the brunt of the negative impact,” Chastanet said, warning that if policies were not put in place, the island’s economic gains would be eroded, resulting in unemployment.
“It appears this Government does not understand how the economy works. What’s happening with the rise in prices is that businesses are paying more for raw materials and goods; for everything. This cost, in some cases, will be passed onto the already stretched consumer, who is another difficulty altogether.
“What will happen if businesses try to get cost savings by decreasing staff? We have to act now to keep people employed. This is unsustainable, and the Government must do all within its power to assist the private sector and save jobs.”
The Opposition Leader proposes that the Phillip Pierre government introduce two measures immediately: the decrease in import duty and the implementation of an electricity subsidy for both the business sector and households.
“People are suffering, and prices are increasing at an alarming rate. Will we watch as St. Lucian businesses close or have to choose between buying goods or firing staff? Are we going to wait for families to choose between sending their children to school or buying food? “Are we asking St. Lucians to buy medicine or take the bus to work? The Government has to act and cannot be allowed to pretend it can do nothing. As I have said before, the Government is back to pre-pandemic revenues and needs to use some of those gains to help the people of St. Lucia,” Chastanet added.
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