Twelve (12) months ago, the President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr Godwin Friday, called on the government to immediately address the cost-of-living crisis in the country. One year later, the crisis remains. Most Vincentians are desperately looking for relief. Yet, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government has not done anything to ease the cost of living burden of Vincentians.
Most Vincentians are experiencing severe hardship and are pleading for help. They want the government to implement measures that will see a reduction in their cost of living. Low wages, high unemployment and increased poverty have made the situation dire. As cost-of-living increases, our standard of living falls. Life has become more difficult for families, many of whom are now forgoing essentials and cutting back in every way they can. It is a sad reality that those who have the least are hit the hardest. Spending on necessities takes up a larger portion of their income.
As you traverse this country, you hear the cries of mothers who are worried about how they are going to afford school registration fees. They are also scrambling to put together money to buy textbooks and other school supplies for the upcoming school year. Most families are unable to buy basic food. Recently, hundreds of Vincentians had their electricity disconnected by VINLEC. None of this should be happening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The fact is, monthly inflation data from the government’s Statistics Department shows that average inflation on a month-by-month basis for the first six (6) months of this year is higher than in the same period last year. With this information and the failure to act, it definitely shows that the government does not care about the poor and working class in this country.
The government keeps saying they are doing enough, but the truth is they are doing the bare minimum. The government has not done enough to address this crisis. Our economic growth is weak. Our economic growth is the lowest of members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. This is a government, which is definitely out of touch with the needs of the people. Instead, they sponsor parties and events. For example, the recently held Emancipation Day concert. The government had a baseline budget of EC$522,000 to host that concert to mark CARICOM’s 50th anniversary. Is this really what our people need at this time?
The NDP stands on your side during this crisis. We hear you and your concerns. We know that everyday living is becoming more and more difficult. We know the struggle to pay your bills; to keep the lights on; to put food on your table; to clothe and send your children to school. It is challenging for most Vincentians. Taking into consideration that there has been an increase of poverty since the ULP gained power. For instance, the poverty report, which was shelved by the government, concluded that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is worse than when the ULP gained power in 2001. It stated that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines moved from 30.2% of the population in 2008 to 36.1 % in 2018. And, the indigence level had moved from 2.9% to 11.3% in the country of 110,000 people.
At the heart of tackling this crisis, is the need to create more and better paying jobs for everyone in this country. It is only by increasing wages can we help people across the country enjoy a better standard of living and insulate them from the worst of this cost of living crisis. We need resolved and focused leadership to tackle this challenge, but this is lacking in the ULP government. The NDP has a committed team with an honest leader who has a vision and plan to improve the standard of living in this country. Vincentians deserve better. We have been suffering for too long.
The following is a statement by the party: Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Honourable Dr Godwin Friday, has renewed his call for the government to take action to tackle the high cost of living in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
In August 2022, Dr Friday outlined in a national address, the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action. Twelve (12) months later, the government has not implemented any measure to reduce the rising cost of living. It shows that the government is out of touch with the reality of high prices and hard times for our people.
Dr Friday said, “Go into any store, talk to any person and they will tell you, they are struggling, and they need relief. In the long term, we need a national strategy to create more and better paying jobs to raise the standard of living for every person in our country. Our people need support now. That is why the NDP has proposed a 5-point action plan that would provide support to Vincentians. The government members are saying they are doing all they can, but I challenge any one of them to go on a walkabout, go into a shop, and talk to people, they are worried about expenses and making ends meet ahead of the upcoming school year.”
The NDP’s plan include:
Reduce VAT from 16% down to 13%
Reduce the Customs Service charge,“the Big Tax on Everything”
Increase support for lower income families
Reduce the impact of the fuel surcharge on VINLEC bills
Review the list of VAT items with a view to increasing the number of zero-rated items.
Dr Friday added, “The time for action is now. The NDP will always prioritise the national interest ahead of any political or public relations considerations.”