Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has delivered a scathing assessment of the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration’s economic performance, accusing the government of plunging the transport sector and ordinary citizens into financial chaos through reckless and poorly timed fuel price increases.
Dr. Gonsalves highlighted that the recent $3.70 per gallon increase has sent minibus operators into a tailspin, forcing them to find an additional $75 to $120 per day just to fill their tanks. “You cannot hit a minibus operator with an increase of that magnitude all at once,” Gonsalves argued, noting that the monthly increase of roughly $2,400 matches or exceeds a typical minibus bank loan payment, threatening to drive operators off the road.
The Opposition Leader revealed that the crisis was entirely preventable, having predicted fuel shocks as early as March following military conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran. He accused the government of being “tardy” and “lazy” for over 10 weeks, racking up an estimated $12 million debt to SOL & Rubis rather than introducing gradual, manageable adjustments.
Dr. Gonsalves characterized the current governance as the NDP’s “Fiscal Austerity Retrogressive Transition (FART) programme,” which he defined as an attempt to “balance the books on the backs of the poor, working people, and farmers.” He criticized Prime Minister Friday’s recent waiver of the 5% customs service charge and freight adjustments as empty measures that will be absorbed by importers and never reach consumers.
The Opposition demands immediate, targeted relief measures, including: Specific fuel subsidies for minibuses and taxis; the reinstatement of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA); direct financial assistance to the 3,000 most vulnerable households; and the implementation of strict price controls and subsidies on essential dietary staples, such as rice and flour.
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