Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
November 20, 2007 (CUOPM)
With the St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Government of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas setting the pace on price control in the region, other Caribbean nations are now weighing in as consumers in other nations, grow increasingly frustrated at the rising cost of food prices including basic items like milk, sugar, rice and flour.
After weeks of discussion on the growing concern in St. Kitts and Nevis with the identification of a basket of food and non-food items, the signing of a Price Control Order and an amicable arrangement between Government and owners of bakeries to freeze bread and other bakery products, CARICOM leaders have agreed in principle to discuss the issue.
Earlier this month St. Kitts and Nevis signed a Price Control Order aimed at limiting prices of a basket of goods.
Twenty-nine items comprising basic food items such as chicken, meats, fish and rice as well as non-food goods including toothpaste, disposable diapers, and some pharmaceutical products are addressed in the Price Control Order.
Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris said the price control initiative is a direct intervention by Government to protect consumers and small businesses from the spiraling costs of goods, and to achieve a level of moderation in the cost of living.
Read More
