BASSETERRE ST KITTS - In his Post-Nomination Day message, leader of the St Kitts Nevis Labour Party and the Federation's next Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, says the price of food and gas will be reduced within the first month of taking office. Addressing another massive rally at the Conaree Lawn on Wednesday July 27, 2022, Dr Drew was very emphatic in declaring war on the cost of living that is burdening the country under the failed Team Unity Government led by the outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris.
Dr. Drew stated, "I want to start by assuring you of our commitment to containing and managing the cost of living in St. Kitts and Nevis. We have gone around this country and we have heard the cries of the people. A St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party government will lower the cost of living for persons resident here" .
To start this process, he continued, "One of our first tasks will be to sit with food importers and devise a mechanism for containing the prices of key essential items. We are not talking here just about food....and the basket of popular goods. We are talking about life's necessities. There are certain items that we must purchase each month and the government will pursue a policy that will guarantee a reasonable return on investment by importers but at the same time contain the final mark-up price to the consumer".
Dr. Drew also noted, "This would involve a review of existing tariffs as well as price subsidies...but I want to make it clear that the focus of our government shall be about the welfare and well-being of persons resident on these islands and such policies will involve a rethink of how we manage and disburse funds from the Citizens By Investment Program".
As it relates to the price of gas, the SKNLP leader related the burden on the majority of motorists to put fuel in their vehicles due the astronomical price at the pump. To relieve this stress, Dr. Drew explained, "We shall determine what is a reasonable, affordable rate for the sale of gas and diesel to motorists....and anything above that figure, will have to be borne by the government, and its revenue generating agencies, until such time as the global price is normalized and we can have market prices that are affordable to motorists".
The candidate poised to be the fourth Prime Minister of St Kitts Nevis gave a commitment that by August 31, 2022, an announcement will be made regarding the price of fuel. He concluded by saying, "Already our economic team is telling me that they can return retail prices to, at minimum, March 31, 2022 levels. But I give you the assurance tonight, that there shall be a cut in the price of fuel to you and that price cut shall remain in effect for the rest of the year....in spite of whatever happens in the global markets".
This news invoked a massive gulp of relief, as members of the entrenched audience reflected on the continuous increase on the price of basic commodities, and the highest price of fuel in the OECS. Dr. Drew closed the night by encouraging all within the sound of his voice to vote for all eight candidates of SKNLP'S A-TEAM in order for A NEW DAY AND A BETTER WAY to become reality.