The United Progressive Party strongly disagrees with the hike of gas and
diesel to prices above $15 per gallon, as announced by Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance Gaston Browne on the weekend.
It is ironic that these increases went into effect today, March 15, which is
recognized as World Consumer Rights Day.
The consumers in this country – both the business sector and private
individuals – have a right to an explanation and justification for such drastic
increases at a time like this.
We remind the Prime Minister that Antigua and Barbuda are still in the early
stages of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic during which his
Administration REFUSED TO PROVIDE A STIMULUS, even as 1,000 small
businesses went under.
Many residents are still unemployed or underemployed since their
termination from LIAT (1974) Ltd., from Jolly Beach Resort, and from CAS,
and Tamarind Hills Resort and Rex Halycon Cove remain closed.
Taxi drivers and vendors who were deprived of any income at all during the
the shutdown of tourism activities are still struggling to stay afloat, along with
farmers, many retail businesses, and pensioners.
It is unconscionable that – without consultation with the people – and not just
energy-sector stakeholders – the Browne Administration has unilaterally
taken a decision that will increase the cost of living for every single resident
and business.
Further, Prime Minister Browne owes the country an explanation and,
perhaps an apology, for the about-face adopted by the management of the
West Indies Oil Company, of which the people are majority shareholders. It
cannot be right to assure consumers that they are in a comfortable position
for six months and then, without notice or cushion, hit them in the pocket
with an over 25% increase in fuel prices.
When the Government was purchasing fuel at rock-bottom prices, the
consumers got no relief; no savings was passed on to them. What, then,
justifies these immediate and cruel hikes now?
The Prime Minister has asked the operators of public transportation to “hold
the strain” in the hope that the increases will be short-lived. Why can the
Government, which has enjoyed the unprecedented income from the
consumption tax all these years do not hold strain, itself, in the interest of the
people?
We call for a reversal of the decision to increase fuel prices until and unless
there has been consultation with the people and for consumers to resist the
implementation of this unfair and brutal action.
