NDP calls for urgent measures to address St Vincent’s high cost of living
By Joanne Clark··2 min read
The New Democratic Party’s (NDP) president in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday, has renewed his appeal for the government to address the soaring cost of living in the nation.
Opposition's criticism of Government's inaction
According to a statement by the NDP, Dr Friday detailed the severity of the situation in a national address in August 2022, stressing the urgency of the matter.
The opposition is criticizing the government for its alleged failure to implement measures to curb the climbing cost of living.
The NDP’s stance is that this lack of action demonstrates the government’s disconnect from the reality of escalating prices and the hardship faced by citizens.
Dr Friday shared the widespread struggles of people and emphasized the necessity for a long-term strategy aimed at creating higher-paying jobs to enhance the standard of living.
In addition, he expressed the NDP’s commitment to providing support to Vincentians through a 5-point action plan.
The government’s response to these concerns has been met with skepticism by Dr Friday, who challenged officials to connect with the populace and understand their financial concerns, especially with the approaching school year.
Dr Godwin Friday, Opposition leader, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The NDP's 5-point action plan to support Vincentians
The action plan proposed by the NDP encompasses the following strategies:
Reduce VAT from 16 per cent down to 13 per cent
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 concluded by stressing that the moment to act has arrived, and the NDP will consistently put the nation's interests above any political or public relations concerns.
