During a UWP Press Conference held in April 2024, former Economic Development Minister Guy Joseph brought to the attention of the general public the lack of availability of boxes for farmers to sell and export their produce. This lack of planning and preparation by the Government had been going on for weeks until it was highlighted by Mr. Joseph.
During this press conference, Mr. Joseph went on to suggest to the Prime Minister that atleast $1 Million should be allocated to compensate the farmers who were negatively affected by this situation. Whilst making his 2024/2025 budget presentation, Prime Minister Pierre initially announced that an allocation of $500,000 would be made to compensate farmers. The UWP argued that this is was not enough to compensate farmers who had lost millions of dollars in business due to this major inconvenience.
The mounting pressure from farmers and the UWP on this issue, combined with a 17% decline in agriculture in 2023, along with the current restrictions on the watering of farms put on by the Pierre led administration left them with no choice but to pay the farmers the $1 million which Mr. Joseph had initially called for.
This is the power and effect that advocacy and collaboration can have on holding a Government accountable! #PierreEhCare#PuttingYouWorse#SaveOurSaintLucia
Saint Lucians Paying the Price for Bad Policy on Fuel
For over four years, Saint Lucians have endured the highest fuel prices in the OECS and it’s no accident. It’s the direct result of short-sighted policy decisions made by the Philip J. Pierre administration, particularly the removal of the fuel price cap of $13.95 put in place by the Allen Chastanet-led government. Today, while our OECS neighbours pay significantly less…
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by Content Manager