High food bill being blamed on COVID-19- Hon Flax-Charles
Junior Minister for Trade, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) said this is according to supermarket owners.
Her comments were made while addressing residents of Jost van Dyke at a community meeting there on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
She said: “The Consumer Protection Act that was passed in the House, we are working diligently for that to come through with the Trade Commission as well. We want to make sure when you go to the store, and you buy an item you getting value for money, whatever item you buy.”
She continued: “We do have those complaints now in the COVID-19 era, especially when it comes to food, and what we found out from the supermarkets throughout the territory is that their expenses have risen, wherever they are getting their supplies from.”
Regional Trade
As a consequence, the Junior Minister revealed that plans to have more frequent regional trade are underway.
“It’s tough, and that’s why we are trying to move towards more trade with other Caribbean countries. We just need to work out the shipping component now.”
She added: “I was able to look at a presentation that someone is going to present very soon where they are proposing to have container ships just running within the Caribbean region, and that would make a major difference for us because we can get a lot of produce.”
She explained that one of the challenges with regional trade is with the boats, not being equipped with refrigeration capabilities and by the time the goods arrive in the territory, their quality has diminished.
Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has consistently spoken about the need to establish consistent trade among the Caribbean countries for food security.
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21 Responses to “High food bill being blamed on COVID-19- Hon Flax-Charles”
Moreover, food production is not a unique VI problem/challenge, for it is a problem among CARICOM countries. For example, a 2015 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) study found that a) almost all CARICOM countries import more than 60% of their food, b) half (50%) import over 80% of food needs and c)only three (Haiti, Guyana and Belize) produce over 50% of their food needs. The imported food quality is poor and high in sugar, salt, fat and calories. CARICOM food import bill in 2015 was approximately $4B; 2020 projected, $8-10B. Look as if there is an opportunity in the region to reduce the food import bill, create employment, enhance food security, grow the economy, keep money in region to create a multiplier effect in the economy.........etc. Further, exploring regional trade pacts should be an actionable item.
They could lessen the amount of things imported. A recycling plant should also be established for all the imported stuff that takes years to be depleted in the earth, or make an eyesore for the island.
They have to buy the items from a supplier overseas.
They have to get the items ship from usa to bvi and pay the shipper
They have to pay the port and other payments
They have to pay customs and other taxes.
Some items might get damaged or spoiled in the same shipment.
They have to find a supermarket to put the items for you to come shop.
They have to pay staff,electricity etc.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO,IS COME,COLLECT AND PAY,BUT YOU COMPLAINING IT TOO EXPENSIVE.
These elected representatives are just a bunch of trouble makers,campaigning early for 2023 elections.