No new relief measures expected from gov’t for shoppers - Premier
In a press conference held on August 20, 2013 Premier Smith was asked what was next for his government in assisting shoppers who continue to head to supermarkets in the neigbouring island, despite assurances from the NDP government in tax measures implemented to lower prices in supermarkets around the Territory.
“If you would look at the prices in the supermarkets in the BVI and compare them with the prices in St Thomas and given all the factors combined, I think you would appreciate that there is very little difference,” Premier Smith said.
The Premier, while admitting that there were other factors such as transportation costs which gave VI businesses less of an advantage, further stated that in some instances prices in St Thomas are lower while in others, prices in the Virgin Islands are lower.
He reiterated that his government had introduced other measures, such as an increase in the departure tax to assist local businesses, “we have introduced other measures such as increase in the departure tax and coming up to the 2014 budget we are now looking at what other measures may be necessary to help with stimulating businesses to help the economy,” he stated.
Government, at the beginning of this month, increased the departure tax for residents leaving the shores via seaports.
32 Responses to “No new relief measures expected from gov’t for shoppers - Premier”
However price is not the only factor! quality and quantity makes a greater factor than price at times. Which person wants to know that Tortola sell a grade C chicken bound for some third world country, when the USVI sells a grade A chicken, stamped approved by the FDA. I need to know what factors were taken into consideration when it comes to selling chicken wings for 12.00 per five pounds. The people need price control, they must get it now.
Seems more like penalizing the already hurting residents Mr. Premeir. You and your ministers can afford to shop here comfortably while the majority of residents struggle to buy bare necessities.
Dr. Smith have you ever try returning a product to any store here in the BVI? What a nightmare and much unprofessional piss and mutha this and that!!!! In St.Thomas or PR they gladly refund your money if you do not want an even exchange...
A sign that any government is on their way out of office is when they are out of touch with the real issues of the people and NDP the writing is on the wall!!!!
P does not shop in St.Thomas man. When I shop here and spend $300 or more I get 2-3 weeks worth of food. Whereas, when I shop in St.Thomas I get 3 months worth of food. For him to say that they raised departure tax to help the local businesses is a slap in the face for us consumers and residence. They have no plans on helping us. The local business prices are ridiculous and some only put things on sale when they are about the expire or if they are beginning to rotten. What does that say about the local businesses? The cost of living in the BVI is just too high and until something is done crime will continue to increase. People are living hand to mouth and that is not good!
Dr and his speech writers and high paid consultants from DC should provide some facts before telling the poor man shit and silly spin and propaganda;
Here are some facts:
In the BVI
5 lb of flour - $5.59
In the St. Thomas
10 lb of flower - $8.59
In the BVI
One pack of cereal - $6.65 (at One Mart since ayo say Bobbies close in town)
In St. Thomas
3 packs of the same cereal as above - $14.00
In the BVI
one pack of slice bread - $3.99
In St. Thomas
One slide bread bigger than Tortola $. 99 cents
In the BVI Aluminum Foil 200 sq ft $16.99
In St. Thomas Same foil $4.99
NDP and Dr. Smith please get a grip from chatting bull morning noon and night