Poor class silently rising among us- Shaina M. Smith
“The cost of many products and services, food, rent, electricity, phone service, land, construction, freight/shipping and even school books, are at a premium, yet minimum wage remains the same. A poor class is silently rising amongst us because persons have to prioritize between buying bread or paying their light bill. A one off concession is not sufficient because families will be in the same situation in a month’s time,” Smith said.
The first step to addressing the problem, Smith said, was to look at the recommendations of the cost of living report that was done several years ago and update the analysis, address the minimum wage level and consumer protection regulations as a means to help families cover their basic needs. “Price controls in certain commodity markets need to be researched as a measure to keep the cost of living from escalating beyond the average family’s pocketbook.”
Smith also said the cost of land was making it extremely difficult for VIslanders to own land. “When it comes to land ownership, our history teaches us that when our forefathers were freed slaves they were privileged to own the land. This didn’t happen anywhere else in the Caribbean. Our heritage is slipping through our fingers because the cost of land is a major concern as it is currently out of the reach of my generation and rising. This situation is in need of urgent attention.”
Local businesses as a focal point of building economy
The former President of the Virgin Islands Civil Servants Association (VICSA) said local businesses should be the focal point of building a stronger economy in existing and new industries throughout the territory and that it was essential for there to be business opportunities and not just jobs.
She also said more should be done for potential entrepreneurs rather than just getting a trade license “and be left to fend for self” and suggested that staff of the Trade Department and a Small Business Bureau be trained to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to start a business. She even suggested a trade department branch on Virgin Gorda.
“An incentives policy needs to be mapped out that gives domestic companies leverage to compete and measures such as a two-tiered customs tariff, tax credits, and trade policy that protects local business would be researched and discussed with the business community. Pioneer status legislation needs to be brought forward to the 21st century. We advocate for foreign investment in a managed framework and not to the disadvantage of our own,” Smith said.
Other ideas for a robust economy, Smith envisioned, were that banks offer low-interest for small business loans that empower Virgin Islanders to start small businesses such as fishing companies, bakery, consultancy or invest in their farms. “Our economy can become robust if we look seriously at rebuilding the agriculture industry. Food is a basic necessity in any country so there is a ready market; it is just a matter of developing the suppliers. The research shows that from 1999 – 2004 we imported almost $120M in meats, dairy produce, eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables and seafood. This is money that is making someone else’s economy bigger when we can keep a portion of this at home if a plan is put in place to invest in this industry which is a part of our cultural heritage.”
Smith reiterated that the PPA was not just about a new party but a new agenda. “It is a people-driven, people-focused agenda that builds the country by building the people. We need to give the generation now and coming, a vision for their country and renewed sense of national pride that when they say they are from here, it will mean something good.”
The other At Large members of the PPA Elton Callwood, Natalio Wheatley and Khoy Smith also addressed the handful of residents who turned up for the meeting.
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