The Opposition has taken the opportunity to blame the government for the increase in prices, stating that the Health and Citizen Security Levy is mainly responsible. On numerous occaisions, the government has been asked to intervene in order to provide relief to consumers. PM Pierre disclosed that the government will hold discussions with supermarket owners to find a workable compromise.

“We are going to be having discussions. The supermarket structure in Saint Lucia is such that it is basically run by one player - that’s a fact. It’s run largely by one player. What we are doing, Mr. Speaker, is that we are going to hold some discussions so we can see how we are going to alleviate the situation,” the Prime Minister announced.

Businesses across the island have issued public announcements, attributing their price increases to the 2.5% levy. The Prime Minister says a myriad of factors are contributing to the increased prices experienced in the economy.

“The members of the Opposition continue to peddle lies about the cost of food. Every country is suffering from imported inflation,” Pierre said at the latest sitting of Parliament.

“Imported inflation” refers to the increase in goods and materials outside a country’s local economy. Importation of these goods becomes more expensive, which then increases their prices in the local economy.

“It is arguably one of the most difficult times to run countries. Plus, these factors seem to be piling up. We had Ukraine, then Palestine and Israel, and now the problem in the Panama Canal,” the PM explained. Currently, due to the never-before-seen increase in temperatures, the Panama Canal has suffered a drought. This drought has decreased the number of vessels able to transport goods into the Caribbean and South America.