CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The chief of the principle opposition (UWP chief Allen Chastanet has challenged the federal government choices that he believes have negatively impacted the price of residing in Saint Lucia whereas demanding a discount in fuel costs.
“The value of oil on the world market has now dropped to $70 a barrel, leaving no justification for sustaining inflated costs on the pump, particularly given the impression on households and small companies. By this, we demand that by November 1st, 2024, you are taking the required motion to scale back the price of fuel,” mentioned Chastanet, who was studying an excerpt from an open letter to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre detailing how he believes the federal government has erred in its financial judgment and decision-making.
“It’s affecting households and the price of electrical energy, and since companies must cross on the elevated fuel value over their working prices, it’s rising the revenue margin required to succeed and keep alive. And that is making a horrible spiral impact, the place we’re seeing that costs are going up,” he famous.
In regards to the government-implemented Well being and Safety Levy, Chastanet pointed to an event the place he believes the federal government acted unfairly by granting a waiver for a specific businessman.
The opposition chief additionally questioned whether or not the levy, initiated in 2023, solely applies to sure members of the general public.
“Households are actually burdened with elevated prices, and small companies are struggling underneath the added monetary load. On June twelfth, 2024, the general public was made alarmingly conscious that the cupboard of ministers had granted concessions to a businessman by waiving the two.5% levy for his challenge. This selective exemption is patently unfair,” Chastanet mentioned.
“If you happen to can justify this for one particular person, extending this reduction to all of the individuals you serve is barely honest. As acknowledged in earlier correspondence on this matter, this blatant inconsistency sends a distressing and unacceptable message that every one do not make the sacrifices,” the previous Prime Minister and Minister of Finance mentioned.
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