And while they make a compelling argument that it's about time for an increase, the Prime Minister isn't convinced. With the public uproar over inflation and surging food prices coming from the electorate, he yesterday said he's keenly aware of the need for an increase - but did not seem to be in favor of the timing:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Again, this is something that we in Cabinet would have to take a look at because as we know the cost of living continues to go up and by raising the price of sugar it can have a direct impact on most everything, um, and we are trying to do our darndest best to keep down the cost of living. The argument could be made that yes it is deserving but also we can make an argument that the taxpayers are helping with the fuel subsidy that we give to be able to keep down the cost of their operations. So they are giving up something, the tax payers of Belize are also giving something. Now mind you I am also a cane farmer so it would be in my interest if it were to go up but that is not what I, we are all about. We have to look at the bigger picture and that is what steps can we take to try and hold down the cost of living on all our citizens."
Another indication of that sensitivity to inflationary pressures came in today's press briefing where government announced, quote, "a decision was taken to immediately convene a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by Minister of Agriculture, and Food Security Jose Mai to explore a short-term framework to alleviate the impacts on those most affected and to explore any and all angles, including legal, to put an end to price gouging." End quote.
