Government cannot simply talk about price gouging, they must do something about it.
Former Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, speaking to the crowd gathered at College Savannah, St John last night, said the cost of living was a serious issue in this country.
Noting that she would speaking on three themes in this election campaign – caring, sharing and daring, Mottley said: “I say to the Government that it is insufficient to tell us about it. If there is price gouging, do something about it”.
She noted that in 2007 when Barbadians complained about prices, the Barbados Labour Party government reduced duties on fruit and meat.
Mottley, however, pointed out that individuals also had a role to play and urged Barbadians to plant more food. She also said this country needed an aggressive consumer rights association.
“We all have a duty to make sure we don’t sit back and wait for Government to do everything” she said.
Mottley told supporters about her “Adopt a Family” programme. “It is a programme where those who have a bit more and can spare it, share it with those who have little or nothing at all.
“I see ordinary Barbadians helping each other by simply buying a few extra items each week and reaching out to help a family in need. I see a big role for the church and community groups in this project as together we support and strengthen each other in mind, body and spirit and show that we still care” she said.
The former BLP leader pointed out that while the middle class of Barbados was a concern to her in this current economic climate, her greatest concern was with “those at the bottom”. She, therefore, called for a minimum wage, across the board, to make sure that everyone who is working, makes money.
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