Four weeks without efficient cargo shipments between the islands, foreign exchange shortages, and increased freight shipment costs are contributing to food inflation rates of approximately 10%. According to the political leader of the UTP, Nickocy Phillips, this situation is making it difficult for low-income families to afford food.
Phillips supports an increase in the minimum wage but questions whether the government will do it for the right reasons. Additionally, Phillips states that the government cannot arbitrarily raise the minimum wage without implementing controls on food prices through legislation.
The UTP political leader called on the Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon, to intervene and establish the necessary policies. The Trinidad and Tobago Supermarket Association had previously indicated that they were trying to absorb as many costs as possible. However, they acknowledged that some costs would eventually be passed on to the consumer. In the meantime, they are encouraging more entrepreneurs and farmers to increase food production in order to reduce imports to the country.
