New Public Utilities Minister Halts Proposed Rate Hikes

May 6, 2025 – Newly sworn-in Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath, convened his first official meeting today with senior officials at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) headquarters in St. Joseph. He was accompanied by Clyde Elder, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, and Shivanna Sam, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry. Minister Padarath recently announced that the UNC-led Central Government will immediately halt any proposed increases in water and electricity rates. Minister Padarath criticised the current system as inequitable, pointing out that while ordinary citizens risk disconnection for late payments, many businesses have accumulated substantial arrears without facing similar consequences.