The government’s recent decision to increase the price of diesel and gasoline by $3.70 at “one fell swoop” has drawn fierce condemnation from Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who characterized the move as “completely wicked”.
Gonsalves directed his criticism at Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves (Friday), accusing the administration of being tardy in addressing global fuel fluctuations and subsequently punishing citizens with a drastic “hurricane force” price shock rather than implementing gradual increases.
Minibus operators and taxi drivers will bear the brunt of the hike, facing an estimated $75 to $120 in extra daily operating costs, a burden Gonsalves warned will inevitably be passed down to ordinary commuters through increased fares.
Gonsalves dismissed the government’s economic strategy as a “fiscal austerity retrogressive transition program,” asserting that it is failing to create jobs while overseeing a deteriorating social safety net and an escalating cost of living crisis.
He has urged the government to implement targeted subsidies for minibus operators, public servant salary increases, and subsidies on staple foods like flour and rice.