Opposition spokesperson, Robinson, renews his call for the Government to act on the food price hike
The unending increases have pushed many Jamaicans on the poverty line's fringer into a place where they cannot afford the essential items in the basic food basket. The Government must act now to assist those who have no other means of support,” said the opposition spokesperson.
Robinson argues that several factors have contributed to an unprecedented increase in the prices of basic food items.
In addition to the escalating food/input import bill, which is passed on to consumers, the increases in gasoline and electricity costs have also impacted prices on the shelves, he is contending.
Also, when there is a depreciation in the currency, there is an immediate increase in prices. Still, there is never a rollback of prices if the currency appreciates,” Robinson asserted in a statement today.
He notes that the issues are more pressing and critical as food poverty becomes more prevalent since then.
In normal times, these increases would be a major burden for consumers. Still, we are in unusual times, where many persons have lost jobs and their capacity to earn due to COVID-19, so it is more important for the assistance to be provided," Robinson said.
In his Budget Debate presentation in March, Robinson first made the call for more assistance for the vulnerable.
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