Couva North MP Slams New ‘Food Prices Committee’ as Election Gimmick

Member of Parliament for Couva North and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram is condemning the Government for their failure to address the escalating cost of living, specifically through their latest move to form another committee purportedly aimed at tackling high food prices.

Responding to the Government’s announcement on the appointment of a ‘Food Security and Food Prices’ Committee, MP Ratiram denounces this action as a mere election ploy and a desperate attempt to divert attention away from the government’s longstanding ineffectiveness.

In a scathing critique, MP Ratiram highlights that the formation of this committee does nothing to address the core issues faced by citizens. He argues that it is a superficial gesture designed to create the illusion of action while failing to deliver any real solutions. “The PNM Government is once again attempting to hoodwink the population with this committee. It is nothing more than an election gimmick meant to distract from their failures,” Ratiram asserts.

MP Ravi Ratiram argues that the appointment of another committee is a glaring admission of the PNM’s failure and under their mismanagement, it is doomed to fail from the start. Despite the Government’s earlier attempt with the “Agricultural Multi-disciplinary Voluntary Committee” in 2022, and wasting approximately $20m to host two “Pappy Show” Agri Expos, which was intended to inter alia, tackle food security and advance the agricultural sector, the issues have only worsened. This latest move, alongside the grandiose appointment of a special advisor to the Prime Minister on Agriculture, exposes the government’s continual ineptitude and their desperate attempt to cover up their own failures.

MP Ratiram draws attention to the alarming increase in the cost of basic grocery items under the current administration. “Under the leadership of the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a basic basket of grocery items cost $109. Today, under this PNM Government, that same basket now costs $189—a staggering 73% increase. This price surge reflects the PNM’s failure to manage the economy effectively and to implement meaningful policies aimed at the reduction of the cost of living in Trinidad and Tobago, citizens are unable to even afford a basic basket of groceries under this failed PNM Government” he adds.

MP Ravi Ratiram contends, “The PNM’s relentless fuel price hikes, imposition of VAT on food items among other failed policies have not merely increased food prices—they have sent them skyrocketing. This catastrophic misstep lays bare the PNM Government’s glaring lack of vision and foresight. Their failed policies are driving up the cost of living and showcasing their utter disconnect from the needs of the people.”

This latest criticism follows a statement released on February 29th 2024, where MP Ratiram highlighted the PNM Government’s repeated failures. “We must never forget the countless promises made by this PNM administration over the years. They pledged to improve agricultural infrastructure, enhance food security, and empower our farmers. Yet, what have we witnessed? A neglected sector, a dilapidated agricultural market, and a lack of investment in our agricultural sector. Their track record is one of empty rhetoric and unfulfilled commitments.”

Additionally, The Member of Parliament for Couva North insists that rather than trying to hoodwink the public with yet another empty gesture, they should tackle the real issues plaguing our agricultural sector—rampant praedial larceny, shoddy pest management, skyrocketing costs of fertilizers and chemicals, agonizing delays in subsidy disbursement, maintenance of the watercourses to prevent flooding, and the ongoing crisis of land tenure.

MP Ratiram calls on the citizens to remain vigilant and to remember the stark contrast between the promises made by the current administration and their actual poor performance. He urges the public to hold the PNM Government accountable for their failures and to demand substantive action rather than superficial responses.

MP Ravi Ratiram emphasizes that under a Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led government, the real issues plaguing our agricultural sector will be addressed with urgency. He pledges to focus on boosting food security and reducing food prices, ensuring tangible results for citizens. MP Ratiram remains steadfast that a UNC government will prioritize effective solutions over empty promises.