MP Khadijah Ameen: PNM Out of Touch as Cost of Living Soars

It is with great concern that I address the recent statements made by the Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon, who attempted to downplay the severe economic hardships faced by the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister’s remarks reveal just how out of touch this government is with the reality on the ground.

The Minister claims that food inflation has decreased, so there’s a decrease in the rate of increase but food prices have not decreased. I don’t know where the Minister is shopping. The average citizen is not seeing any reduction in prices at the grocery store. If anything, prices continue to rise, making it harder for families to afford basic necessities. Tell us, Minister, where can we shop to experience these so-called reduced prices? Because the people of Trinidad and Tobago certainly haven’t seen them.

The CSO also noted that the all-items index, calculated from the prices collected for the month of May 2024, was 123.6, representing an increase of 0.2 points or 0.2 per cent above the all-items index for April 2024. Meanwhile, the index for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased from 146.1 in April 2024 to 147.4 in May 2024, reflecting an increase of 0.9 per cent.

https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/tts-inflation-rate-rises-to-09-6.2.2030106.f67a22f0b2

(19 Jun 2024) GEISHA KOWLESSAR-ALONZO

The reality is that under this PNM administration, life has become increasingly difficult for the average citizen. Beyond food prices, the cost of transportation, school uniforms and books has skyrocketed, placing an unbearable burden on families across the nation. The Minister can cherry-pick data all she wants, but the truth is evident in the lives of ordinary Trinidadians and Tobagonians. Under the PNM’s watch, the cost of living has spiralled out of control and the government’s mismanagement of the economy has left our citizens to bear the brunt of their failures.

This response is typical of the PNM: Attack the messenger. If I’m confused, I’m not the only one because everybody is confused about which reality Paula Gopee Scoon must be living in to be telling us food prices have not increased. Further, it is highly inappropriate for a political response, attacking an Opposition MP to come from a Ministry letterhead rather than the Minister’s. Is the Minister confused? This matter should be addressed by the Permanent secretary

It’s time for this government to stop hiding behind numbers and start addressing the real issues that are making life harder for citizens. The people deserve better, and we, as the Opposition, will continue to fight for the accountability and action that this government has failed to provide.