OPPOSITION Leader Allen Chastanet has voiced strong objections to the government’s economic management and other critical issues impacting Saint Lucia.
In a recent letter to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, Chastanet criticised the government’s handling of the Citizen by Investment Programme (CIP) and the government’s failure to address rising gas prices, increased bus fares, and the soaring costs of basic commodities.
Chastanet demanded that the government rectify these issues within the next few weeks and take necessary action to reduce gas prices. He also called for the suspension of the 2.5% levy by November 1, 2024, and urged immediate corrective measures to meet public expectations.
The opposition leader noted that the government had been warned about taking measures to prevent gas prices from exceeding $14.00 per gallon, yet allowed the price of gas to rise to $17.95 per gallon, and is now being maintained at the high price of $16.95, which has significant implications for businesses and households.
Chastanet pointed out that the rising price of oil on the world market was a significant factor in the inflated cost of gas at the pump. However, he argued that since the price of oil on the global market has dropped to $70 a barrel, there is no justification for maintaining inflated prices at the pump, especially given the impact on households and small businesses.
The opposition leader also lamented the 2.5% levy, which the government assured would not affect food prices. However, he stated that households are now burdened with increased costs and small businesses are struggling under the added financial burdens.
Chastanet recalled that in June, it was reported that the Cabinet of Ministers granted concessions to a businessman by waiving the 2.5% levy for his project. He objected to this process, stating, “This selective exemption is patently unfair. If you can justify this for one individual, it is only fair that you extend this relief to all the people you serve.”
He expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the CIP claiming that the most recent revelation is the situation with Bemax, in which he claimed that the principal of Bemax was arrested, accused of multiple criminal offences.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Creative Industries Dr. Ernest Hilaire refuted the allegations concerning the CIP at a media briefing earlier this week, promising to look into the matter.
He said, the (Bemax) matter was brought to his attention and that the authorities will look into it.
Said Hilaire, “I don’t know whether the person was questioned …(or) the person was charged.”
“At the time we were in discussions with the company there were no issues relating to the individual …and we will deal with it as we get all the information,” he added.
Hilaire said that as soon as the relevant information is obtained, the company will be contacted on this matter.
The minister stressed that the government will not expose the country “to any unnecessary associations and we will find out,” about the implications of this agreement, which was signed about two years ago.
Chastanet in his letter called for the dismissal of the CEO of the CIP programme, the replacement of the CIP Board, and the removal of the Minister from the CIP portfolio. He also called for an independent investigation spearheaded by the DPP and the Auditor General, with the necessary resources to carry out the task.
Chastanet argues that with the “unnecessary financial impositions and the recklessness of this administration,” the opposition will continue to demand “immediate corrective measures that meet the expectations of the people.”