ROWLEY’S PROBLEM WITH DOUBLES PRICES

PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s recent comments on alleged price-gouging do not match his track record n the rip-off of consumers by unscrupulous merchants.

Rowley’s Government has not intervened as commercial banks jack up charges, recording billion-dollar profits, sending small merchants out of business.

The administration has also permitted big business – a cartel, Professor Brinsley Samaroo termed it – to bring in almost $6 billion in food each year, while the domestic agricultural sector has declined.

At present, there is also the widest-ever gulf between rich and poor, with four per cent wage increases imposed upon public sector workers even as prices of food staples have gone up by as much as 100 per cent over the past six years.

There is no real consumer protection while shrinkflation – downsizing of product prices for the same prices – is worsening in the marketplace.

From soap to sandwiches – and many more items – hard-pressed consumers are being cheated of weight or volume by scheming business operators.

Now, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is correct in calling out sneaky doubles and bread makers.

Rowley noted that they enforce “instant rise” in prices with higher flour costs, but refuse to reduce charges when flour prices fall.

That burden, regrettably, has been carried by consumers throughout our modern history.

It is unreasonable.

But the Prime Minister cannot be arbitrary in naming and shaming bread and doubles makers.

Here is a quick sample of items whose international prices have fallen in recent months, but with no benefits to local consumers.   

The prices of various meats and meat products have gone down in the United States and other countries because of a temporary glut in the market.

Smart phones, televisions and small electronic items are selling for less in the US and elsewhere because of improved technology and cost-effectiveness by manufacturers.

In North America, a smart phone now costs 24 per cent less than two years ago.

TVs are also cheaper.

There are several other products that are now easier on the pocket because of various factors of production.

In the US, from which T&T imports much of its consumables, inflation has fallen for each of the past 12 months.

Yet, local buyers have not repeated any rewards.

Neither the Prime Minister nor any government agency has challenged importers or defended and protected consumers.

Rowley’s attack on doubles and bread makers is inconsistent and irrational.