“Sentral Solidaridat Sindikal”(SSS) demands that the next government in Curaçao (see Thursday newspaper) to come out of today’s parliamentary election make the cost of living a priority. Sharply rising prices are obviously negatively impacting members of the affiliated labour unions.
It’s not a local problem, of course, but one of a global nature. As a consequence there is little individual countries can do, especially when they depend heavily on imports.
St. Maarten too is grappling with the same situation. A mitigating factor here is that the so-called basket of basic goods under government control was expanded six-fold from 12 to 72 less than two years ago.
This at least gives consumers some added protection in terms of what are considered essentials. However, the relief it helps bring is only relative.
If the maximum price set does not cover the expenses involved plus at least a small profit margin, businesses will simply stop selling that item. Ultimately, inflation caused by external developments remains hard to combat.
Lowering or removing applicable taxes even temporarily is an option, but probably also means loss of projected income for the national treasury. Government has already been looking at exempting fuel used for energy production to reduce utility bills.
Long-term, promoting and supporting agriculture, fisheries and livestock farming probably offers the best prospects. Growing more food on the island also makes it less vulnerable to shipping issues; for example, in case of a hurricane-hit.
Other than that, folks will just have to tighten their proverbial belts.
