BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE government of St. Kitts and Nevis is continuing its close examination of programmes undertaken to combat the high cost of goods.

According to Monday’s (Jan. 19) post-Cabinet briefing, Cabinet received an update on the implementation and monitoring of Price Control Order No. 41 of 2007.

Under this programme, the government removed import taxes from certain essential goods, including milk, flour and sugar.

The government expressed pleasure at the reduction in and relative stability of prices of several of these essential goods. However, Cabinet noted the need for increased monitoring, particularly as it relates to certain goods.

Additionally, the government reinforced its commitment to continue to work with bakers and other suppliers to keep the price of bread, milk and other essential products as low as possible in the current environment.

The briefing also revealed Cabinet’s pleasure at the significant relief experienced by consumers over the past year due to the capping of the fuel surcharge to a maximum of 50 percent of the basic charge for electricity.

The body further reiterated its pledge to not only shield consumers from high prices of electricity but to also implement renewable energy solutions such as wind and geothermal energy to end dependency on expensive fossil fuel.

In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to expanding their surveillance activities beyond the limits of Basseterre.

“A new surveillance activity we’ve undertaken is an inspection of all items on the price control list so that the price at the cash register is reflective of government mandate,” she enlightened.

Hazelle also revealed that the structure of the Licensing and Price Control Unit would be strengthened so that it could continue to respond to rising costs and shortages in a sustainable manner.