By Zoila Palma: CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to strengthen regional cooperation and implement measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living affecting citizens across the Caribbean.
The issue was a major focus of discussions during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Saint Lucia from July 5 to 8 under the theme, “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World.”
Speaking at the closing media conference, CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip J. Pierre said leaders were focused on delivering tangible benefits to citizens facing increasing financial pressures. He noted that governments discussed ways to improve affordability, protect consumers, and provide relief to vulnerable households as global geopolitical tensions continue to drive up prices, particularly fuel costs.
Several member states highlighted national measures already in place. Saint Lucia has removed value-added tax from selected items, while Barbados has introduced a cost-of-living allowance for pensioners and increased welfare payments by 30 percent.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley also emphasized efforts to improve price transparency through digital tools and identified the proposed regional ferry service as a key initiative to lower transportation and cargo costs across the Caribbean.
Leaders also pointed to longer-term solutions, including renewable energy expansion and regional cooperation in healthcare.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar proposed greater access to her country’s medical facilities and services to help reduce healthcare expenses for CARICOM citizens.
Meanwhile, outgoing CARICOM Chair and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew stressed that increasing the use of solar, wind, geothermal, and wave energy would help stabilize energy costs and support sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
The post International News: CARICOM leaders outline measures to tackle rising cost of living across the region appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to strengthen regional cooperation and implement measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living affecting citizens across the Caribbean. The issue was a major focus of discussions during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Saint Lucia from July
The post International News: CARICOM leaders outline measures to tackle rising cost of living across the region appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.