Cabinet still scratching its head to come up with policy prescriptions for countering hardships brought on by war

The Cabinet reports that it continues to hold discussions on the rising prices of fuel and food, in Antigua and Barbuda and worldwide; however, it is yet to come up with any policy prescription to alleviate the hardships of citizens and residents.

The Executive says the recent increases are the result of the war between Russia and Ukraine, and experts agree that the conflict will not end immediately.

Accordingly, this week’s Notes concur with the experts’ opinion that the war’s impact on prices will continue to be felt for the near future.

“The price increases of food and fuel will not significantly recede until Russian exports of oil products, and Ukrainian wheat exports, are back on the world market,” The Notes say.

However, knowing all of this and the struggles of the people, the Executive has failed to announce any plans or social programmes for the poor and vulnerable, one critic says.

Another person is asking why the Cabinet is even reporting on what everyone already knows when no assistance was even contemplated.

He says the Browne Administration appears to be devoid of ideas, when there are so many things that can be done to help poor people and struggling businesses even at this time.

In the same vein, Harold Lovell, Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), is also asking what policies the Administration is putting in place to alleviate the hardships that people are undergoing.

He compares what the UPP was able to accomplish during its time in office to the fact that the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Administration, after eight long years, is still scratching its head to figure things out.

Lovell says the Browne Administration must go, since its history of not paying bills is among the worst track records in this country’s history.