COST OF LIVING IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TO BE LOWERED

(CABINET NOTES)The Cabinet held a discussion on lowering the cost of living, to the extent possible. Bearing in mind that the cost of shipping goods has increased significantly all along the supply chain, triggered by increased fuel prices, food prices especially have escalated in Antigua and Barbuda. The Russian/Ukranian War and the embargo placed upon Russian fuel, usually sold to Europe and elsewhere, have resulted in global shortages that have driven prices upwards. The Cabinet took the decision to encourage backyard gardening and to encourage the use of scientific means to increase the customary yield of farmers by 25%. The members were acting on advice given by experts that have noted imported produce exceed significantly farm-grown domestic produce. The Cabinet also considered granting additional support to chicken farmers, taking into account the increased cost of baby chicks imported from several places.