The National Trade Council convened the second meeting since its establishment
on Wednesday when it heard reports from three of the entities that comprise its
membership.
Chairman of the NTC and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade,
Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim, opened the meeting noting that the NTC was
established by the Cabinet and its mission is deeply rooted in the fabric of the
nation as it attempts to navigate the intricate pathways of trade, commerce and
stirring the nation towards a trajectory of sustainable growth and development.
“Today we meet in this assembly, we are confronted with the responsibility of
shaping the future of our nation’s economic landscape and the discussions slated
for this meeting are not just an exercise in rhetoric, rather, they are crucial
engagements aimed at providing strategic council on matters pertaining to trade,
commerce and industry,” he stated.
Ambassador Pilgrim noted that trade remains a cornerstone of the country’s
economic strategy, and in an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential that
technicians navigate global markets with skill and foresight. From trade
agreements to tariff policies, the NTC’s decisions have far-reaching implications
for the competitiveness and resilience of local industries.
The meeting heard a report from the Director of the Prices and Consumer Affairs
Division, Orrin Steele on Price Control Measures in the country. He noted that
government policy provides relief for consumers on a list of items featured on two
separate lists; one is the price control list and the other is the zero-rated list.
He explained that one of the immediate concerns of the division is to recommend
to the Cabinet the need to create a single list and the have much more frequent
updating of the list in the future so that items can be more easily be removed or
added.
Additionally, he wants legislation to more clearly define who or what is a
‘wholesaler’ noting that a main driver in price increases is when an item has to go
through multiple ‘middlemen’ before reaching the consumer.
Steele said the Prices and Consumers Division has received numerous reports from
consumers complaining about ‘dual pricing’. This is where an item is listed with
one price on the shelve but costs another when the consumer reaches the cashier.
He said this is wrong and should not continue.
Other reports were presented by Jasiel Murphy of the Environment Division and
Chief Fisheries Officer, Ian Horsford.
The NTC comprises representation from the following entities; Ministry of Trade,
Ministry of Finance. Customs, Agriculture Headquarters, Ministry of Health,
International Trade, Prices and Consumers Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda Bureau
of Standards, Labour Department, Veterinary Department, Central Board of
Health, Plant Protection Unit, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority,
Statistics Department, Antigua Port Authority, Antigua and Barbuda Development
Bank, the Fisheries Division and the Environmental Division.
