Utility rates in the Caribbean
Could you believe that in this recession-filled times all the utility rates in Barbados are going? Better believe it. Last week the Fair Trading Commission granted the Barbados Light and Power Company permission to increase its rate by 10 percent. Last year the Commisssion also granted LIME permission to increase its rates and the Water Authoriy, well they just raised theirs by 60 percent.
Now, I only did introduction to Economics, but it does not take a Sir Arthur Lewis to tell us that in a time of recession such moves are detrimental to the masses.
What ever happened to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility? Where is the social conscience of these companies?
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not only that….. a wage freeze seems imminent!!!
Andrea - February 2, 2010 at 6:13 pm |
There you go Andrea. But the response from the two union bosses does not sound as if they are buying the wage freeze idea. Government should have askd the utility companies to hold strain for at least a year before implementing the rate increases. I want to see if Bajans are going to sit down, call in on the radio programmes, talk morning and afternoon and do nothing about it and March 1st comes and the rates are implemented.
How does government expect, indeed, how can anyone reasonably expect workers to agree to a wages freeze in this environment where businesses are allowed to raise prices almost at will?
caribbean2dbone - February 2, 2010 at 7:09 pm |
Lucky for you when u pay your bill… u actually pay for sumting you get…in Trinidad you pay for sumting u “don’t get” and then they come around to your house and charge you a fine for using it when u do get it! Does this make any sense at all?
shayam - February 8, 2010 at 11:27 am |
I’m looking for Lime and Natural Gas to go up too
but this should teach us to use less everything so they don’t get that higher profit they are after.
Felicia - February 8, 2010 at 4:36 pm |
Well Felicia, Lime has indicated that they too will increase land line rate from March 1. Talk about leaving a sour taste in your mouth!
caribbean2dbone - February 8, 2010 at 6:22 pm |
I’m not so sure that the general populace is being considered here. 3 utilities bills at one go, no to mention the perpetually high food bill every week for those who dare shop weekly or every month for those who determine that it has to suffice.
it is really hard especially for families with nuff children (more than 0), having to maintain the home, probably the car and the dog, the HIGH bills, the mortgage amongst other things.
What recourse do we have?
Peoples, trust God in everything. He has promised never to leave nor forsake. He will not allow His own to beg for bread.
Shelbaby - February 8, 2010 at 7:07 pm |
We need to find alternative sources for energy on a very serious note!!!
Da Sequel - February 17, 2010 at 2:40 pm |