The people are concerned that the cost of living will once again increase under the National Alliance (NA) led Government once the NA-led majority in parliament approves the 2013 country budget.
Government approved and added to the 2013 budget a new tax levy on diesel. Food wholesalers and other services utilizing trucks that run on diesel will have to compensate from a new diesel tax by increasing the prices of their products and services. This will result in an increase in the cost of living as well as the cost of doing business.
This past weekend we saw a further increase in fuel prices, and probably the second or third increase in the past couple of weeks.
How are low income earners going to survive? Also the pressure being placed on middle income earners as well.
Individuals who take the bus to go to work are also at risk. Bus drivers who drive diesel fuel buses will either have to absorb the cost or seek an increase in bus fares.
The question that needs to be asked is did government consult with the Bus Drivers Association as well as Taxi Associations?
Does government have an impact analysis of what the results will be once the diesel fuel tax levy has been introduced?
The cost of living and the cost of doing business is already high and since the promised relief of the new government is nowhere in sight from almost one-year of a new government in power, all we can say is that the country is on the wrong track and the people are being burdened.
On the horizon the country and its people are in for more...toll fees in order to drive through the tunnel another burden from the government that says it's for the people.
Sylvia Meyers
Interim Leader United People's (UP) Party
Member of Parliament