~ Food prices are soaring worldwide, and the minimum wage must be increased. ~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Acting Minister of TEATT Omar Ottley said that the Prime Minister of St. Maarten and his person are busy discussing with Suriname and other Caribbean countries to secure leased land for agriculture. Ottley said this is one way the government of St. Maarten is looking at since almost every commodity on the supermarket shelves is imported.
Ottley said if the government managed to secure the much-needed land space then St. Maarten will embark on agriculture and the produce will be imported here. He described the initiative as “sustainability programs” that would allow St. Maarten to grow its own food abroad.
The Minister said that government did extend the food basket from 12 to 72 items yet there is inflation and soaring food prices. He said prices increased on everything worldwide including gasoline and diesel, thus increasing the shipping cost.
Ottley who is also the Minister of Labor said he is of the firm option that the minimum wage has to be increased in order to increase the purchasing power of the people. He assured the minimum wage increase is on its way.
