Electricty rate hike cruel: Panday

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday has called a hike in electricity rates "a cruel and heartless act" imposed on citizens who have been heavily burdened with food costs that have risen by 300 per cent over the past seven years.

In a news release, Panday said the Manning administration has become deaf to the needs of the population and "cannot impose an additional cost on an already financially troubled people with the implementation of an increase by the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC)."

He said the timing is a slap in the face to a country which is currently experiencing a financial crisis, because of the global economic downturn.

"Doesn’t the government understand that this move will have a multiplier effect and that every citizen will now have to pay more at the grocery store and more for services?" he asked.

Panday added, "I am aware that the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) has made their recommendations, but it is up to government to adhere to them. If this government has an ounce of compassion for its people it will hold its hand on this increase."

He said the audacity of the Minister of Public Utilities to say the increase is minor shows how out of touch the Manning regime is with the average person in this country who has to struggle with spiralling crime, unemployment, rampant discrimination, rising food prices and the lack of basic amenities.

"Statistics will show that a third of the population is living below the poverty line. These are the people who depend solely on the welfare system for survival. With inflation and other pressures how are people going to carry on?" the former prime minister asked.

He said government agencies must recognize that they have a social responsibility to achieve and maintain a stable national economic environment.

Read the Express report: Businesses not worried...