Senator George Defends Government Subsidies to Ease Cost of Living
Senator Dwayne George has defended the Antigua and Barbuda government’s efforts to ease the cost of living through subsidies on essential goods and services, describing the measures as critical to protecting citizens from global economic pressures.
Speaking during the 2025 Budget Debate, Senator George said: “This administration is committed to protecting the people of Antigua and Barbuda from the high costs of imported goods. We’ve put in place price ceilings on essential items, ensuring that no family is priced out of basic necessities.”
Highlighting fuel subsidies, Senator George stated that the price of gasoline at the pump remains at $14.15 per gallon, below the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) average of $15.37. Diesel, he added, is priced at $14.25 per gallon, significantly under the ECCU average of $19.49.
“We know that imported inflation is beyond our control, but we have taken concrete steps to ensure our people are not left behind,” he said. “By keeping fuel and food prices stable and subsidizing critical sectors, we are reducing the financial strain on households across Antigua and Barbuda.”
Senator George also pointed to subsidies on cooking gas, noting that the price of a 20-pound propane cylinder is $32, significantly lower than the ECCU average of $38.44.
He explained that larger cylinders, such as the 100-pound tank, cost $155 compared to $193.99 regionally.
The government has also provided $9 million in fuel subsidies since 2021 to support bus drivers, taxi operators, and fisherfolk. Senator George said this measure helps stabilize transportation and seafood prices for the public.
Additionally, $17.2 million in food vouchers had been distributed by October 2024, benefiting single parents, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
“We feel the pain of the ordinary men and women in Antigua and Barbuda,” Senator George said. “When our people are suffering, we have to step in and alleviate those pressures.”
Senator George further noted the government’s efforts to control inflation, with the rate declining from 8.6% in 2022 to 5.6% in 2024. He predicted that it would fall below 4% in 2025. “These results show that our interventions are making a tangible difference,” he said.
“Our subsidies are a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Antiguan and Barbudan can thrive despite the challenges we face,” he concluded.
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you hallucinating. I never seen so much people begging on our streets. Inflation a kill people .
This over inflated wind bag must be living in dream land, you are not living far from Jolly Harbour Supermarket just take a drive down and see how prices change daily. That is what needs to be addressed and stop the pull poo poo
This dudes presentation was as horrible as his presentation at the town hall meeting.
Wait no one in the ABLP could have done a better job? This guy should be sent back from where he came. He seems clueless and sounds like a kindergarten child.
I am certain he would not listen to that presentation. He would not be able to stomach his own speech.
Me think Franz defretas should be made a senator and remove David massiah, Franz brilliant articulation and scope of knowledge on multiple desciplin will help the upp, his gymnastics semantics ability, but UPP leadership will want to dumb down any public perception of the leadership capacity in comparison to more able people on the UPP, he franz should workin parliament to weaken cutie Benjamin structure.
Me think Franz defretas should be made a senator and remove David massiah, Franz brilliant articulation and scope of knowledge in multiple desciplin will help the upp, his gymnastics semantics ability, but UPP leadership will want to dumb down any public perception of the leadership capacity challenge in comparison to more able people in the UPP, he franz should working parliament to weaken cutie Benjamin structure.
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