FOR the past couple of months, the increase in prices for many commodities has been the subject of many discussions. Fuel prices have been the main topic and the most interesting to follow. The latest intervention from the Minister himself, his Principal Secretary and the Chief Executive of SEYPEC was something else. They talked a lot but said nothing to ease the burden on our pockets.
The government leaders in this country have been busy since after the elections convincing the populace that the increase in prices is not of their own making but it is a world wide phenomenon. There have been increases in rice for example, in powdered milk and of course in fuel.
As of Friday 6th June, the price of Thais’ “B” grade white rice, which is the benchmark for rice for the international market, was out by 20 per cent from a high of US$1,040 per ton. Taiwan rice was quoted at 40 per cent from its high.
Compared to other countries, what is ironical in Seychelles, is that we only hear of the increase but nobody from government talks about the reduction when prices go down on the international market or in specific supplier countries, which means that prices will keep going up locally even if it is going down elsewhere in the world.
For those who travel constantly, we know that this is not the case so we are certainly not fooled. But for others they are probably soaking up all those nonsense from our government and the Minister of Finance had the guts to tell us not to make it a political issue. For as long as I can remember, the party in power has always make prices an issue in each and every campaign. In fact it is what Michel and Rene before him thrived and counted on to win elections.
What intrigues the population is why no one in government, especially our Minister of Finance is not linking the increase in prices locally with the devaluation of our Rupee. Is it because President Michel was elected on the promise that there were would be no devaluation of the Rupee?
Devaluation came at an unfortunate time when world prices were going up hence making it three times as hard for Seychellois families. SPPF took so long to address this issue, when they did decide to do something, they chose the wrong time and we were all caught with our trousers below our knees.
In order to keep fooling some people all the time, the SBC has now started giving the various so-called subsidies that government is giving especially for rice, public transportation and so on. Why not petrol subsidy Mr President? Many are asking if the campaign has already started when we see such shenanigans from SBC and to top it all they are forcing the foundation of the JJ Spirit (Just Joking Foundation) down our already stuffed throat.
Whatever the game is, we are watching very closely because we all know that closer to election time, the increase of prices worldwide will not be important because prices will miraculously go down. So our appeal to you fellow Seychellois watch for when that happens and please do not be fooled again.