In a strategic move to alleviate the rising cost of living, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana have inked a collaborative agreement to streamline food imports. The initiative aims to secure affordable fruits, vegetables, and other essential produce for local markets, directly benefiting consumers. The decision emerged from high-level discussions between Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali during the COP30 conference in Belize. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced that Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. has been tasked with coordinating efforts with Guyana to implement the plan. ‘This initiative will enable us to source food items at reduced rates, leading to tangible price reductions once fully operational,’ Merchant stated during a recent Cabinet media briefing. The partnership underscores the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security and mitigate the impact of global market fluctuations on local prices. Currently, nearly 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s food imports originate from North America, a dependency that has left the nation vulnerable to external economic shifts. By diversifying supply sources within the CARICOM region, the agreement seeks to stabilize food costs and ensure long-term affordability for consumers. This effort complements earlier Cabinet decisions to reduce tariffs on essential food items, including fresh produce, canned proteins, and infant foods.
Antigua and Guyana Agree on Food Import Plan to Cut Cost of Living
