The Advocacy Group Calls for Extension to Barrel Concessions

The Advocacy Group – The Advocacy Group reiterates its call first made in November, 2021 for an extension to the traditional Christmas Barrel Concessions. There is every justification for an extension to the deadline given the negative impact and hardships due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic. 

TAG understands that a number of persons have been unable to maximize on the benefits from the barrel Concessions due to set backs in the system due to constraints brought about on account of the prevailing pandemic. 

Our previous calls for an extended barrel concession regime was suggested out of recognition of the obvious hardships due to the pandemic and related constraints. In our November Press Release we cited the following: 

– Availability of goods due to shortages and supply issues. 

– Delays in transportation due to human resource limitations because of the impact of covid-19. 

– Significant increase in the price of many commodities as a result of market dynamics. The Advocacy Group is a diverse and dynamic cadre of resource persons and intellectuals who share a visionary outlook of good governance, transparency, quality service, integrity and accountability. Group members comprise: community activists, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, development economist, political activists, students, development workers, youth leaders. 

– Delays caused by current congestions in shipping and transportation routes generally. 

– General increase in cost of support services. 

– Reduction in purchasing power due to shortfall in personal income. 

These constraints listed above were all very obvious and predictable. We are hoping that the Prime Minister and his Government will exercise some sensitivity and compassion and accede to our call for an extension of the deadline for Barrel concessions. 

There is no doubt that an extension would be greatly appreciated by St Lucians at home and in the diaspora who have had to contend with the ravages of the covid-19 pandemic. 

We do hope that good sense will prevail and that the Phillip J Pierre Government will in the coming days effect an extension to the period for the barrel concessions before the deadline of of January 31st, 2022. 

A decision to grant an extension to the barrel concession period would be in concert with a similar measure taken by the Allen Chastanet Government at the onset of the pandemic when a nine (9) month barrel concession period was approved. 

Mr. Prime Minister this is an opportunity to apply truth to the mantra of “Putting people First” by granting an extension to the barrel concessions.