Cabinet Declines Price Increase on 16 oz. Bread

The Briceño administration has decided that it will not increase the controlled price of a loaf of sixteen ounce bread. Bakers have been lobbying for an increase in prices due to a reported increase in the cost of input. Bakers initially attempted a seventy-five cents increase on the fixed price. That proposal was rejected by Cabinet. They then made a second proposal at fifty cents. That, too, was turned down by Cabinet. A third proposal of a twenty-five cent increase was made at the end of April. It is the latest proposal made, and today Jose Mai, the Minister of Food Security, announced in the house that G.O.B will also be declining that

proposed increase.

Jose Abelardo Mai

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise

“As a party and government of the grass roots, as a party and government of the working class and of the social conscience, this government under the leadership of honorable John Briceño has approached this issue delicately, considering first and foremost the impact and potential increase to have on the most vulnerable members of our society. While we have the utmost respect for private enterprise and whole heartily believe they are entitled to a decent rate of return, this government is also cognizant of the fact that after all is said and done people need to eat, and it is the responsibility of myself and this government to make policies which will create an atmosphere in which people are secure. Under normal circumstances and in normal times this last request was of an increase to twenty five cents, one third of the original request, would be a no brainer. In normal time and normal circumstances any government would readily accept such a proposal. To our people who have been concerned that an increase in the control price of sixteen ounce bread is eminent, I say to you that your government has heard your concerns. Your people’s United Party Government has answered the call. More specifically, the honorable Prime Minister has answered the call. I am pleased to announce to the Honorable House and the Nation that this PUP Government will not authorize any increase in the control price of sixteen ounce bread.”