Last Updated on June 4, 2026, 8:08 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew joined the Minister of Public Utilities, Konris Maynard for a radio interview with Freedom FM. The Two Ministers appeared together at the Issues SKN Progress Report Show where they provided updates on the various developments that have taken place in their respective Ministries during their tenure.
PM Drew talked about the measures that the government has continued to take for tye benefit of the people as the world navigates testing times and skyrocketing prices. The Prime Minister, who also handles the responsibility for the Ministry of Finance, highlighted that the administration increased the pension from EC $430 to EC$500 starting January 1, 2024.
This was one of the first pension increases aimed towards providing financial support to the people of the country. He also spoke about the pension amendment bill 2025 which was passed in April 2025 to correct a decade old disparity faced by the GAE Workers within the public, who did not get guaranteed pensions and gratuity for decades. The government has ensured that they can enjoy a gratuity that is calculated like any other government employee.
The Minister has shared that they increased the salaries of the government employees by eight percent, this increase of eight percent was also extended to the government pensioners.
Dr Drew also talked about the Budget Boost wallet and the tax reductions in custom duty and other taxes to help cushion the public from the effect of inflation in the country. He said that his administration has been working for the benefit of the people.
The Prime Minister also addressed the increase of the price of bread which have been widely reported in the country. He personally bought four loaves of bread from four bakeries on the island and clarified that most of the bakeries had not increased the price of the dollar breads. The only exception to this was the bread from a business called “island bakery”.
The Prime Minister has asked the business owners at the bakery to not increase their prices without informing the government.
Dr Drew reasoned that the dollar bread is the most basic bread which people come to rely on, which is why the government should be consulted on any increase of prices that any businesses are contemplated.
He said that the government is open to discussions with businesses and remains pro business as long as the people of the country can continue to remain shielded.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
