INTERNATIONAL experts are continuing to warn about impending higher food prices. Several countries are hoarding wheat and other essentials in the midst of the negative impact caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, two major food and energy producers. 

Serious ongoing supply chain issues and bad weather are also impacting food production. The cost of agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilisers, has dramatically increased, and rising energy and transportation rates are yet another factor. 

Trinidad and Tobago, which has a stupendous annual food importation bill of $6 billion, also has a thriving foreign exchange black market, which also shoots up grocery prices.

Trinidad and Tobago has a stupendous annual food importation bill of $6 billion

In spite of the highly worrying scenarios, the Government is only concerned about handing out arable State lands to its cronies and has made no deliberate effort to boost agricultural production. 

The Government is only concerned about handing out arable State lands to its cronies

T&T is, therefore, staring at soaring food inflation and shortages of certain items, which are taking place at a time of high unemployment and outdated public sector salaries. 

In characteristic PNM manner, the Government is indifferent and heartless while people are struggling to feed their families. 

People are struggling to feed their families

And the worst is yet to come.