Households not feeling basket-of-goods savings, survey find
Households surveyed about the government’s basket-of-goods initiative say they are not feeling its benefits.
Deputy Director of the Department of Trade Dr Lincoln Bobb said one reason could be limited awareness of the products covered by the initiative, as well as shoppers’ purchasing habits.
Bobb said officials received responses from about 187 households while assessing the initiative’s impact on consumers.
Although he agreed with Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Lorna Smith’s account of the government’s efforts to manage prices, he said households reported a different experience.
“People are saying that they have not been feeling it,” Bobb said on this week’s Virgin Islands Voice.
He identified a lack of information about the products included in the basket as one possible reason. Some consumers, he said, did not know which purchases could offer savings.
“So when you go to the grocery, and you don’t know which ones are the things on the basket of goods, you don’t choose the products that can actually give you some benefits and some savings,” Bobb stated.
He said the research showed that basket items accounted for half or less of the shopping cart for most respondents. Officials might therefore need to work with supermarkets to make those products more readily identifiable, he added.
Bobb also described shopping as a routine in which consumers selected familiar products. Knowing which goods fell within the initiative could help shoppers manage their budgets, he noted.
“So overall, I think the basket of goods is working. We just also have some adjustments to make,” Bobb stated.
The findings follow a government review involving supermarket representatives and public agencies. Participants recently agreed to examine pricing, import and shopping data to guide a decision on whether to continue the initiative. The relief programme ran from May 1 to July 31.
During the broadcast, Smith said the government’s measures included reduced duties on essential goods, changes to the basis for calculating import charges, lower container charges and electricity subsidies.
Citing Central Statistics Office figures, she said a loaf of sliced bread fell from $4.40 in April to $3.78 in July. She said the wider relief measures cost at least $6 million over three months.
Smith said officials were assessing the measures’ impact and whether government revenue could support further concessions.
If the government continued the measures, she said officials intended to review the basket because they had identified other essential goods for possible inclusion. Hardware and lumber could form part of a second round, she added.
Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Dear BVI Beacon – maybe as part of this article, you could provide a link to the actual list of products included in this ‘basket of goods’. That would be a nice public service wouldn’t it?
Sorry – you can correct my last comment to correct your site name – my bad….
But we have NOT been feeling it. The prices are still out of whack!
Riteway – $10.99 for a small 175ml Dove antiperspirant whereas the 250ml in Bobby’s is $6.99. Its like legalised theft. I can ordered stuff in the USA and get it shipped here much cheaper than buying it from Riteway. So that shows how much money they are making on each product. I have stopped buying meat.
They do have to pay staff
We know that but why does it have to be at the cost of killing poor people. This Supermarket is all about their profits, so y’all will be at the bottom of the totem pole. People, learn to shop around and let your money stretch for you. Perhaps, we should boycott a few of these businesses that are getting such subsidies from the VI Government yet we the consumers aren’t seeing it, in our purses. Everything gone sky high because they have found a way to make us pay extra for everything. These businesses has no intention of passing the savings to their customers, some even want you to round up to the nearest dollar. Are we sure full the roundup amount is actually given to whomever its being collected for. We are tired of paying $1500.00 monthly for groceries. So, let’s see that list please so we can shop off it.
This is a well kept secret. The first I am hearing about this initiative.
Review the kind of produce imported
The broccoli are having worms
The fruits cant stay longer than 3 weeks in the fridge the oranges dont have no taste the apples looks like lab grown extra small and no taste.
The imported produce are too low graded
I’ve noticed the broccoli are now having worms inside. Look carefully ppl
The tangerine are too small and no juices even to the apples.
Came to my attention that the supermarket are buying items that the US no longer need when it come to produce because its at a cheaper costs for them whist we pay the price..
They will export their undesirables to us, and of course keep the best. The only one (store) that I see is really giving bang for money, is Bobby’s. I just wish they would renovate or relocate to accommodate the demand, and attract more customers who would also appreciate their efforts.
I agree, I think they buying the cheapest goods to earn the biggest profit. Greed infiltrate every aspect of our modern society.
People, you need to carefully wash your Fruit and Vegetables and please don’t forget to clean your Meats and Chicken. Use Lemon or Lime, White Vinegar and Baking Soda to clean your Fruit. Fill a clean Container with the aforementioned then place your Fruit and Veggies to soak 3 to 5 minutes. Use a veggie/fruit brush to remove dirt and other debris. Rinse with clean Water then place on a clean Drying Rack or clean soft Cloth(used only for this) to dry completely. Place Fruits/Veggies in their appropriate places, some in the Refridgerator, on in a Fruit Bowl/Rack; remember not all Veggies or Fruits are meant to be refrigerated, some prefer a cool dark place. Ask somebody or google to find out. Btw, thanks @Meme for alerting us about Broccoli. I didn’t notice but then again, i haven’t purchased any in a very long time. Cruciferous vegetables should always be washed in a large bowl filld with Water, White Vinegar and Baking Soda. It helps to loosen any debris caught in Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Cabbage, Strawberries or any type of Berries,
Grapes and also Brussel Sprouts. However, if your food item is overrun with worms, please take it back to the Grocery and hopefully they will alert their Vendor of their findings. There are always some type of food alert in the US. I’m sure the Supermarkets are made aware but its the refund they would have a problem with. They’d prefer we take another product than emptying their till. Y’all, better don’t mess with these people’s profits.
lol who teach claude about “macaroni”
Crazy manager. This was the perfect opportunity for him to list the basket of goods that are covered. We still do not know.
Hm
Political gimmicks. A set of greedy politicians
Since whoever bought Riteway, I have noticed the brands are falling off. I have personally reduced my spending in there. The brands are unrecognizable and the prices are way too steep. Its a raping as usual of the poor people here.