Premier interested in making basket of goods healthier
The government’s existing basket of essential goods.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has signalled that the BVI’s basket of essential goods could soon come under review, not only to ensure affordability but also to promote healthier eating habits among residents.
Speaking during the recent debate on the consumer protection legislation in the House of Assembly, Dr Wheatley said he was open to expanding the basket to better accommodate different dietary needs, including those of vegetarians.
“I’m willing to consider tofu for the vegetarians, and to be honest with you, I want to have a deeper discussion with the health ministry because I do think we have to analyze the items in the basket, which may be causing people health challenges,” the Premier stated.
His comments suggest that the government may be looking beyond price relief and affordability to examine the potential health impacts of some products included in the basket.
The basket of goods was introduced earlier this year as part of the government’s cost-of-living relief package. Under the initiative, duties were reduced or eliminated on nearly 100 essential items for a three-month period in an effort to help families cope with rising prices. Government said the measure was designed to keep basic food items and household necessities within reach for residents.
The Premier did not indicate which specific items may be targeted for review, nor did he say when discussions with health officials might begin.
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People DO NOT LET THIS MAN FOOL US, WHO HERE DO THEIR OWN SHOPPING AS IN GOING STORE TO STORE CHECKING PRICES, NOTHING HAS CHANGED THE PRICES ARE STILL THE SAME ONLY BOBBYS GIVING US A BREAK THANK GOD FOR HIM, PREMIER YOU TALKING BOUT BASKET OF GOODS I KNOW YOU DONT SHOP SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU BECAUSE IF YOU REALLY REALLY DID YOU WOULD SEE, SO PPL ALL THIS IS GIMMICKS IF BY ELECTION NOTHING IS CONCRETE THEN VOTE THE GREEN TEAM OUT AINT NO FRIEND THING HERE ITS OUR LIFES AND LIVIHOODS ARE BEING PLAYED WITH HERE
He does shop?
You are Correct with what you are saying except for our Lifes.{ Our Lives) Canned Goods are Processed Foods which are more Detrimental to One’s Health. Always Putting The Cart before The Horse. Why Not Discuss with Dieticians Before Deciding what is Good to include in Your Basket of Goods? Government Officials Don’t Have The Smartest Brains. Your Bosses, The People are more Realistic and Street Smart. Why Don’t You Officials Have The Processed Foods For House Of Assembly Lunch When In Session?
You All Want To Play With peoples’ Health. How Long? Not Long!!
No thank you
All they did was take a list of hurricane supplies and call that a “basket of goods”. We have a population of people with non communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and they putting canned goods in the basket. Canned beans may be good because they provide protein, and you can wash them, which is particularly good for seniors. Even canned tuna and salmon are good. But things like vienna sausages and corn beef is full of salt. So I agree with those comments about ask a dietician before you make a basket for us. But that idea HOA folks have of making decisions for us like it’s a done deal all the time is really frustrating and a time waster.
Perhaps this news site could print a picture of our premiers weekly shopping basket
He is too busy deceiving the general public about the affairs of The VIP and about every trip available to him.