THE Central Committee of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has lauded the measures adopted by the Government to deal with the rising food prices locally.

General Secretary, Mr. Donald Ramotar made the announcement yesterday, at a press conference in the Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown party headquarters.

He said that the committee met on May 10 and addressed many issues affecting the country, including the crisis resulting from rising food costs.

The committee expressed concerns at the hikes globally and noted that the increases have roots in factors outside of Guyana, the main one identified as the phenomenal rise in the price of fuel internationally, Ramotar reported.

“It was noted that the situation with fuel was the first issue that drove the prices up. Moreover, the response by developed countries to the escalation in fuel cost has actually made the situation worse,” he said.

Ramotar posited that the conversion of grains, particularly corn into bio-fuel, has compounded the problem and drove up the prices for meat, dairy products, wheat flour and other grains etc.

He said: “The removal of taxes from diesel fuel and the drastic reduction in taxes on gasolene have certainly made a major contribution on restraining the rise in prices.”

Ramotar said the administration has moved to partially subsidise flour to bakers and in some working class areas.

“…the government’s measure to provide a temporary cost of living allowance of $4,000 for government employees earning $50,000 and less is commendable,” he also acknowledged.

“The party also noted that almost all essential food items have been zero-rated from duties and taxes…this is another measure that has helped to ameliorate the situation in Guyana,” the General Secretary attested.

He said the meeting supported, too, the steps that are being contemplated to assist single parents’ householders.

“These measures have, once again, demonstrated the working class nature of the PPP and it is clear that the party and government always do their best for the working and less fortunate people,” Ramotar asserted.