CATEGORY:GOVERNMENT (PRESS RELEASE) ------------------------------------------ INSIDE GRENADA THURSDAY May 17,2007 GRENADA: On Wednesday May 16th 2007 (yesterday) members of the Price Control Unit and Acting Permanent Secretary, Lennox Andrews met with Prime Minister, Mitchell to discuss the Prime Minister’s concern for the perception of an increase in the prices of goods. As a follow up of his pronouncement at the Rally in Progress Park, Prime Minister, Mitchell thought it was important to set the record straight as it relates to his promise to address the matter. Mr. Andrews declared that he was basically satisfied with the performance of the Unit and informed that there were two persons working Carriacou. Prime Minister, Mitchell stated that while that may be so, he is not satisfied with the perception that the prices of goods have increased. He impressed on the attentive workers for strong Public Relations because they are the face of Government and the Ministry of Finance, and as such, should look at areas where we can strengthen the apparatus to make the delivery of our services much more effective and beneficial to the nation as a whole. Prime Minister, Mitchell made reference to two basic reasons why prices are increased: (1) Increase energy cost (mainly outside of our control). (2) The question of people raising prices irrationally. It was stated that the problem does not generally lie with the shop-keepers but more so with the wholesalers. Another group of violators identified were the Traffickers who take their business into the rural areas where they take advantage of the vulnerable segment of our society. In conclusion it was agreed that the operations of the Price Control Unit will be reviewed with a keen eye on upgrading the training. The Prime Minister reminded the Unit that Price Grousing is a major concern especially in these challenging times, and that he is hopeful that with this new initiative as well as their commitment to detail Grenadians will soon benefit from the results.