The Government of Barbados owes its citizens answers. For 15 months, Barbadians have endured high fuel prices despite international oil prices trending downward. This prolonged inaction raises critical questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness.
For many, the recent reduction in fuel prices, while welcome, is too little, too late.
It is not a gift but a long-overdue correction to what Opposition Senator Ryan Walters described as “economic rape” in an article we published last Friday when news of the drop in fuel prices was announced.
Since then, Bajans have had their say on the topic. Over the weekend on our social media pages, the story was the most read and carried strongly worded comments from the public. Many wanted to know how much money the government collected during the 15 months while others said a rebate should be forthcoming. Many too praised the Senator for relentlessly advocating for an adjustment.
During his contribution in the Upper Chamber on Wednesday, the Opposition Senator echoed some of the comments and urged Government to let the public know why there was no drop in the prices and how much money was collected during the 15-month period from September 2023 to date.
Walters used the figures in the 2023 annual report of the Barbados National Oil Company Limited and estimated that over this 15-month period, the government extracted approximately $41 million in excess from taxpayers. When challenged by Leader of Government Business Senator Lisa Cummins, he declared the figure was $63.2 million but was discounted due to fluctuations and other variables.
Even if these guesstimated figures are disputed, the burden is on the government to provide accurate data and explain its pricing policy.
There are many questions and Barbadians deserve answers. Why were savings from declining oil prices not passed on to consumers? Why did it take until the Christmas season of 2024 for the government to implement a reduction? In the face of governmental silence, Senator Walters has emerged as a relentless advocate for transparency and fairness. By demanding a formal apology, a detailed explanation, and compensation for consumers, he articulated the frustrations of ordinary Barbadians.
The senator’s demand for transparency is critical. It is not enough for the government to announce a price reduction without context. The people deserve to know why prices remained high for so long and what prompted the reduction now.
The absence of clear communication from key government figures only deepens mistrust.
Finally, Senator Walters’ suggestion for compensation highlights the need for tangible action to address the economic burden borne by consumers. Whether through rebates, reduced future costs, or another mechanism, consumers are looking to the government to act.
As it relates to this topical issue, Walters has shown commendable leadership in advocating for the people. His effort should inspire all Barbadians to demand better from our government no matter which political party holds office.
In this fight for fairness, the Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has also been a steadfast ally of the people. The BCEN’s advocacy for consumer rights and its calls for greater accountability from the government have been invaluable.
Organisations like the BCEN play a critical role in amplifying the voices of citizens and holding authorities accountable.
The combined efforts of Senator Walters and the BCEN highlight a broader issue: the need for a more engaged and vigilant citizenry. Governments are elected to serve the people. When they fail to act transparently, it falls on civil society and dedicated public servants to demand better.
The government’s approach to price adjustments is a glaring inconsistency that cannot go unchallenged. When international oil prices rise, consumers face immediate increases at the pump. Yet when those prices fall, the savings are not passed on with the same urgency. Barbadians demand and deserve answers. The government must provide a full account of the money collected during the 15-month period of no fuel price adjustments.
It must explain why savings from declining oil prices were not passed on to consumers.
And it should outline if it intends to compensate citizens for the economic hardship they endured.
Senator Walters has provided his own estimates and analysis, but it is the government’s responsibility to offer concrete data. Transparency is not optional; it is an obligation. Barbadians have a right to know how their money was managed.
The reduction in fuel prices, while overdue, is a step in the right direction. However, it does not absolve the government of its responsibility to account for the past 15 months of inaction.
This is not just about cents per litre; it is about the principles of fairness, accountability, governance and transparency.
The post #BTEditorial – Will Government account for money collected in fuel prices? appeared first on Barbados Today.
