Consumer prices soared in Dutch Caribbean during 2011

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WRITTEN BY  LUCIA BECK

BES ISLANDS - Average consumer prices in the Dutch Caribbean rose dramatically in 2011 relative to one year previously.

With 9.9 percent, St Eustatius recorded the highest inflation rate.The inflation rates for Bonaire and Saba were 5.4 and 6.4 percent respectively. For comparison's sake: the Dutch inflation rate over 2011 was 2.3 percent.

Inflation rate Bonaire

Food prices on Bonaire considerably higher in 2011. Prices for food, soft drinks and transport contributed to inflation on Bonaire. Food prices were 7.8 percent up in 2011 from 2010, largely due to meat prices.

Transport was more expensive as a result of higher airline ticket prices. Petrol prices also had an upward effect on inflation.

Petrol prices rose rapidly in the first six months of 2011. Clothes prices increased by 11 percent last year.

Inflation rate St Eustatius

Highest inflation rate recorded on St Eustatius. The most substantial price increase (9.9 percent) was recorded on St Eustatius, mainly as a result of higher transport prices early last year. Airline ticket and motor fuel prices rose dramatically. Higher energy prices and higher prices charged in the hotels and restaurants sector also contributed to inflation.

Electricity prices were higher in the months of May, June and July due to the delayed effect of higher fuel prices on energy prices. Prices charged in the sector hotels and restaurants were nearly one quarter up from one year previously.

In the first quarter of 2011, many businesses in the sector raised their prices in reaction to the introduction of the new tax system in 2011.

Inflation rate Saba

Food and transport prices push up inflation on Saba. Saba recorded an inflation rate of 6.4 percent in 2011. Transport prices contributed most to inflation. Expensive airline tickets were the main cause, just as on the other islands. Motor fuel prices also soared on Saba.

Prices of food products and soft drinks were 9 percent up from one year previously in 2011. Meat, bread and cereal products played an important part in this respect. Higher prices charged in the sector hotels and restaurants were the third important factor.

They were nearly 21 percent higher in 2011 than in the preceding year. The price increase in the sector hotels and restaurants mainly occurred in the first quarter, just as on St Eustatius.

Adjustment

Figures referring to the fourth quarter of 2011 and the annual figure over 2011 are provisional and will become definitive when data over the first quarter of 2012 are released. Various figures referring to the third quarter of 2011 were adjusted relative to the previous publication as a result of information received later. These figures currently have a definitive status.

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Partial Integration of ‘Caribbean Netherlands’ brings high inflation rates

Bonaire Reporter

Prices in the Caribbean Netherlands rose dramatically in 2011 over the previous year. St. Eustatius recorded the highest inflation rate- 9.9%. The provisional inflation rate for Bonaire was 5.4%. For comparison’s sake consider that the Dutch inflation rate over the same period was 2.3%.. Prices for food, soft drinks and transport contributed the most to inflation on Bonaire.  Food prices were up 7.8% in 2011 from 2010, largely due to meat prices. Transport was more expensive as a result of more expensive airline tickets. Gasoline  prices also soared.  Prices on clothing increased by 11% last year.

Sen. Burgos calls on Obama to release Puerto Rico political prisoner Oscar López

Inter News Service

New Progressive Party Sen. Norma Burgos presented on Monday, during the first day of ordinary session, S. Resolution 2538 wherein she requests President Barack Obama the release of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera. 

As expressed by Burgos in the bill, “our president (Obama), in multiple instances, has recognized the right of self-determination of the people of Puerto Rico.” 

For the senator, Obama “has reiterated the importance that we agree on issues relevant to our self-determination, thus, by making use of his prerogatives, from the (U.S.) Senate he asked for the liberation of Oscar López, who is in a federal prison after complying with two sentences that sum to 70 years.” 

“The people of Puerto Rico have solidarity, we want to remain consistent with the claim that we have made to liberate Oscar López. 

We did it in 1999 when we occupied the (Puerto Rico) Secretary of State, when former U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton pardoned most Puerto Rican political prisoners who had spent close to 20 years in prison,” she said.   

The legislator remembered that “in an act of solidarity” Oscar López rejected the initiative established by Clinton “because his colleagues Haydée Beltrán and Carlos Torres remained in jail.” 

During Obama’s recent visit to Puerto Rico, Burgos requested the liberation of the Puerto Rican prisoner. 

The senator qualified as “unfair” that the “boricua” remain in jail “when it is known that his main motive is for supporting independence, and when others are already out of prison. 

But as, the federal parole board has denied the possibility of his release, despite the exemplary behavior shown by Oscar López in the past 30 years.” 

“It is time for Oscar to have his liberty and return home, to his house with his daughter Clarissa López, to whom I recently expressed my commitment to present this petition in the Senate as it is happening today. 

This is an act of solidarity calling on our president (Obama) to order the liberation of this Puerto Rican,” Burgos declared. 

Burgos’ initiative complements the one previously made by Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi who addressed the federal parole board during the process of consideration for Oscar’s release.