–Despite US$11M Given to Subsidize Rice Importers
James Lehmer Hiama, Jr.; hiamajames@gmail.com; 0770334857/0888270604
Amid mounting complaints coming from Liberians over the raise in price of the country staple food (Rice), by the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, lot of Liberians have strongly condemned the act with the latest coming from Grand Bassa County senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
If one may recollect, on Friday, December 2, 2022, the government of Liberia in a press release, pushed the price of 25Kg bag of rice from US$13.50 to 17.00 as wholesale price, while the retail price is been increased from US$14.00 to US$17.50 respectively.
According to government of Liberia, the increment comes as a result of the current global challenges faced with sourcing the commodity. Commenting on the situation created by the government, Grand Bassa County senator and political leader of the Opposition Liberty Party, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, described the situation as “sad” and “objectionable”, particularly at the time when citizens go to bed hungry and civil servants no longer take pay on time.
The Senator, in furtherance, said the adjustments are untimely and only intended to elevate the incalculable sufferings of the Liberian people.
The Grand Bassa County Senator wants the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to appear before the National Legislature to answer questions regarding such increment, after receiving money in the tone of US$11 million from National Legislature to subsidize rice importers.
