St. Lucia removes subsidy

St. Lucia Prime Minister Stephenson King said his government cannot afford to continue subsidising food and energy products.



Mr. King said the food and energy subsidy is costing the country millions of dollars.



He said consumers may soon be required to pay market prices for these commodities.



However, former trade minister in that country, Phillip Pierre, said he does not support a removal of the subsidies.



Mr. Pierre said if the government goes ahead with its plan, life would become more difficult for the people who are already affected by high prices.