By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 4th June 2026) — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Terrance Drew has indicated that following purchases conducted on his instructions at four of the island’s major bakeries, three have confirmed that they have no intention of increasing the price of the country’s popular $2 long bread, while one bakery is being urged by government to reduce its price from $3 and engage in discussions with officials. Speaking on the party-sponsored programme Progress Report, aired live on Freedom FM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026, Dr. Drew brought the bread and receipts to the studio during the live broadcast.
“Let me say clearly and emphatically, the government did not approve for the increase of the bread from $2 to $3, and therefore that statement I think is a firm statement to say to those who seek to do it, to refrain from doing it, to readjust your prices to ensure that you stay in compliance with what the government is pushing,” he stated. He identified Ashton Bakery, Bass Bakery and Fraites Bakery as the three bakeries that confirmed no plans to increase. He noted that Island Bakery was selling the bread for $3: “From the Island Bakery, I’m seeing a $3 increase. This will not be accepted. Island Bakery, please adjust your cost of bread to $2. Come in and sit with the government.” The Prime Minister questioned the rationale: “How can you go from $2 to $3? That’s a 50% increase on the most basic staple for our people here in St. Kitts and Nevis without a discussion with the government? The people must be protected, and that is why I said this is a people-centred government that will not accept something like this.”