National Cost-of-Living Task Force Launches “Smart Spend SKN” Campaign to Empower Consumers

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – June 18, 2025 – The National Cost-of-Living Task Force announces
the launch of its “Smart Spend SKN” public awareness campaign – a strategic initiative to help citizens
and residents combat rising expenses through informed purchasing decisions. The campaign debuts
today with the release of its first comparative infographic, revealing that families can save EC$525
annually simply by choosing an alternative Corn Flakes brand cereal.

The inaugural infographic demonstrates how switching to alternative brands delivers tangible benefits:
Consumers immediately save an average of EC$10.35 per cereal box purchase. For weekly buyers, this
accumulates to EC$525 in annual savings – equivalent to essential expenses like 1.5 months of
household electricity, school uniforms for children or three months of fresh local produce.

Dr Marcus L Natta, Chair of the National Cost-of-Living Task Force, emphasised the real-world impact:
“Our tagline ‘Same bowl. Smarter Spend’ reflects a vital economic strategy. When families save $10 on
cereal, that’s $10 available, possibly towards bus fare, lunch, medicine, books or savings. These
conscious choices build crucial resilience against global price shocks.”

The campaign empowers consumers in Siant Kitts and Nevis through evidence-based insights, validating
that alternatives can match leading brands in quality while costing significantly less. Additionally, the
campaign directly advances the Task Force’s mandate by delivering measurable cost-reduction
strategies and collaborating with stakeholders to address market inefficiencies.

About the National Cost-of-Living Task Force:
Established by 2023 Cabinet Directive, this multi-agency body combines expertise from economics,
agriculture, and social services to develop evidence-based cost-reduction strategies. Its work focuses on
six pillars: Food Security, Energy Affordability, Housing, Transportation, Consumer Goods, and Local
Production Resilience, guided by the principle of “Building a nation where every citizen thrives – not just
survives.”