Table 4. 5. v


 Retail prices for selected foodstuffs in Kingston, Jamaica, for selected periods


 Commodity 1955 1959 1960 1961
 Commodity
 Dec. av. annual av. annual av. annual av.

 Pence Pence Pence Pence
Roots, yams, lb. 5.17 6.14 6.50 6.92
Sweet potatoes, lb. 4.00 4.62 4.88 5.15
Irish potatoes, lb. 4.75 6.00 6.60 6.00
Pulses, red peas, pt. 31.50 33.75 33.00 33.56
Plantains, each 3.10 5.18 4.90 5.24
Cornmeal, lb. 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50
Oranges, doz. 12.72 21.55 19.33 25.41
Tomatoes, salad, lb. 13.08 11.20 12.10 12.00

Beef rib roast, lb. 27.00 33.00 33.00 45.33
Mutton, lb. 30.00 41.00 38.00 36.10
Pork, lb. 24.00 31.00 30.00 31.50
Fish, snapper, lb. 26.00 30.00 27.60 29.00

 Source: Data and material developed during the study and other available data.


 In Jamaica, beef prices show the most marked increase. The price of this product
was controlled between 1940 and 1960 although between 1950 and 1960 the controlled price
increased from JE4. 15. 0. per 100 pounds liveweight to J7 per 100 pounds liveweight, or
or 180s. per 100 pounds w.d.c. 1/ After decontrol the price increased to about 240s. per
100 pounds w.d.c. 1/ It is too early to say what effect the decontrol has had on supplies
since slaughterings in 1961 must to some extent have been the result of decisions made
before price control. Also the number of legal as against total slaughterings would in-
crease after decontrol anyway. Supplies were increasing in 1962 and the price appeared
to be stabilising, averaging 48 J pence per pound in the first six months of 1962, which
would indicate that a new equilibrium is being established.

 In Trinidad and Tobago, the food section in the retail price index increased from 100
in January 1952 to 126.5 in December 1955 to 138.9 in December 1959. Noting some in-
dividual prices, it is observed that fresh beef increased from 77.9 cents per pound in 1955
to 86.2 cents per pound in 1959, fresh pork from 77.3 cents to 83.6 cents per pound, sweet
potatoes from 9.7 cents to 10.3 cents per pound, yams from 7.1 cents to 10.6 cents per
pound and tomatoes from 31.1 cents to 36 cents per pound. Trinidad and Tobago imports
much of its sweet potatoes from St. Vincent and there is little doubt that competition from
banana, and also emigration of growers has reduced the supply and increased prices.



1/ Warm dressed carcass.