Interviews and photos by David Papannah
Natasha Persaud, unemployed – ‘This year the Christmas shopping has started early but it looks as if it is a bit slow. I already started to do some shopping for the Christmas. I went to the city and bought some decorations and lights because I heard they were cheaper there but when I checked the stores here before, they had not brought in any new stock as yet. When I had already bought from Georgetown then the stores here brought in stocks and sold it cheaper. Nevertheless I still have to buy some items for the Christmas so I would shop right here in Berbice. I enjoy the Christmas shopping a lot, you get to see all different things and also see some persons who you haven’t seen in a while. Plus you get to see everybody having a good time shopping and spreading the Christmas cheer around.’
Anil Chatterram, private sector – ‘Christmas shopping is very hectic in some of the stores now which is why I can say that it is really, really bright. At one store there was no where you could have passed you had to squeeze through the crowd to get in and out. I haven’t shopped anything as yet for Christmas because I didn’t have the chance. I am hoping that I have some time really soon to shop because I am eager to check the stores and see what they have in stock for the holidays.’
Tiffany Seurajh, student- `I have been looking around in the stores for clothing mainly because school party is just around the corner. The prices are reasonable and I believe that others can afford to shop for the holidays. I am really happy to shop for Christmas because you get to see all the fancy decorations, gift sets and clothes that the stores bring in. I saw some things I like but I am still checking out the other stores to see if I can catch a good deal.’
Samantha Fernandes, self-employed- The business has been satisfying so far. It started to pick up from last weekend; a lot of persons are buying apples and grapes with confectionaries. I have been doing business for a while now and I expect the business to bloom more as Christmas approaches. The only disappointing fact is that the prices for items have risen above the normal price and this is not good because we the retailers would have to raise the price on the consumers. The business is really busy in the morning hours but the afternoon it slows up. I am hoping too for great weather so that we can have a good Christmas and business season.’
Balram Shane, entrepreneur – `Business is fine for me, the public is supporting the stores and that is really good because the business can be able to pick up. However, the buying power of the consumer is not that high since the money is not flowing, also there is a lot competition around and because of this the business might be very stiff for the rest of the holiday season. Hopefully, the rest of the holiday season may be good to the consumers and businesspersons.’
Ann Marie Mc Donald, housewife- ‘I don’t have to get decorations and fairy lights for this year, all I would have to pick up is the groceries but I came out to see how the road looks and it is very bright for me and to get in the Christmas atmosphere. I did some window shopping and the prices are very reasonable. Persons can afford to shop and with the China traders the prices just suits the pocket. Some stores also have some bargain deals and that is really good because consumers can be able to save. I really do enjoy Christmas shopping because at times I would see something I like and once I have the money I would buy it.’
Lynette Thomas, public sector- ‘`What I have observed is that the Christmas shopping in Berbice is a bit slower than Georgetown. I don’t know why but hopefully it boosts up as the Christmas approaches. I am a late shopper; I love to shop late because you can catch in some great deals and nicer items coming around that time. So far, I did some window shopping and there are some really lovely items around probably if they are around when I am ready to shop I might pick up a few. I am really excited about the Christmas season because it is a Guyanese `thing’. It is the only holiday Guyanese and housewives look forward to and prepare as much as they can for, the Christmas holiday.’
Tiffany Subryan, private sector – ‘For this week I observed that the business in the clothing sector is very much slow. Most persons just come into the stores and do window shopping. But we expect business to start pick up from this week, because school and staff parties coming up and persons would be shopping. Well we are looking forward to a good business season this holiday and hopefully we have it.’
Basmattie Ismael, housewife- `I really enjoy Christmas shopping and so far I can say the Christmas shopping looks bright because a lot of persons are shopping every day and some stores you barely have place to pass. I find it to be alright because the prices are good and it fits the pocket for me. I think other persons can be able to shop because of the right prices. I do hope that persons can come out and shop and enjoy the whole Christmas feeling.’
Betsy Skeeter, private sector – `From what I have observed the season looks very good, but it is not as bright as the other years. However, I never really had a good Christmas but this year looks really bright for me because I had already started to shop. I find the prices reasonable for the decorations and fairy lights but for the curtains the price is a bit hot. I am really excited about the Christmas shopping this year because I plan to have a great Christmas because I still have to shop around for a few items more.’
