In this so-called ‘Little Dubai’ gas prices are rising and so are the people’s blood pressure and frustrations. When a major producer of crude oil, such as Russia, puts their foot on the neck of Ukraine, the world reacts, and these are some of the consequences. The volatility of oil prices is just one knife in the backs of the people. From pandemic to war, from peace to panic, there seems to be no ending date for the world’s calamities.
After seeing the price of cooking gas in Guyana this week some are contemplating resorting to the fireside or kerosene stoves. Not too long-ago cooking gas was $3,500 or less, then we were paying over $4,000, now this week it is as much as $5,700. The difficulties are growing. Some may simply starve to death. In many homes tennis roll with margarine or cheese with a cup of tea is breakfast, a plate of rice and stew is lunch, vegan or vegetarian when meat and fish are too expensive and for some all they have is a cup of water before they go to sleep to dream their poverty away. The recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day for many Guyanese is not a reality though we produce plenty and a larger section of the population can plant their food.