Interviews and photos by Subhana Shiwmangal and Bebi Oosman
Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in the areas of Lesbeholden, Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakusari in Black Bush Polder about the cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
Chayvindra Harrchand
Chayvindra Harrchand, a 33-year-old farmer: `As a single parent I would have to support my two children and the cost of living is affecting me and family since the salary is low. I find that before I would have gotten more items for my money than now. I do plant crops to make my ends meet but still the money is not enough to support my family. Simple items like Coca cola is expensive, a 1 litre Coca Cola cost $320 now; before the cost was $300. Even the cost for cooking oil gone up. A 1 gallon bottle of oil cost $3000 and something now; before the cost was $2000. We really need help with the cost of living. Another thing is, when the government is distributing items to farmer to aid in agriculture, the government of Guyana should make sure all farmers receive items whether it’s help with livestock, crops, tools… and not just to distribute items to certain farmers since we have farmers who are happy for the help.’