Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
By Subhana Shiwmangal
Lennox Simmon, a pensioner said: “When I was working, I could have bought certain items I need. Now that I have become old and I can’t work, I rely on my pension to take care of me but the monthly stipend I receive every month is not enough to support myself to buy food items I need for me. I live alone and I have found that the cost for all food items has increased in the markets. Right now, I have $1,500 in my pocket. I have to wait until I receive my monthly pension in order to buy food items again. For example, a couple months back I could have purchased a 1 litre bottle cooking oil for $400; now the same bottle of oil cost $800. The cost for all the items in the market has increased, even the cost to buy snacks for the children has increased in the markets. The cost for provision has increased in the market too, for example, a pound of plantains a couple months back cost $80; now a pound of plantains cost $260. Our country has all these natural resources on hand, so I think instead of giving every household financial support once in a while, the government should instead give the support to everyone in the household including the minors and the adults to help with the cost of living every month or every year.”