Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
Interviews and photos by Subhana Shiwmangal
Calvin Williams
Calvin Williams, a 48-year-old shop owner said: “The cost of living is affecting my family and I a lot when buying items. I don’t even have a land of my own to live on. My wife and I are living in a tiny place within our business, which is located at the corner of the road while our six kids reside at their grandmother. My wife and I run a shop. We are trying with the high cost of living. Every day I go to the shop to buy items to resell and I have noticed that the cost for something always rising. I never get to apply for a land through the Ministry of Housing because every time I go to apply for a land with the Ministry of Housing, I not getting through. Right now, I’m just trying to see what I can do to provide for my family. The cost of living is high. I used to buy a 10kg bag of Karibee rice for $1,760; now the same Karibee rice cost $2,100. Also, the cost for a case of 24 ounces drinks a couple months back was $1,900 wholesale; now the same case of drinks cost $2,300/$2,400 wholesale. I think the government should do something about the Chinese who are coming in the country and selling their items cheaper than us. I mean they started out like that but then the people still buy from them despite the Chinese have increase their cost on items after a time. Also, I’m glad if the government can assist me in acquiring a land.”