Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in the area of Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
Interviews and photos by Subhana Shiwmangal
Elisha Henry
Elisha Henry, a 34-year-old clothing vendor said: “The cost of living is affecting me really bad because as soon as I get the money, it done. The cost for everything raise; everything expensive in the market now. I don’t even get to save much when I’m finish buying food items. When I finished buying things to eat and paying the utility bills, I’m left with nothing. My husband, mother and I live together, and both my husband and I are working to support her and feed ourselves. We try to cope with the cost of living. I sent my two kids to live overseas due to the high cost of living and for them to have a better life. Everything gone up in the market. For example, a couple months ago 4 lbs of sugar cost $800 and something; now the same 4 lbs sugar cost $1,200 at the Chinese supermarket. Before, a normal size Natura milk cost about $500 and something; now the milk cost $700 and something. Even the prices for clothes have increased in the stores. The government should consider reducing the taxes on food items and also raise people’s salary. Or, if the government want to maintain tax on food items, they should consider raising people’s salary. If people’s salary does not increase, people can’t have no savings.”