Stabroek News spoke to members of the public at Friendship, East Bank Demerara about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
Bibi Intazam
Bibi Intazam, a pensioner said: “The cost of living is affecting me in many ways. When I buy groceries, pay the utility bills and cater for snacks, I budget but still the money is not enough for me. The cost for food items has increased in the markets and shops. I live alone and receive my monthly pension. Sometimes I get help from relatives and I have my own kitchen garden to help cope with the high cost of living. Sometimes, if I am accustom buying three-four items a month, I reduced the items I usually buy in order to make ends meet. Before times, I used to buy $5,000 worth in grocery; now you have to go to the supermarket with $20,000 – $25,000 to get the same amount of grocery.