Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in Lamaha Park, Georgetown about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
Interviews and photos by Subhana Shiwmangal
Collin Jacobs
Collin Jacobs, a pensioner said: “The cost of living is affecting my family and I daily because when we go in the market to buy grocery items, we are seeing that the cost for food items has increased. To me it depends on where you purchase the items from as well. For example, at Water Street I recently bought 6 oranges for $500 and the vendor was kind enough to give me an extra one but at Bourda market, the vendors are selling 3 oranges for $500 now; a couple months back the oranges were more expensive. The cost for other grocery items has gone up in the markets/shops. For example, a few months ago, 10 lbs sugar cost $1,200; now the sugar cost $1,400. Also, a small pack Natura milk a couple months back cost $200 and something; now the milk cost $400. My wife and I are pensioners and we try to budget our money to pay the utility bills, buy grocery items and help support one of our daughters that lives with us; we try to make ends meet by coping with the cost of living. We try to support our grandchildren as well. I believe the government can reduce the cost for a lot of food items to help people with the rising cost of living.”