Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in Supply, East Bank Demerara about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
Interviews and photos by Subhana Shiwmangal
Christopher Pickering
Christopher Pickering, a 39-year-old driver said: “The cost of living is a bit tough on me but, what are you going to do about it? I can’t do anything about it, I just have to go out and work. Honestly speaking, I can’t say when last I save. I drive bus for a living and when I don’t get work I do other part-time work to cover my expenses. I live alone and I have five kids who doesn’t live with me that I support. I’m just working to survive. Although I have assets, I can’t afford to save $1,000. As I make the money, it just goes towards paying the bills and for me to survive. The cost for food has gone up in the markets. I’m not blaming the politician or anybody for the high cost of living because they have to look after themselves. The cost of living right now is in a bad state. I remember years ago at my first job, I used to work for $800 per day and every weekend I used to go out and could have afforded to buy new outfits and sneakers. Presently, my income per day is $20,000 and I can’t do any of those things. I hardly cook, I usually buy food on the road to eat because of my job and the food is very costly. For example, a couple months back a breakfast which includes a puri, chicken curry and a juice cost $600; now it cost $1,000. Also, a couple months back a baby coke cost $140; now the coke cost $260. I think price control should be placed on food items because the cost for identical items when purchased at different places has different prices.”