Part 106
Interviews and photos by Subhana Shiwmangal
Stabroek News spoke to members of the public in Meadow Bank, Georgetown about the rising cost of living and how it is affecting them. The following are their comments:
James Simon, a pensioner said: “The cost of living is affecting me a lot because when I go to the shop these days to buy something, the cost for the items gone up. A next thing, I’m a pensioner, I mean everybody has to live but the money, the government giving pensioners every month versus the amount of money government is receiving from the revenue of oil, I think more money can be given to pensioners. The cost of living is not easy for me. I provide for myself with the monthly pension I receive. When I go to the market to buy things like porridge stuff I need, and other items, then pay my utility bills and internet bill, I’m left with nothing. For example, a couple months back, a packet of Quaker oats cost $700; now a packet of oats cost $800. Before, a pound of salt fish (Snapper) cost $700; now the salt fish cost $1,200. The cost of living is going up every day, I think the government should consider increasing pensioners’ monthly stipend.”