Bajans complain about hard times

Things in Barbados are rough and many Bajans are not coping.

That was the general consensus among Barbadians who participated in a social media discussion, on Thursday, about how soaring prices were affecting them and suggestions to reduce costs.

The forum was hosted by businessman and Democratic Labour Party (DLP) member Ryan Walters who queried whether Government was doing enough for citizens and what more could be done.

His questions came against the background of the increasing cost of living, which includes hikes in gas, electricity and food prices.

Walters highlighted several initiatives undertaken by other Caribbean governments to ease the strain from their populations.

“Over in our neighbouring countries, we see some effort, we see some initiatives from other governments that sound interesting. In Dominica and in St Vincent, they are removing customs service charge and they are cutting the excise duties on petroleum products. In Jamaica, there is a light bill assistance programme that is supposed to help lower income users of electricity; and in St Kitts, we recently heard about an allowance on imported food items that regular citizens import,” he said.

Walters queried whether similar efforts could have a positive impact if introduced here.

Meanwhile, Barbadians shared their views on social media. Some, despite being employed, said they had to choose between paying bills and buying food. Others said they were struggling to make ends meet, living pay cheque to pay cheque, and were feeling hopeless about their future.

One commenter, Kathrine Kirton-Murrell, expressed concern about what she deemed a lack of government intervention and development of measures to assist the most vulnerable.

“The cost of every basic thing you need to survive has gone up in this country. The problem is that no serious attempts have been made to assist us with our struggles. I believe more can be done. There should be a cap placed on the cost of certain necessities. Suppliers must get more creative and offer more deals to shoppers,” she suggested.

Retired journalist Rosemary Alleyne contended that the Government could do more but, according to her, “doesn’t care”.

“It [cost of living] is extremely difficult. Cost of gas, cost of medicines, cost of basic food items. We are drowning but too shame to admit our difficulties. I think Government can do more but their bank books listing, shopping carts full, fridge full. . . ?” Alleyne commented.

Romeo Hinkson was also critical of the Government as he called on the Mottley administration to reduce taxation.

He said Barbadians could no longer carry the burden of additional taxes which have made life harder for them.

“All of these taxes is what choking the poor people and the Prime Minister knows this. She tell Bajans that we are over taxed and we can’t take any more but still come to office and put on more, while she ease the rich from paying taxes. This is what they vote for, so take the pressure and breathe,” Hinkson stated.

Another person who went by the moniker Ghagen103, added: “It’s rough; bills, groceries and gas all gone up [and] you cannot even take out the Internet because the children need it for school.”

Instagram user Andre Brathwaite (0910_dre) added his voice to those people advocating for a more self-sufficient Barbados.

“….We need to become more self-sustainable and it would likely mean redirecting more support towards the agricultural sector which can also help generate employment and reduce our imports and dependence on outside sources,” he suggested.

Walters encouraged residents to stay positive, spend what they have wisely, and assist each other, even amid the hardships.

“The price of everything is going up…. By now you would recognise some difference in your grocery bills. We would have heard that chicken has gone up, fish is likely to follow. . . . We know that electricity has gone up and the Fair Trading Commission is still considering a rate increase that would be on top of what we actually pay if it is approved.

“The Government just increased natural gas as well, and as you know the gasoline and diesel has been rising month on month. We had an increase in gasoline of $0.39 per litre and diesel $0.69 per litre since January of this year. Bajans are still recovering from COVID and we must not forget that. A lot of persons’ savings have been depleted, there are still a lot of persons without steady work and steady income, so we cannot forget that. . . . Where we can, let’s help those who are worse off, and let’s try to get through this together. Be strong,” Walters encouraged. (KC)