In Guyana, some folks can afford to splurge US$5000 on a yacht to cruise the Demerara River. Others can barely afford a tray of eggs, the cost of which has moved from $1500 to $2400. This is the stark reality of the haves and have-nots, a reality which the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) wants to change in this oil-rich nation says the party’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Juretha Fernandes.
During an interview with veteran journalist Enrico Woolford on his show Context, Fernandes expressed concern about the rising cost of living that adds further pressure on the poor while the abhorrently rich live blissfully and carefree.
Fernandes said the rising cost of fruits, vegetables, ground provision and meat have soared by more than 75 percent in the past three years. She said this data was provided by the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.
Fernandes said, “We have 48% of Guyanese in poverty…inflation of basic food items went up 70%, you can imagine their state right now. They are struggling.”
She assured that the APNU will not ignore the plight of the poor. The Prime Ministerial candidate said her party will increase salaries to the extent that they consider the realities on the ground.
“We are going to make sure that it is better for you under us. We are going to make sure that you have more money. We are going to make sure that you have more jobs.
“We are going to make sure that we provide an avenue so that you can create business,” said the Prime Ministerial candidate.
