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REFLECTIONS ON THE HOLIDAYS

Dec 21, 2010 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

You have to feel for the sugar workers at this time. The sugar workers have nothing to get this year-end and therefore will enjoy diminished purchasing power at this time of the year.
But as much as their situation is rough and they may find it difficult at this time of the year, they are going to find ways of enjoying the holidays.
There are still a great many good things are happening for Christmas 2010. There seems to be no reduction of remittances at this time. Many Guyanese depend on monetary gifts sent by relatives abroad to tidy them over. Those sending the money in turn rely on their annual bonus, some of which has been reduced because of the ongoing financial crises with the rich countries. This seems however not to have affected the remittances home.
From the way Guyanese are shopping, it does seem as if there is a great deal of currency in circulation. This is why its is so displaceable for the government at this time to have implemented regulations demanding that cambios ask their customers to produce a form of identity and an address when changing in excess of US $100.
At this time when many Guyanese overseas are moving their savings back home because of fear of another round of financial crashes, we should be encouraging remittances, not placing obstacles in its place. Money laundering is not going to be avoided by asking persons to provide personal details for small sums changed at banks and cambios.
That aside, many Guyanese are smiling at this time at their purchasing power. There are a great many bargains to be had at this time. You do not need a great deal of money to be able to have a good Christmas. Things are very reasonable. There are good deals to be had. You can get the basics for your home and presents for family and friends at very affordable prices.
Instead of shortages, there is a glut of almost very item and this is causing prices to fall. A few days ago, chicken was being retailed for below $160 per lb, something that has not happened for the last ten years.
Last year the price of chicken soared to $300 per lb and earlier this year it reached an all time high of $380 per lb. Today it is half that price, quite an amazing reversal which shows that once government intervenes within the market, prices can be reduced and inflation curtailed.
Business companies will make the usual complaints about people not buying, but they are merely trying to hoodwink the tax authorities into believing that there is a downturn. There is not. Business is brisk and many businesses are doing very well at this time of the year.
Some unscrupulous persons however have tried to take advantage of the situation. A few weeks ago, there was an attempt by forces to increase the price of rice and sugar on the local market. The government was swift to call attention to the fact that there were no shortages and that price increases, in particular for sugar, would be monitored.
The prices of sugar and rice have since returned to normalcy but it hoped that despite this, the authorities will examine just who were behind the recent move to increase prices.
The price of eggs is also reasonable at this time, especially considering the demand for this product at this time of the year.
In terms of the cost of living, this should be a good year.
At the same time however there remains fear over the crime situation in the country. To its credit the police have been making arrests after some of these disturbing incidents and hopefully they can place a lid on some of the criminal activity that is taking place.
Entertainment wise, there is also a great deal to look forward. Many big concerts are planned and Guyanese are looking forward to seeing some of their favorite artistes on show in Guyana for the holiday.
This should set the stage for a great deal of fun over the holidays and with thousands already in Guyana for the Christmas holidays, it promises to be a good Christmas.

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