Guyana’s inflation remains under control

Nov 06, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

I read with interest Mr. Sherod Duncan’s recent letter titled “Food inflation 7.5% in past year: lived reality much higher.” While his concern for the welfare of Guyanese households is commendable, his portrayal of the country’s economic situation does not accurately reflect the broader facts or the progress Guyana has made in stabilising prices and protecting consumers amid global challenges.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, food inflation stood at 7.5% over the past year, a figure derived from internationally recognised statistical methods and verified by independent observers. This rate, though not negligible, is moderate by global standards, especially considering that many developing economies have experienced double-digit inflation in the wake of global supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs. Guyana’s overall inflation rate of about 3.8% demonstrates prudent fiscal and monetary management by the government.

It is important to note that inflation does not affect all commodities equally. While the prices of some staples such as rice or eggs may have fluctuated, others have remained stable or even decreased. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents an average basket of goods and services, ensuring that national figures reflect the total cost of living, not isolated market anecdotes. Selective examples of price hikes, while emotionally resonant, do not provide a fair picture of the national trend.

Furthermore, the government has not been indifferent to the pressures faced by working families. Targeted subsidies, cash grants, and tax relief measures have been implemented to ease the burden on households, especially those most vulnerable. The government also continues to invest heavily in local agriculture, food security, and infrastructure to reduce import dependence and stabilise food supply structural measures that yield sustainable relief beyond short-term fixes.

Mr. Duncan’s claim that the government celebrates oil revenues while ignoring ordinary citizens is misleading. In reality, oil income has been used to fund social programmes, public sector salary increases, and pension adjustments, reflecting a commitment to inclusive growth. The government’s Human Development and cost of living initiatives demonstrate that national prosperity is being directed toward improving household welfare, not enriching a few.

In conclusion, while no one denies that global inflation has affected daily life, the narrative that “lived reality” is far worse than official data suggests is an overstatement. Guyana’s inflation remains under control, its economy robust and its policies targeted toward protecting the most vulnerable. Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be grounded in facts, not impressions.

Yours faithfully,
A Concerned Citizen
Georgetown, Guyana

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Consumer Price Index, Government, Guyana, Households, Mr. Sherod Duncan’s

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