THE EDITOR, Sir:THE RECENT hike in bus fares has compelled me to join the scores of concerned citizens in voicing my distress regarding the economic situation in our country.
Was any thought given to the fact that persons have already budgeted for the month - the demands of back-to-school expenses rating high on the list?
So yet again, consumers are being made to stretch already paltry wages, and the working class will continue suffering from all kinds of stress-related illnesses in a bid to eke out a living. With every piped dream, the proletariats pay 'dearly'.
A minimum wage earner will now pay $4,000 per month for bus fares during a 40-hour work week. How do you stretch the balance? The article on the front page of The Sunday Gleaner of August 21 is a depressing reminder of the desperate chances person will take in order to earn an honest living, only to be exploited of money, self-respect, trust and emotions.
Persons in the Government service have been experiencing a serious case of 'playing God' for the past year and a half and will indeed have to increase the miracle-working activities until the salaries 'melt'.
Public servants have not received any increases in salaries and/or acting allowances since the document was circulated - let us not forget that a balance is owing. If this is not a wage freeze, what is?
Another concern is rental of houses. Would-be tenants pore over the daily papers trying to find reasonably-priced accommodations. These are either quoted in U.S. dollars or way above where you hang your basket.
When a landlord rents a one-bedroom flat for $25,000 and at the same time requests two months security deposit, that's $75,000.00 at the onset.
Wouldn't it be easier to try and save towards a mortgage? Ha! A mortgage? The average working professional may never own a home - especially public servants.
It may be said that the increase in individual benefits by the National Housing Trust (NHT) gives you the opportunity to purchase a home. The average cost of a two-bedroom is $3 million - the amount allotted is $1.5 million per individual.
Forget about co-ownership. Who wants the hassle of deciding who puts in how much if push gets to the 'shub'?
With respect to utilities, the Jamaica Public Service has had at least four increases since the passage of Hurricane Ivan. I would think that having divested the failed entity, the present purveyors would not be audacious enough to request another increase at this time.
It is accepted that there are issues beyond our control the steady increase of oil, for example. Notwithstanding, the Government has failed to fulfill its obligations to the general populace.
I am, etc.,
BARBARA MCKENZIE
robeton_kah@yahoo.co.uk
