The need for the private sector to implement similar measures as those applied by the Government last week with regard to the cost of living was one of the measures discussed when President Bharrat Jagdeo met with members of the Private Sector Commission at the Office of the President yesterday.
Last week the President announced several interventions to ease the rising cost of living burden on Guyanese. These include subsidizing the 25% increase in the price of flour, a $4000 tax-free cost of living allowance for Government workers who earn $50,000 and less and a five percent increase in wages and salaries for all Government employees retroactive from January, 2008.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) release stated that Jagdeo also urged the PSC members to assist in providing relief to the population in the hinterland and not just to those residing in coastal areas. This included reducing the cost of transportation for goods to be transported to hinterland communities.
Jagdeo, who is meeting with various sections of society and groups to discuss global rising food prices, the increasing cost of living and their effect on Guyana, also met with religious leaders earlier this week.
GINA quoted Chief Executive Officer of Fairfield Rice, Dr. Peter De Groot, who the agency spoke with following the meeting as stating that the meeting went well with President Jagdeo urging the business community to suggest additional methods which they feel could help to relieve some of the burden on their workers. “Those recommendations were made and will be looked at,” De Groot was quoted as saying.
De Groot said that government’s ‘Grow More Food’ campaign was also discussed and the members urged to assist in providing relief to the population in the hinterland. “It was noted that many other issues were discussed but that no specific agreements were made. These are expected to be made when the President again meets with the Commission shortly”, the release stated.
