Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s-Gift to the people

Sunday, December 22 2013

CHRISTMAS shoppers yesterday said that they wished Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s had given her gift of a 20 percent discount on rice, flour and oil earlier in the month.

“I think it is a good idea, but I already bought my groceries. And I bought oil, flour and rice already. So I would not be coming back Christmas Eve to shop,” said Patsy Mohammed at JTA supermarket in Carlton Centre, San Fernando yesterday. Persad-Bissessar on Thursday announced the reduction in prices of specific brands of flour, together with soyabean oil and rice produced by State-owned National Flour Mills which she said will be in effect tomorrow and Tuesday. She said the initiative was her Christmas gift.

The discount will apply to the Ibis, Lotus, Good and Natural, Hibiscus, Cuisine and Club Select brands.

Consumers at the JTA Supermarket in Carlton Centre said the Prime Minister’s announcement was too sudden and too close to Christmas.

“I think it was too short notice. My shopping for oil and flour is done,” said Barbara Francois. Kamla Maharaj of Diamond Village, near San Fernando, said that she came to the grocery yesterday to purchase drinks and snacks.

“I would not be in this grocery again. This is my last shopping day just to get the drinks. I already purchased flour and oil,” Mervyn Mootilal shared similar sentiments saying that he could not fathom why the Government made the announcement “last minute”.

Yesterday, shoppers were out in full force on High Street, San Fernando, most were buying toys for their children. A noticeable hot seller was electronic games. See story on Page 20A