Dairy and meat prices have skyrocketed in recent days in the South Caribbean, making it impossible for coastal families to bring these food products to the table.
The economic situation in Bluefields, the port of entry for this region of the country, is not very encouraging. The economy moves slowly and job opportunities are not opening up. Medium and small businesses such as distributors and grocery stores regret that consumer products are becoming more expensive every time.
“Meat and milk have suffered sharp increases and we have no choice, we have to transfer the increases to consumers, we cannot assume them,” the merchant Máximo Calero justifies himself. In addition, he explains that a pound of meat already exceeds 140 córdobas. “We are concerned not only about the cost, but also about the shortage that we have had for several months,” he said.
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“Pork is scarce and people look for it, the little product that arrives is expensive,” said Calero.
Likewise, he reiterated that “we have no choice, if we buy it high, we must sell it high. We have been dealing with this situation for a while, people are looking for pork a lot, but sometimes we get little to sell and very expensive, we can’t earn anything.
population suffers
Despite the existence of the highway that connects the Caribbean with the rest of the country, the costs of living in this area are still high. The population continues looking for a way to emigrate to neighboring countries such as Panama, Costa Rica and the United States, with the intention of finding job opportunities and sending money to their families so that they can meet their needs.
Every week, there are increases in the products of the basic basket in Bluefields and part of the supplements of the food plate such as dairy products and meat. “We have not known what it is to eat meat at home for a long time, it is through the roof,” said a mother from this city.
“The price of cheese and cream, since it kind of froze at 85 and 90 córdobas per pound, despite the fact that there are weeks in which we see a few córdobas drop, here they keep it very expensive,” the woman lamented.
«The butcher shops and grocery stores only know how to tell us that it is expensive and that is why the population suffers. In the case of beef and pork, it has become scarce and expensive and that affects those of us who have food business, because we have committed to maintaining a menu, but it has been difficult to stock up on this product, “added one businessman.
Government fairs do not help
Every week producers from some neighboring municipalities come to Bluefields to offer their products at the fairs promoted by the municipality’s mayor’s office, however, the population does not feel very motivated to take advantage of their purchases, since the prices are just as high.
“The prices should be regulated because they are supposed to be at the fair,” a resident complained. In this area of the country, the demand for meat and dairy is high, but prices are affecting the commercial movement.
By United Voices
