Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Leader and lone parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir has rejected President Irfaan Ali’s suggestion that changing eating and shopping habits are contributing significantly to Guyana’s cost-of-living crisis, arguing that rising prices for basic necessities are placing households under increasing financial pressure.

In a statement issued Saturday, August 22, Walton-Desir responded to Ali’s comments at his August 18 press conference, where the President cited increased supermarket shopping, dining out and reduced home cooking among factors that need to be addressed.

Ali said more Guyanese are now purchasing items such as plantains, cassava and sweet potatoes from supermarkets rather than traditional markets, where he argued prices and profit margins can be lower. He also pointed to increased restaurant spending and less cooking at home.