By Naomi Parris

CHRISTMAS in Guyana would not be the same without the energy of the hustle and bustle of persons maneouvering through the city to do their usual Christmas shopping; this is according to shopper, Sharon Grenada.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with Ms. Grenada, one of the many shoppers making their way through the crowded pavements of Regent Street, during the annual Christmas shopping season. The woman, who is currently renovating her kitchen, stated that she came to the city to buy some flowers and kitchen curtains to decorate her dining area for the Christmas holidays.

“Well, so far I finish shopping a lot; you can see the anxiety in me; as usual I love Christmas…so I just come down to pick up some flowers and kitchen curtains” she gushed.
Grenada added that she has already prepared her ‘fruits’ for her black cake but she will return to the city during the week to purchase meat and groceries for her tradional Christmas day lunch, since she believes that the prices of many items such as eggs and beef may increase as December 25 approaches.

While it may appear that the city is busy and many persons are shopping, several store owners and vendors are expecting sales to “pick up” when the December month salaries and “back pay” are paid. Currently, shoppers are mainly scouting the prices of items they may wish to purchase at a later time.

Bissoon Singh, the owner of Bissan’s Trading Store, stated that while sales are currently slow, he expects it to pick up in the coming week when salaries will be paid. Singh added that the prices of many items he has in stock may remain the same or even decrease as Christmas draws near.

‘Nafeesa’ of Toy Land store stated that persons are currently pricing items to purchase them later. However, she said that her store will be opened throughout the Christmas season so that those last-minute shoppers can purchase gifts for their children on Christmas day.

Among all the hustle and bustle of persons bumping into each other or stepping on someone else’s shoes, Andrea Bishop, a vendor, could be seen calling out to passersby and shoppers to take a quick look at some of her hand-knitted ‘tea cup holders and chair backs’.

Bishop related to the Guyana Chronicle that she has been knitting for some five years but only started marketing her business on the pavements in December 2018. However, she intends to continue marketing her business annually during the Christmas season on the streets of Georgetown.

She further stated that during the day persons would stop and order a particular style they would wish to have for the Christmas season and she would make it.
What is a Guyanese Christmas without ‘Pepperpot and Black Cake’?
Shopping for household and gift items were not the only fulfilling things shoppers were looking for since a main aspect of the festive season is a table filled with all types and kinds of tantalizing Guyanese delicacies.

A Guyanese home would not be “Christmasy” without the smell of pepper pot or black cake emanating from the kitchen.

The Guyana Chronicle took a walk through Bourda Market, where several shoppers were seen scouting the prices of meat and cassareep to prepare their sumptuous meals for Christmas day.

Kevin, a well-known butcher of Robin’s Hallal Meat Centre in Bourda Market stated, “We have everything for the Pepperpot: the beef, the cow-heel, ox-tail, and cow-face.”
He explained that the price of meat is currently between, $200-$500 per pound, however, prices may go up or down depending on how business is during the days leading up to December 25.

Another vendor, Jean, who sells mostly eggs, stated that the price of eggs tends to be a little higher during the Christmas season, as there is a greater demand, since many Guyanese are looking to prepare cake: black cake, fruit cake and other Christmas cuisine for the holidays.

With the Christmas season ongoing, the prices of several items are expected to increase in the coming days leading up to December 25.
Back in 2014, the local magazine, Guyana Premier, ran an article relating how consumers can safeguard themselves against inflated prices.

The article advised persons to shop wisely by finding out about the product before they buy it; think about the facts of the product; visit or call three reputable stores or supermarkets to compare the prices of an item in order to get the best deal; think about what you are getting for your money and check expiry dates and bar codes.
Remember to shop safe.

Merry Christmas to all from the Guyana Chronicle.