Guyana Government Proposes Permanent Farmers' Markets to Combat Rising Cost of Living
President Irfaan Ali of Guyana announced that his government is exploring the establishment of permanent farmers' markets across the country. This initiative aims to bypass middlemen and directly connect farmers with consumers, thereby reducing the escalating cost of living. President Ali highlighted that retailers are significantly inflating the prices of produce, sometimes by as much as ten times their purchase price from farmers. The government has observed a shift in consumer behavior, with more Guyanese opting to shop at supermarkets rather than traditional municipal and village markets, despite the latter often offering lower prices. Additionally, there's a growing trend towards purchasing more cooked food. The administration has already implemented various measures, such as eliminating excise tax on fuel and providing subsidies to farmers, to mitigate production costs. However, the cost of essential inputs like pharmaceuticals and fertilizers has increased due to global events, specifically mentioni... 
