‘I don’t know how I will manage’
THE world economy has already taken a big hit as the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe. Already, Jamaica has seen some shortfalls, with many people being left jobless, or being sent home with little or no compensation. And as the spread of the virus intensifies, economists predict that more job losses are on the horizon.
By the reactions of many Jamaicans, it is clear that they were not ready for the economic challenges that have occurred as a result of this pandemic, even those who had put away rainy day funds.
All Woman asked readers to share how financially prepared they were, as the country braces for more economic hits amid the outbreak of the virus.
James, 34, bus driver:
God knows, I am not prepared and it makes me nervous, to be honest. I basically just bought my bus with a little assistance from a financial institution and so I used up all my disposable income. With barely anybody travelling I can’t make any money. The loan company is not saying anything about putting the loan on pause or anything like that and I don’t want to be stuck running down interest rate when the virus is gone.
Sonia, 26, beauty therapist:
No, I am not financially prepared. I had been out of a job for two years and I just got something recently, but already my boss has cut my days because of the virus. I know very soon there will be a complete cut because a lot of people are already cancelling their services. I don’t know how I will be able to take care of my mother and son because it will be tight for everyone.
Jamie-lee, 38, housekeeper:
I don’t know how I will manage if my workplace tells me to stay home. I can hardly make ends meet as it is.
Christine, 43, janitor:
Right now I wish I could have received two of those Government care packages because, honestly, it’s already hard. The stores are marrying things — you can’t get rice, tissue, mackerel or any of those things. Then now, with my job, I am only getting a few hours here and there because the plaza closed down. How will I manage with the kids? I see hungry days ahead, no lie. The prime minister said not to panic, but the place is a ghost town and they have raised the food prices.
Stephanie, 37, vendor:
From the virus was in China I started buying up things. I don’t know how long it can serve, but because I know I don’t really have it like that and as little disaster hits, the businesses raise up the prices and market people sell things even more expensive, I wanted to beat that. But outside of this little food that I will have to pinch, I don’t have anything in place. I am just begging God not to allow anything to happen to me and my family because the money is just not there.
Deidre, 44, farmer:
I have a little emergency fund and if push comes to shove, I will have to go to it. It’s not much, but I am praying it can keep my family until we pass the worst and we can go back to a normal life when the virus is gone.
