Toni-Ann Bryson, Contributor
WHAT despair and frustration most parents stand to endure in the face of requests and plans for increases in utility rates!
All this is happening while their pay packets remain the same. The fact that income has remained fairly stable (single digit increases have an insignificant impact) leaves one to wonder: "How are these increases to be accommodated at such a time -- the eve of the new academic year?"
Undoubtedly the policies employed to assess the need for these increases have neglected to consider those individuals who maintain entire families on minimum wage earnings.
Also, these are the very households that have the added responsibility of educating their young. With the average cost of a secondary level text book at $723, coupled with inflation, virtually all spheres of living, such as uniforms, school fees, food (and transportation pending), most parents will be brought to their knees under the financial strain.
Some persons contend that the cost-sharing programme provides some ease by subsidising the amount that parents pay for school fees. But how many parents' requests get approved? In addition, there are many cases where parents are still unable to find the portion they are expected to pay.
Everyone needs the basic amenities of electricity, telecommunication and water.
Unfortunately, more and more parents are now forced to choose between these vital services and paying for their children's education. The outcome is usually dismal: running the risk of disconnection, irregular attendance at school or eventual discontinuation of the education.
The Government, in its attempt at national development, is oblivious to its self-defeating policies. Its inability to see beyond the potential for increased revenue will sentence us to ignorance, sub-standard living and, in the end, a generation of criminals.
Toni-Ann Bryson is one of six teenagers whose opinions will appear in this spot each week.
