Workers wear red to protest high food prices

However, the sea of red spotted among scores of people represented the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGO’s (FITUN) call to “wear something red” in protest against rising food prices.

According to the union last Wednesday, food prices have increased by almost 50 percent in the last two years, putting pressure on fixed and lower income households.

Scores of people, mostly women, turned out sporting red t-shirts, suits, jackets and shoes to support FITUN’s move to take another step to demonstrate concern over the issue. From staff to top management officials, red was the colour of choice among workers on Friday.

Sterling Caleb of St Joseph told Newsday he wore red for three reasons — to support the Soca Warriors, to celebrate Red Cross week and, mainly, to protest against “ridiculous” food prices.

He said the minimum wage only went up by increments and it was time that citizens realised “the Government and politics do not make sense” and citizens should use their collective power to let the authorities know the cost of living was too high.

Housewife and public servant Shira Mapp said food prices now cannot be compared to “back in the days.” She told Newsday the price of milk was “too high” and there was hardly an increase in salaries.

A group of workers on Independence Square told Newsday they all wore red to send a message to the Government about the high prices they faced in supermarkets. A young woman among them said Government ministers should “put themselves in the poor people position” and try to live on minimum wages.

One mother said milk, especially for babies, was overpriced and although juice was more affordable, it would not afford children the necessary vitamins and minerals needed at an early stage. “It is madness when they raise even the price of snacks,” another retorted. The group agreed that VAT should be “totally knocked off” all food items and the minimum wage should be raised to be in tandem with the cost of living.