News
Paula Guy reviews a booklist while back-to-school shopping for the new school term at Mohammed’s Bookstore Associates Ltd on Henry Street. – Photo by Gabriel Williams
PARENTS in Port of Spain on August 30 complained about the rising cost of school books, equipment and uniforms as they hustled to complete their back-to-school shopping three days before the start of the new school term on September 2.
On Henry Street, pavements were packed as parents and children hustled from store to store buying books, uniforms and other supplies for school.
Amidst the rush, parents told Newsday they had noticed an increased cost for books in many book stores since last year, with many parents estimating that they had spent over $2,000 in back-to-school costs.
Joanne told Newsday her daughter’s back-to-school bill kept climbing as she noted the price of some books had gone up by over $60.
“Right now, my money (spent) is $3,000 after sneakers, bag, uniforms and some books, and I am not even finished. The maths book is $184 now when it was $120 last year.”
She also said the primary school her other child attended had included sanitising products, wipes, liquid soaps and other items on the book list.
“That not making no sense,” she said.
Royette, a mother of two, said she noticed back-to-school costs had been steadily rising every year.
“My daughter has a lot more subjects so she has a lot more books. She is in form three now, so it’s about nine-12 books. For her books and uniforms I have spent about $2,000. I would say prices have increased by about 10-15 per cent.”
Another shopper said prices had even increased within the last month.
“Some of the books went up by $100 and some were about $40-$50 (more). When I first got my children’s book lists I went to price out the books in July. When I came back, it was a different story. So this is where I can see (the increase.) Things have gone up even by the month from July to August. With four children, it is by the grace of God…”
When asked about the Education Ministry’s $1,000 school supplies and book grant meant to support financially disadvantaged students at primary and secondary schools, one parent said the process to determine eligibility was lengthy and the funds were still not sufficient.
“That is pressure. The money will help but it is not enough. It is not too much of process and you not getting through.”
(Reporting by Kristen-Le Chelle Winchester)
