Jamaica Gleaner News - "A string of price increases on basic food items has pushed more Jamaicans to the edge of the poverty line.
With the latest official figures showing the national poverty level at approximately 9.9 per cent, there are growing fears that the wave of price increases could lead to a sharp climb in the number when the 2009 figure is released this year.
In recent months, Jamaicans have had to dig much deeper to purchase essential items which make up the basic food basket.
The corner shops - the poor man's supermarkets - have taken a battering as their customer base has shrunk. But not wanting to lose them entirely, some of these shop owners have elected to absorb the increases instead of passing them on to their customers."
With the latest official figures showing the national poverty level at approximately 9.9 per cent, there are growing fears that the wave of price increases could lead to a sharp climb in the number when the 2009 figure is released this year.
In recent months, Jamaicans have had to dig much deeper to purchase essential items which make up the basic food basket.
The corner shops - the poor man's supermarkets - have taken a battering as their customer base has shrunk. But not wanting to lose them entirely, some of these shop owners have elected to absorb the increases instead of passing them on to their customers."
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