EVEN AS SCHOOLS throw open their doors today to signal the start of a new academic year, some parents are still reeling over the high cost of uniforms, shoes and books.
Parents took to the Nation Barbados’ Facebook page to vent their anger and frustration at the rising costs of school items. One parent said her daughter’s uniform cost $98.99 in Bridgetown, but was sold only at one place and not available duty-free.
Some were touting the “old-fashioned” way of buying material and getting the clothes made by a seamstress, but those costs are also rising at a time when the quality of the fabric is said to be declining and losing its colour after a few washes.
Other parents had to bear the accusation of rash spending at Crop Over.
Here is their feedback.
Steffy Bishop: I ain’t care about the ones that jump and complaining. I am concerned for the parents who literally have to scrape each year to buy clothes for one, two, maybe four children. A pants for my son who is going into primary school is $45, one single pants; a shirt is $35. I was fortunate enough to have them made, but not everyone has that luxury.
Larissa Bowen: It’s almost as if they don’t want the children to go school. Seventy dollars per uniform, especially if you have more than one child, is a bit much, though. Not counting the books, stationery, shoes and so on that still have to be bought. And the Government is saying: Get more children.
AniRo Ararek: If the argument people bring is Crop Over, then we are seriously lacking analytical skills. Not every parent wasted money on Crop Over or other events, but still has this burden. The issue is: why do these things seem to go up every year? Why are certain uniforms only available at certain outlets at exorbitant prices? This is my concern for parents who have their priorities in order.
Julia Whitehall: I can understand what they are saying. That is why being able to make your own uniforms comes in handy, but not every parent can do that or is allowed to do that. Not everybody went jumping, so people should never assume that those are the ones who are complaining.
Danielle Rm: Everyone is going to have to go back to supporting a local seamstress and forget about [those] ripping you off for the fun of it. Stop buying and the price will go down.
Kylah Rae: Just bear in mind that everyone doesn’t have a high-paying job and is trying to make ends meet.
Tyrone Corbin: You could save up for $1 600 costumes and can’t save for your kids’ school clothes. What a shame.
Sherrylyn Toppin is The Nation’s Online Editor.
