Barbadians are being put on notice not to expect any ease in the cost of living in the new year despite some improvement in inflationary pressures.This caution has come from noted regional economist Marla Dukharan, who also suggested that tourism-dependent economies should taper their optimism in light of several external factors that continue to impact the cost of living in key source markets.In addition, the regional advisor on Caribbean economies expressed concern about very little improvements in domestic conditions to drive sustainable growth and slow movement on a range of matters of importance.Dukharan pointed out: “Inflation is still elevated but is easing across the Caribbean as well, and this is likely to accelerate next year, as the year over year change in prices decreases. The cost of living however, is not likely to decrease. I can’t remember this ever happening. Certain food items may see fluctuations but in general, the overall cost of living does not come back down. So we should expect much of the same into next year.”
