How do Belizeans Feel About the Price of Christmas Ham

Earlier, we shared a butcher’s perspective on ham prices and highlighted some locations in Belize City where you can snag a decent slice for your plate. But the big question remains: can Belizeans afford to buy ham this season? To find out, we hit the streets to get their thoughts on ham prices. Here’s what they had to say.

 

Benita Palacio

“What do you have to say to the people preparing for Christmas having to pay a higher amount now for ham?”

 

Belizean

“Once a year, I would say that’s once a year,’

 

Benita Palacio

“But what about those people who stick to a paycheck to paycheck life?”

 

Belizean

“That’s a good one.”

 

Benita Palacio

“If you can’t afford the ham? You wouldn’t substitute it?”

 

Belizean

“Yes I would substitute it.”

 

Benita Palacio

“What you would substitute it with?”

 

Belizean

“Well normally people but Dak Ham or something else. Just something.”

 

Benita Palacio

“What if you can’t afford it this year because ham gone up?”

 

Belizean

“Well I wa have to depend pan mi area fi mi free ham.”

 

Benita Palacio

“So you wouldn’t substitute your ham?”

 

Belizean

“Noh really.”

 

Benita Palacio

“So you wa try do your best to find a ham?”

 

Belizean

“Find a ham. But like I said, the ham weh da right fah yeah cost more than the ham weh da from next place.”

 

Benita Palacio

“Weh next place.”

 

Belizean

“Imported and exported ham.”

 

Benita Palacio

“So the ham weh we produce here in the country cost more? You noh think it should be in reverse?”

 

Belizean

“Maybe eleven dollars and change per pound compared to the next one weh da maybe like five ninety-nine.”

 

Benita Palacio

“So what you’re saying is that when you buy it imported, you normally get it at cheaper price?”

 

Belizean

“Yes ma’am. Because I could afford it, and it nice to.”

 

Benita Palacio

“Would you substitute the ham this year for something else that is more affordable?”

 

Belizean

“Maybe yes, with tamales and everything.”

 

Benita Palacio

“Did you hear anything about the ham price these days?”

 

Belizean

“Well I hear about it but my concern, I celebrate thanksgiving and hen I buy ham, da fi me and mi family/ From Southside minimarket.”

Benita Palacio

“So what’s the budget you stick with?”

 

Belizean

“I stick with sixty dollars for my ham. Da weh I get from Southside.”

 

Benita Palacio

“How much pound of ham that?”

 

Belizean

“That da three pound.”

 

Benita Palacio

“Three pound. Fi how much?”

 

Belizean

“Sixty dollars.”

 

Benita Palacio

“So you stick to that amount and done?”

 

Belizean

“Yes from Southside minimarket.”

 

Benita Palacio

“What if the ham gone up and you get less pound now?”

 

Belizean

“Well if it gone up, better I go look fi wa turte or wa hiccitee or wa two chicken.”

 

Benita Palacio

“So you wouldn’t waste your time getting a ham?”

 

Belizean

“Well I only eat ham once a year for thanksgiving. Cuz I no really celebrate Christmas. Iwould not pay that because if you got fifty dollars, it done right away”