The Christmas holiday was supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. But for most of our people, there was little to celebrate.
Millions are unemployed, working for starvation wages or living on inadequate pensions.
For them and their families, the 'festive' season is the worst time of year. When the shops are full of gold jewellery, beautiful clothes, delicious food and exciting toys, but you cannot afford any of them, it makes your poverty all the more painful. Despite the on-going hardships, workers do have some cause for celebration. The recent local government elections reminded us once more of our hard-won democratic victory. This year, thousands of poor families moved into new homes and gained water and electricity.