Opening Doorz

Merry-Go-Round

By Marcellus Baptista | Opening Doorz Editorial | October 11, 2019

My banker friend was telling me how things have been changing. “In the old days, people would approach the bank for loans when they wanted to purchase a new house or they needed money as their son or daughter was getting married,” he said.

“I am sure they do so even today,” I said.

“Houses and marriages are old hat,” he said. “Today, what they need a loan for is to purchase vegetables from the bazaar.”

“Surely you are just joking,” I said. “I understand that groceries are costly today, but you can’t be serious.”

“I have never been more serious in my life,” he said. “Everyone knows that the cost of onions and tomatoes is prohibitive. We get applications for loans to purchase one kilo onions or tomatoes, or both.”

“Do they have to pay back installments every month?” I asked.

“Well, there are various permutations and combinations,” he said. “They could pay a little bit every month or the whole amount at the end of the year.”

“I guess it becomes difficult to make both ends meet,” I said. “I understand people may require a loan to buy a kilo of onions or tomatoes.”

“True, but some people can’t even afford half-a-kilo,” he said. “We do offer loans for a fraction of a kilo.”

“Your customers must be very happy at your service,” I said.

“Everyone is happy, those who want loans for a kilo or half-a-kilo, even quarter-kilo,” he said. “We even get requests for loans to purchase a single onion or tomato.”

“My, my, things are looking real bad,” I said. “But thanks to bankers like you people can get their daily meals.”

“That reminds me,” he said. “How come you don’t want a loan for veggies?”

“It’s like this,” I said. “As a lifestyle writer I get invited to events around town where food and drinks are on the house. But, come to think of it, I do need a bank loan … for my Ola or Uber fare back home!”

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