Immigration should require all new illegal immigrants that are let out of the fence to work 100 hours for the Salvation Army before they get their Bahamian passports - not just give them to them as they pass through the gate.

at least we know who the Grinch is rory there is a rock some where that needs you why don't you crawl back from where you came

oh he popped his head out from the rock again , and such a smart remark
what a a$$

Many businesses are also experiencing what the Salvation Army is going through. Even the big food stores are complaining about the drop off in their sales. Remember at least FOUR big projects came to a completion this summer, two sets of road works,, the airport works and the hospital extension. This left thousands of workers unemployed and with no income. Also hundreds of persons who left school in June are still unemployed. Then there is the fear of the upcoming VAT in July so businesses and persons are holding on to their money. The first quarter of next year (2014) may even be worse.

The economic picture is getting worse, rapidly spiraling down.
The way VAT was introduced, the Government contradicting themselves, flip flopping
all create uncertainty, which causes contraction in spending.
Sensible in the face of increased taxation and the inflation it will cause.
The economic activity of people, and their companies has a dynamic, ever adjusting resilience, which is already stretched beyond anything seen before here.
It may just snap Come July/Aug/Sept 2014.
That "extra" 200 million they claim they will get will come from every Man woman and child in the Bahamas, Poor, Middle class and the Wealthy.
The Middle class will bear the brunt, the poor will sink further.
Our existing cash economy will see a boost, via avoidance.

I wonder if they are going to realize that this immigration problem is the reason why they aint have nothing in the first place. As soon as they get anything them haitians for example already line up out the door ready to take whats free and spend a little bit. The Army cant even help the natives in need because the immigrants take it all. I remember about 5 or so years ago I went to do some community service for them to give back. They had me work in the clothes shop and them Haitians mussy could have smelled that when that container pull up with all the donated clothes, we couldn't even sort and price (maximum price is probably $5) properly without them acting like a bunch of animals fighting for the 'good' stuff, one of my partners got bitten by one simply because of the desperation. The little problems eventually lead to great problems.

The proverbial has not hit the fan yet, wait until 2014 when the new tax begins. Successive governments have borrowed more than the country can afford to repay. This was mainly done to ensure political cronies were taken care of by giving contracts and expanding the civil service which is the same as buying votes.

Next Christmas will be a dismal one for this nation.

you hit the nail on the head ,we now have the largest cabinet ever , rich people being put on the gov payroll ,Baltron Bethel ,F Wilson ,,and they got the nerve to talk about VAT ,,We should close bay street w/ people every time they plan to open the house to stop them from borrowing and spending more ..

I agree. They may be so far on la la land that they believe people are happy, with what I don't know. Maybe the reception they received at their anniversary celebration?

and cabinet ministers are exempt from VAT as well.

I gave a few dollars to help the cause but just like many others a few dollars is all we have.
Hope the many unfortunate persons in the country get some glimpse of relief this season. every little bit helps

If you consider at least 4,000 (four thousand) persons that were employed this time last year are not employed at present. Based on an average salary of $300.00 that is $1.2 million a week ***less*** flowing through the economy. If you add the (money) multiplier, the effect is a reduction is close to $14 million a week. So it will be useless for the government to introduce VAT (more tax) unless they can grow the economy and reduce unemployment at the same time. If VAT is introduced while the economy is still contracting, it will have the effect of reducing the money supply and creating even more problems for government. There must be growth else the results of more taxes will be negative.

Maybe not saving, but having to help out multiple family members that are hurting too and are in need.

So arrogant, rory! Hope you are never faced with joblessness! Or better yet.... hope you are!!!!