The Bahamas is struggling to survive. The government could save up to 80% on prescription drugs if they had the moral compass to force suppliers to source generic medicines outside of the U.S.

U.S. prices were 84 percent of prices in all non-U.S. countries for unbranded generics. Significant savings could then be diverted to feeding those in need.

This is no time for the usual friends, family, and lovers nonsense we are accustomed to.

Bahamian's need to realize that when the food and other supplies direct from the manufacturer are going up 5-10-15%, every time that product moves from one location to the next, there is a freight charge associated with it, not only is the cost going up from the manufacturer level, freight charges are skyrocketing, in some instances to the tune of 100's of percentage points. By the time it get here, with duty and VAT charges, the price just snowballs. Don't blame the local retailer, this is a worldwide global thing. Sadly, it's also impacting price controlled items/breadbasket items. Those prices are changing on a regular basis just now, so when price control takes 6-8 weeks to reset a price on an item, the retailer, just won't sell it until the price gets adjusted, as they are losing money at the current price control mark up rate in the first place, and that is BEFORE the price goes up from the manufacturer. Be prepared for slow reactions from GOVT to lead to some of your more essential items not getting onto the shelf.

And, when I do notice that the shelves are being depleted, I go to the next branch and stock up on the price controlled items.

This man can't make sensible statement! Obie Wilchcombe couldn't monitor the setting sun!!

What can he do? The politicians are in bed with the merchants

Global issue. Most places are dealing with supply chain issues and high inflation. Don't expect it to get better any time soon. Really is nothing you can do about it unless you are going to subsidize or give duty concessions on goods what aren't duty free.

Obie, don’t you think an apology to the Feeding Network executives might be in order after practically accusing them of lining their pockets? SMT!

Monitoring something he has no control over. Zero business acumen.
I seriously doubt business are in bed with politicians, Most are wondering why they keep plodding along in spite of Government ineptitude and increasing regulation/red tape.
Most are still in business in spite of themselves. Not organized enough to be in cahoots with anyone.
I will say this, without the merchants you won't have squat. Zero.
Probably the last thing you want to collapse.
Lose local investor confidence and collapse happens faster than you can say "what, no grits?"

The main problem is that 242 is totally dependent on USA for food, medicine, gas, cars, appliances, and building supplies ..... Our merchants don't even pretend to want to find other cheaper suppliers besides USA. This was explained best on EW news with Shanique Ferguson last night. But our trade and buying prejudices will continue to be USA or nothing (to our detriment).