When I called home last Thursday before Nassau felt the fury of Frances, my sister told me that a gallon of water was going for $4, a piece of plywood was going for $28 , and that folks were going around selling tap water that they were passing off for Aquapure or Chelsea's choice. We go through this same foolishness every time there is a hurricane threatening our country, the cost of bread basket items and items for survival like water, plywood etc. are hiked up 400%. That should be made illegal during times of emergency. The average Bahamian cannot even afford to protect themselves because of this crookedness from some businesses. The governement should pass a law (if its not on the books already), that business owners hiking up the prices of bread basket items and other survival items during hurricanes or other similar emergencies, should be fined or imprisoned.

They do, it is called price gauging and is apparently against the law in the Bahamas. We are an island of lawlessness and no enforcement, so ofcourse people are going to do this, a vast majority of Nassuvians break laws every day, its the norm.

But then ask yourself, would you buy water from someone off the side of the street??? No reputable food stores or gas stations were selling water for $4.00 a gallon, perhaps they bought a bottle of Spring Water, thats always expensive, around $2.50 a litre. If the guy on the side of the street is selling a gallon of city water for $4.00 and you buy it, you are a sucker! He doesnt have a business licence anyway, so you could never do anything about it. (and i dont mean 'you' personally, just using it in the example)

rory makes a good point. besides which, why not always have 5-gallons of water and a gallon of kerosene and candles and batteries and some canned goods on hand? it's not as though hurricane season doesn't come EVERY year, and it een illegal to purchase paper towels in january :wipe:.

if you stay basically prepared, them scam artists won't stand a chance.

rory makes a good point. besides which, why not always have 5-gallons of water and a gallon of kerosene and candles and batteries and some canned goods on hand? it's not as though hurricane season doesn't come EVERY year, and it een illegal to purchase paper towels in january :wipe:.

if you stay basically prepared, them scam artists won't stand a chance.

Right you are Islandgyal. Come first of June we should start stocking up. We don't have to buy everything at once - buy piece, piece.

Here is something you will not believe! I went to visit a friend of mine. He was taking the sheets of plywood off his windows and putting them in the back of his truck. I reminded him that Ivan is still out there and I asked him what was he going to do with the plywood? He said he was taking it to the dump! (This is new plywood!!!) I asked him what was he going to do if Ivan came. He said, "Buy some more!"

I think I need new friends!!!

PS. I had him drop the plywood up to my house. If he does not want it I do!

rory makes a good point. besides which, why not always have 5-gallons of water and a gallon of kerosene and candles and batteries and some canned goods on hand? it's not as though hurricane season doesn't come EVERY year, and it een illegal to purchase paper towels in january :wipe:.

if you stay basically prepared, them scam artists won't stand a chance.

Am I reading your message right? Is it illegal to purchase paper towels in January and if so why?

translated from the bahamian vernacular to king's english, my note and small attempt at humour meant to admonish that there was no harm in purchasing paper towels in january, and that it wasn't illegal to shop early :cop: :cool: ...

Oh. I'm sorry. I get it now.