I am noticing an increasing trend among Bahamian households-live in maids or maids that are otherwise contracted to spend a few hours a day performing domestic chores. Alot of these maids tend to be of Jamaican and Haitian nationality, working for pittance wages.

I am just curious as to how this trend evolved so. Are we Bahamians living that fast paced of an existence on this little island of 21 by 7, that some of us cant even do our own laundry? Or is this just a status symbol that some Bahamians are using to perpetuate an elite image?

I don't know about anyone else, but I cant fathom some family members in my home, much less a stranger. Especially a stranger doing my laundry and having access to my personal space. It just doesn't feel right to me.

I am noticing an increasing trend among Bahamian households-live in maids or maids that are otherwise contracted to spend a few hours a day performing domestic chores. Alot of these maids tend to be of Jamaican and Haitian nationality, working for pittance wages.
I am just curious as to how this trend evolved so. Are we Bahamians living that fast paced of an existence on this little island of 21 by 7, that some of us cant even do our own laundry? Or is this just a status symbol that some Bahamians are using to perpetuate an elite image?
I don't know about anyone else, but I cant fathom some family members in my home, much less a stranger. Especially a stranger doing my laundry and having access to my personal space. It just doesn't feel right to me.

I'm feeling you 100% on this. I think for some it is a status symbol, and then for some I guess they really have become so busy that they cant take care of their own lives anymore.

Someome I know just brought in a foreign live-in maid who cant speak or understand a word of english, yet she will be keeping their kids. How stupid is that? I think they just wanted to say they could bring in a "spanish" maid.

The Cuban/Dominican maid thing is growing as well. Personally I dont want someone I dont know living 24/7 in my house having access to all things personal and doing God knows what when I'm not around - but to each his own I guess.

we had a maid on the island...any she was paid well...some people just need the help...that is all.

I recognize that some people genuinely need the help, but to be quite honest I don't like this lack of self sufficiency that alot of Bahamians possess. Some of us cannot even bring ourselves to clean our own yards. We bring in foreign born maids and garderners, in some cases illegal, exascerbating (sp.) an already problematic illegal immigration situation.

As well I have heard some of horror stories concerning live in maids. Things like running up phone bills to hundreds or thousands of dollars, stealing money and jewelry, running off with the husband..lol (Yes the husband is to blame as well).

I recognize that some people genuinely need the help, but to be quite honest I don't like this lack of self sufficiency that alot of Bahamians possess. Some of us cannot even bring ourselves to clean our own yards. We bring in foreign born maids and garderners, in some cases illegal, exascerbating (sp.) an already problematic illegal immigration situation.
As well I have heard some of horror stories concerning live in maids. Things like running up phone bills to hundreds or thousands of dollars, stealing money and jewelry, running off with the husband..lol (Yes the husband is to blame as well).


Now you want to get rid of the maids!
Will you clean my house?
:)

Now you want to get rid of the maids!
Will you clean my house?
:)



No, but I can teach you how to clean it. :)

Now you want to get rid of the maids!
Will you clean my house?
:)

lol..you fool nah. You gat live-in maid eh y2k?:cutie:

No, but I can teach you how to clean it. :)


Don't do it. For your sanity's sake don't do it.

lol..you fool nah. You gat live-in maid eh y2k?:cutie:

yeah named tafi :driving:

I don't have a live-in maid but I know people who do for different reasons

1) They are just tired. If you have 3-4 children having to cook, clean, iron, help with homework plus work 9-5pm on a regular job man you are just tired and God help you if your partner don't do nothing!!! Some people just want to rest when they come home knowing there is someone watching the children eases the load a bit.

2) Live-in maids are handy with the elderly, someone is there to reduce the chances of slip and falls, plus it's company for them.

3) I have noticed a trend but having your housekeeper live-in reduces the chances of them being "picked up". This is risky because if immigration catch them in your house without the proper papers then you in trouble too, so you have to watch out for dem devious neighbors.

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about them but for some it works out well by trial and error!!!

yeah named tafi :driving:
Run Forrest,Run.

I recognize that some people genuinely need the help, but to be quite honest I don't like this lack of self sufficiency that alot of Bahamians possess. Some of us cannot even bring ourselves to clean our own yards. We bring in foreign born maids and garderners, in some cases illegal, exascerbating (sp.) an already problematic illegal immigration situation.
As well I have heard some of horror stories concerning live in maids. Things like running up phone bills to hundreds or thousands of dollars, stealing money and jewelry, running off with the husband..lol (Yes the husband is to blame as well).


That don't be just live-in maids that is be regular housekeepers tooo :eek:

Don't do it. For your sanity's sake don't do it.



How hard can it be to teach someone how to use mop, water and pinesol? Oh never mind, you may have a point actually in this case!

No, but I can teach you how to clean it. :)


I een want to clean it and I een gat da time to clean it.
When I gat my woik ta do and my other tings to do ...i.e. sweethearts, drinkin and numbers...it would serve me bess in da long run, if I pay someone to do dat for me.

Servants are a mark of wealth. You can afford the help, then, bring in the help.

Consider this:
A lawyer can type faster than his secretary, at least 25 words faster on any given day. Would it be wise to fire that secretary, because he is more efficient at it?
Or, would it be wise to keep her and allow her to make a few bucks to feed her kids, because as a busy lawyer, it is not in his best interest or for time to do typing his or her self.?!?

lol..you fool nah. You gat live-in maid eh y2k?:cutie:

No. But, I have interviewed many a Cuban, Jamaican and Haitian for the "job".
:taped2: