The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune. THE NB-12 evening news programme reported a story on January 26, 2012 about a mother who received a notice of eviction to leave her home. The mother of three said that her home business was robbed several times, the most severe one happening late last year and ever since this, her financial status has worsened. As the interview progressed, the mother gave testimony on how difficult it has been for her to maintain her mortgage payments to the bank. She said that she has been in her home for 11 years and that she received an eviction notice in mid-January. What really caught my attention was the overflow of tears that this mother showed as she realises that she has no place for her and her children to go and she can't do anything about it. She is at wit's end. For me watching this story was a gut wrenching experience. I believe that this is a familiar story these days in the Bahamas. Just yesterday, I saw for the first time a complete sales package by Finco Bank. This package included distressed homes and it will take those fortunate enough to buy a home in this staggering economy at least one hour to look through all of the homes and properties that are listed for sale. The bank is not in the business of taking on losses and I know that in most cases they will exhaust all avenues to encourage homeowners to pay their mortgage. But what happens when you can't pay? Should laws be introduced to further protect homeowners? The Bahamian mother says that she has been in her home for 11 years. Surely, she amassed some equity. This is a real issue for many Bahamians today and it does not bode well for our declining social structure. I heard a story one time where two persons were on a 40ft vessel. The man on the bow was catching a suntan, smoking a cigar and drinking cold beers. He was disturbed by frantic cries from the other man who was on the stern. The man said that the stern was taking on water and that he needed help to pump out the water. The man who was smoking his cigar said that he was "chillin" and that he "wasn't moving for the world." I submit that this is exactly where we find ourselves in the Bahamas. That Bahamian mother in tears could be you tomorrow. For those of you living under a rock, I want to let you know that we are all in the same boat. A sinking ship does not discriminate as to you are. The water and the high tide will eventually get to you. We need to help each other. DEHAVILLAND MOSS Nassau, January 27, 2012.