Despite rising appeals from community leaders in Acklins, money owed by the government to businesses and social services workers has not reached the struggling island.

"Certainly no payments have been received," said Alfred Gray, the MP for Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay. "It doesn't surprise me that this government would do that. They seem to not care about the poor people in the islands that I represent."

Coming into the Christmas season, Gray told Guardian Business that several business owners cannot access the money due to them after selling their stock. In Acklins, many businesses function on food coupons supplied by social services. These coupons are normally cashed in at the island administrator's office, but the vault has been empty for the last six months.

The problem also extends to social services workers, such as housemaids, domestic workers and those that look after the elderly. There is no bank on Acklins.

Although there is no shortage of food, Gray told Guardian Business yesterday that the thousands of dollars owed to businesses have a considerable impact on the isolated community.

"$100 is a lot for these people. They don't have the same economy here. The least you can do is pay them on time," he said.

Store owners have been extending thousands of dollars worth of credit to islanders in lieu of money since the local coffers dried up. Gray called the situation a "vicious cycle". If the businesses are not paid, it makes it increasingly difficult to replace stock. However, he did point out there is no shortage of food on the island at this time.

Loretta Butler-Turner, the minister of state for social services, and Dion Foulkes, the minister of labor and social development, have not returned messages left by Guardian Business.

Clinton Rolle, the owner of CFC, a general store on the island, told Guardian Business last Friday that he is personally owed nearly $5,000. Not only has he not received reimbursement for the coupons over the last six months, but he added that no food coupons have even reached the island in November or December.

"This island was recently hit by the hurricane and people are struggling, just trying to make ends meet," he said last week. "I'm sick and tired. I don't see the reason why, but when I go to the island administrator, they say there is no money."

A possible reason for the lack of funds is a robbery that took place at the island administrator's office last June. The money represented public funds from the central government to pay salaries and public expenses.

"People are hurt because of their lack of responsiveness," Gray said yesterday. "Until they can do better, I will forever speak out."

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