Chaos and confusion were the order of the day as unemployed Bahamians lined up outside the National Stadium from 6am on Monday hoping to collect benefit cheques from the National Insurance Board.
NIB issued a notice last week, advising the public that New Providence offices are closed until further notice. However, Bahamians were informed they could collect benefit cheques from the stadium on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 4pm.
However, some of them left angry and disappointed after being told their cheques weren’t ready.
“I’m at the end of my rope,” said one unemployed man. “My savings are dried up and I need the cheque but no one should have to go through this.”
Others lamented the disorganized process and pointed out that the government has discouraged large gatherings but hundreds of people are forced to gather at the stadium for hours to collect cheques.
The lines of people wrapped around the building with no social distancing protocols in place.
Desperation is rampant in the country as more and more businesses are being forced to lay off employees due to frequent lockdowns and COVID restrictions.