All Government workers will get an extra $700 lump sum payment this month with an additional $100 raise in January 2006 followed by a $50 raise in July 2006.

This is according to the terms of the new contract between the government and its workers. Negotions are still ongoing with the Bahamas Union of Teachers and the Nurses Union regarding increments and other issues.

The Bahamian media is reporting that the Grand Bahama economy is a spiral downwards. It appears that after two direct hits from Hurricanes over the past few years, many businesses are still recovering and the job situation is dire.

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