Bermudians continue to feel the economic bite, as is evidenced by the fact that debt collection has become big business.

One agency is seeking the incorporation of a limited liability company and has been forced to increase staff, from two to four, to keep up with the growing demand for their services. Ms Eintou Samnetta Carmichael and Mrs. Dorlene Tucker have applied to incorporate their partnership, Bermuda Debt Collection Agency.

"There is a great problem in Bermuda with debts,'' said Ms Carmichael, "and I believe that it is escalating. I don't know if people are just going overboard and charging accounts or writing cheques for which there is no money. But we know there is a big problem. Cheques are a problem you don't hear much about, but there are cheques being written twice and three times a week from the same account, while there are no funds in that account.'' Mrs. Tucker said that they are involved in private and corporate debt collection. "We handle both situations. There are times when private individuals lend money to someone and then complain that they haven't been paid back. We help them. We also deal with corporations, when one is trying to collect from other companies.'' Ms Carmichael added, "People need to control their spending and charge habits and make do with what they have. They are over-extending themselves. People in this Island have to learn how to control themselves. It's not what you make, it's what you do with what you make. A part of our business is helping people get on top of their debts, helping them with a budget and finding a way to manage.'' Ms Carmichael said more people need to budget and understand where their hard earned dollar goes.

"We know that there are people,'' she said, "who cannot find jobs. We know that there are people in Bermuda who are making a pay cheque, whose bills, the necessary bills, outweigh what they earn. Some are getting social assistance.'' Mrs. Tucker's daughter Ms Shaketa Raynor and Ms Carmichael's daughter Adenike joined the firm in the last six months.

DEBT COLLECTORS -- It's all in the family for Bermuda Debt Colllection Agency Ltd.'s (from left) Mrs. Dorlene Tucker, daughter Ms Shaketa Raynor, Ms Adenike Carmichael and mother Ms Eintou Samnetta Carmichael.