A?MEMBER?of Parliament has accused some business firms of being overzealous and insensitive in their treatment of poor Barbadians who fall behind in hire purchase payments.
Long-serving MP Hamilton Lashley told the DAILY?NATION?yesterday that some business places had “pushed poor people into the hands of bailiffs.”.
“I have got some serious concerns in relation to the attitudes of some business places in this country, who offer credit facilities, particularly in the area of electrical appliances, furniture and household items.
“Everyone can’t afford to buy cash. Many people depend on credit and are enticed by the catchy advertisements on television and radio.
“I think they should be treated with some sensitivity in this global downturn when they fall short,” he said.
Lashley said that poor Barbadians had been harassed “morning, noon and night” by some Bridgetown stores “without any understanding of the financial duress some people were enduring”.
“It is wrong. There is little or no sensitivity from the stores when payments are not made on schedule.
Lashley, the Member of Parliament for St Michael South-East since 1994, said he was in no way condoning non-repayment.
He said that the companies could call in the defaulters and make arrangements that would be beneficial to both parties.
