The word ‘bonus’ means extra, windfall, plus, additional benefit or “brawta’ as we would say in Jamaica.  It’s not ‘a must’; yu no haffi get it; however it’s something that most people expect at Christmas time. You get an envelope from the post man and the garbage collectors to fill. Your helper and gardener (if you have them) are both expecting it. In fact every where you go people expect you to ‘let off something extra’ because it’s Christmas.

Most Companies try to give Christmas Bonus to their staff. (Unfortunately my company has never given it, no not ever, and I’m there forever. OK enough self pity.) Usually staff are given anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 weeks pay. Some companies give a percentage of the profits made over a period or give staff targets to aim for and then give bonus as an incentive. Which ever way it’s done it’s always a welcome thing at Christmas with all the extra expenses that we incur.

This year however, ‘nuff, nuff’ people corner dark. No money naa run. Most companies can barely keep up with regular salaries much less bonus. One friend of mine spoke to me today, most upset that she has not received any bonus as yet.  Today is December 16^th people, eight days before ‘D’ day, wake up, if yu no get it areddi yu naa get it again. And from what I have been hearing, those who have gotten have gotten less than in previous years.

Well if we still was trying to deny the recession, it kinda steering us in the face now. Not to mention the chain effect, cause if I don’t get, then I don’t have, then I can’t give. Anyway Jamaicans are very ingenious people. So dem lick we down, we bounce rite back.

See today, dem lock off down town King street to vehicle traffic, the vendors slashed prices (or so dem sey) and open till 10:00pm tonight so that people can shop for less. And the Chicken people say from Friday this week December 18, to December 23 you can buy chicken wholesale for less, cause the prices will be slashed. Mark yu, people usually buy more pork at this time anyway, so i think dem just trying to boost dem sales. Which ever way, it’s something. So keep listening for the bargains, pinch yu few dollars and lets all have a wonderful Christmas.

Nuff love