Retail spending over the Christmas period has seen a drastic decline in some of the Eastern Caribbean islands. The Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce says while figures from the larger countries are not yet available, initial indications are that in some of the smaller islands consumer spending was down by about 30 per cent - or a third. CAIC President Nigel John told BBC that in some instances the fall-off is alarming. Reprinted from bbccaribbean.com