The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s  (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday defended its relationship with the Government, stating: “They listen to us”

Edison Sumner was responding to criticisms that the private sector organisation may be ‘too close’ to the Christie administration, saying: “The Chamber has a very dynamic relationship with the Government.

“We meet with them frequently on any number of matters because we have to;it is necessary for us to do that. It is difficult  for us to have the level of input into policy or any other initiatives if we are not at the table.”

Mr Sumner added: “There is criticism that the Chamber is too close to government. It is necessary for the Chamber to have an ‘open door’ policy with the Government right up to the Prime Minister’s level, and we meet with him on a regular basis as well. The only way we get to know what is really happening is when we hear directly from those creating the policy.”

Interventions on several initiatives, Mr Sumner said, provided evidence that the Government was listening. “We believe that the government listens to the Chamber,” he added.

“Whether they respond in the timeline we would like, we could see some improvements there. They listen, they call us frequently to get our opinion on various things that are happening, and some things they will not move on without input from the private sector.

“When you look at the Business License we have had some interventions there in the past several weeks. We have had some interventions on the Tax Compliance Certificate matter. They listen, they take the recommendations from the Chamber.”