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Baha Mar’s expat hires told to leave
Baha Mar has told several expatriate hires to leave the Bahamas because construction delays mean there are no jobs for them to step into, amid suggestions it is seeking additional financing to complete the $3.5 billion project.
Governor: Data, privacy regimes may need reform
The Bahamas may have to reform its data and confidentiality regimes to mitigate the threat posed by the loss of correspondent banking relationships to the financial sector and wider economy, the Central Bank’s governor has warned.
Kerzner's $65m capital upgrades in debt talk delay
Kerzner's $65m capital upgrades in debt talk delay By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Kerzner International (Bahamas) chief yesterday acknowledged that finalising this year's $65 million capital investment plan for its Paradise Island resorts is b
Govt told: ‘Cut inefficient taxes across the board’
The Government was yesterday urged by a leading governance reformer to reduce “inefficient taxes across the board” so that it could make room for potential Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate increases.
Despite 42% productivity rise, BTC off on 'efficiency'
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Despite beating many countries via a 42 per cent improvement in a key productivity benchmark between 2006-2009, the sector regulator last night suggested the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) 2010 account
Freeport suggestions to Gov’t ‘in 2 weeks’
The Government will likely receive recommendations on Freeport’s short and long-term future within the next two weeks, the Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday calling for “quid pro quos” in return for extending the city’s tax breaks.
OECD attacks like ‘unofficial blacklisting’ of the Bahamas
A former finance minister says the recent OECD-inspired media onslaught against the Bahamas is akin to an “unofficial blacklisting” of its financial services industry, describing the situation as “a new form of international colonialism”.
NHI: Gov’t warned on ‘significant error’
The Government is “making a significant error” over National Health Insurance (NHI) by allowing the initiative to become potentially “divisive”, a well-known businessman warned yesterday.
Baha May delay’s 50% cut to growth
Baha Mar’s delayed opening could potentially slash 50 per cent off the Bahamas’ 2015 economic growth forecast, a well-known businessman has warned.
PM 'elated' over 75% Our Lucaya occupancy level
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor The Prime Minister said he was "elated" upon learning that Our Lucaya's current occupancy levels were at 75 per cent, adding that an owner other than Hutchison Whampoa would likely have closed the Freeport resort.
PRIVATISATION CAN 'HOLD BAHAMAS TO RANSOM'
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor A leading activist yesterday urged the Government not to privatise the energy and water industries on the grounds that foreign buyers could "hold the Bahamas to ransom", adding that this nation had "not begun to s
Baha Mar delay: ‘We’re all losers’
A leading businessman yesterday rounded on the “despicable critics” of Baha Mar’s principals, and said of the $3.5 billion project’s delayed opening: “We are all losers.”
Insurance recovery may wait until 2017
The Bahamian insurance industry may have to wait until mid-2017 to return to strong growth, with one leading underwriter saying its main goal is to “hold the fort”.
Chamber urges: ‘Tighten up and enforce’ Enterprises Bill
THE Chamber of Commerce yesterday urged the Government to “tighten up the language”, and enforce the provisions, in the Commercial Enterprises Bill to prevent potential abuses.
Finlaysons eye JV partner for City Markets
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor The Finlayson family is seeking a joint venture partner that would acquire a majority equity stake in the City Markets supermarket chain from it, high-level sources have told Tribune Business, with talks being hel
BCA chief: 'Many smaller builders' oppose regulation
BCA chief: 'Many smaller builders' oppose regulation By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Many smaller Bahamian contractors do not support the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) or its push for legislation to regulate the industry, the latter's
BCA chief: 'Many smaller builders' oppose regulation
BCA chief: 'Many smaller builders' oppose regulation By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Many smaller Bahamian contractors do not support the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) or its push for legislation to regulate the industry, the latter's
Local dive operators reject foreign ‘double tax’ offer
A foreign dive operator’s offer to pay double the legal charter fee has been rejected by his top Bahamian counterparts, who argue that this sum pales against the “30 per cent or more of revenue” that they pay in taxes.
Homebuilder at '1/3 of pre-crisis levels'
Homebuilder at '1/3 of pre-crisis levels' Sub-Deck: * Arawak Homes chief says foreclosed properties creating over-supply further depressing market * Says IMF suggesting 'current public policy not adequate' * Bahamian living standards 'in decline' File
Cable blasts 'unfair advantage' for BTC
Cable blasts 'unfair advantage' for BTC By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Cable Bahamas has blasted the proposed licensing plan for a key wireless spectrum band for giving an "unfair advantage" to the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), urg
