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DPM: Business Licence fee is ‘inherently unfair’
THE Government is examining how to adjust a Business Licence fee that the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday branded “inherently unfair” to firms with high turnover and low profit margins. K Peter Turnquest, who is also minister of finance, described as “misinformation” any suggestion that the Government has committed to the European Union (EU) that it will introduce a corporate tax or income tax.
Economist: Enterprises Bill $250k should be ‘bit higher’
THE Commercial Enterprises Bill’s $250,000 investment threshold should have been “a bit higher”, a University of the Bahamas economist argued yestrerday. Rupert Pinder, addressing the Rotary Club of West Nassau, said the $250,000 benchmark for foreign companies applying under the Bill did not match the level of incentives being granted.
Economist backs spending cuts to end ‘major wastage’
A University of the Bahamas economist yesterday backed government spending cuts on the grounds there has been “a great deal of wastage”. Rupert Pinder, addressing a Rotary Club of West Nassau luncheon, said: “We cannot overemphasise the importance of economic growth. You can cut spending until the cows come home, but what is really going to put this economy on a strong footing is growth. I am a proponent for cuts in public spending because I think there has been a great deal of wastage.
PM: ‘No time to rest on laurels’ over EU
THE Prime Minister yesterday said the Bahamas has “no time to rest on our laurels”, given the European Union’s (EU) concerns over the absence of corporate income taxation. Dr Hubert Minnis told the House of Assembly that the EU’s Code of Conduct group had written to the Government expressing concerns that this nation’s tax system did not comply with its ‘blacklisting’ criteria.
A Cabinet minister yesterday moved a parliamentary motion to create a select committee that will probe the the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) 2011 privatisation.
A Cabinet minister yesterday moved a parliamentary motion to create a select committee that will probe the the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) 2011 privatisation.
‘Much work’ ahead over business ease
The Bahamas has “a lot of work to do” before it sees a dramatic improvement in the ease of doing business, the Opposition’s finance spokesman said yesterday, adding: “There’s just too much government bureaucracy.”
‘Nothing to celebrate’ on $99m borrowing
The Opposition yesterday argued there was “nothing to celebrate” in the Christie administration’s revelation that it is only borrowing $99 million to fund the 2016-2017 fiscal deficit, its finance spokesman saying it had over-burdened Bahamians with taxes to achieve this.
FNM deputy questions Mortgage Relief ‘sense’
The Christie administration’s revised Mortgage Relief Plan does not make much sense “on the face of it”, according to the Opposition’s finance spokesman, who questioned what return the Government would get for its $20 million ‘investment’.
Web shop gains 'stay' on closure
The only web shop operator to be denied a licence has obtained a stay of the Supreme Court decision that effectively paved the way for its closure two weeks ago.
Two-destination Cuba travel 'bit of a stretch'
A 'two-destination' travel arrangement that would see visitors to Cuba also travel to the Bahamas could be a “bit of a stretch”, the FNM's deputy leader believes.
Bahamas must get balanced tourism
The Bahamas must ensure it strikes the right balance between its cruise and stop-over business, the FNM's deputy leader reiterating that it provide a competitive and unique product.
MSC deal to give Bahamian company ‘widest ever smile’
The Bahamian leaseholder of Ocean Cay will have “the biggest smiles ever” as a result of the deal that will see Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) take over the island for its $100 million cruise port.
App founders target full mobile commerce
The founders of a recently-launched mobile application which provides one-click access to commercial, Government and non-profit organisation communication channels, aim to eventually offer full mobile commerce.
Insurers unhappy at Gov’t ‘neglect’
The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman says the industry believes the Government has neglected it, as there are numerous long-standing legal and policy issues it is still battling to resolve.
PM promises developers partnership on air access
Two government ministries will support Eleuthera resort developers to ensure there is sufficient air access to the island in accord with international standards, the Prime Minister has said.
Nassau/PI urged to tackle tourism risks
New product development, climate change and the creation of a cultural and natural heritage mapping data base have been identified as priority risk areas that will be addressed over the next 12-months by the Nassau/Paradise Island tourism industry, in response to a sustainable destination assessment.
FNM deputy queries quality of Baha Mar building materials
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday expressed concern over Baha Mar slamming China State Construction, the lead contractor for its $3.5 billion development, and questioned whether there were material quality issues as well.
Atlantis owner eyes 'significant' 5-year investment programme
The Atlantis resort’s owner is looking to invest a “significant sum” in a five-year capital expenditure plan for the Paradise Island resort, having pronounced itself “quite excited” to have completed the $1.9 billion refinancing.
Union 'not sitting idle' over Atlantis
By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) is closely monitoring the Atlantis ownership situation, and is prepared to take legal action if necessary, its executiv
DNA LEADER BLASTS RIVALS ON ATLANTIS
By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) leader, Branville MCartney, last night heaped blame on both PLP leader Perry Christie and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham over the continuing $2.5
