INSIGHT: It’s 10 o’clock on Friday night and on Paradise Island the party’s going strong
COVID-19 restrictions have, admittedly, crippled many businesses especially those in the entertainment sector. Yet it would appear the restrictions placed on businesses are seemingly being enforced on some while others get a free pass to do as they please.
Stopover visitors off 100,000 for January
The Bahamas saw January visitor arrivals fall by more than 100,000 or 84 percent, a Cabinet minister disclosed yesterday, with COVID travel protocols set to remain until vaccination levels hit 80 percent.
Clinging to life for 36 hours
A Jamaican national was rescued in the waters off Florida after 36 hours clinging to a boat that capsized as he tried to enter the US from The Bahamas, while six of his compatriots are missing and presumed dead.
Next govt urged: Initiate VAT rate, exemption review
The next government has been urged to review both the VAT rate and associated exemptions in a bid to maximise revenue yields and lower the burden on struggling Bahamians post-COVID-19.
Auto dealers brace for 70% orders fall
New car dealers are warning that the government’s tax earnings from the industry will be severely reduced with 2021 orders expected to be up to 70 percent off compared to pre-COVID levels.
BTC goes Bahamian on new top executive
The two Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) trade unions yesterday voiced hope for better industrial relations with appointment of a Bahamian as chief executive once again.
Inflation fears trigger higher treasury yields
ActivTrades
EARLIER in the year many analysts shared their predictions for how we could expect the financial markets to behave in 2021. The very large majority foresaw a continuation of the stock market rally that emerged in the aftermath of the pandemic. The underlying conditions were, after all, expected to remain in place, with protracted dovish monetary policies and robust asset purchase programmes of the main central banks dictating the course of the events.
Problems persist in schools reopening
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson yesterday said there is still a “lack of information” regarding the strategy the Ministry of Education plans to employ to ensure that teachers and students are able to work in a safe environment as face-to-face classes resume in several islands.
Branville and Gibson in dispute over ‘debt’
A NEW lawsuit alleges the Water and Sewerage Corporation refused to pay Halsbury Chambers legal fees for its work with delinquent customers after WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson rejected the firm’s advice about an unrelated defamation matter.
Staff heading back to renovated Royal
SOME Atlantis workers will return to work for the opening of The Royal on March 11.
‘DON’T BE AFRAID’: PM urges public to accept vaccination as first rollout nears
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made a strong appeal for all citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine yesterday, insisting the country’s economic rebound hinged on widespread administration of the jab.
Derek Smith: Keys to identifying risks posed by finance clients
I recently had the opportunity to sit and discuss the evolving roles of both the compliance officer and the money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) with a group of second-year law students from the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
Banks: 25% never verified Building Code compliance
The Central Bank is urging all licensees to ensure their offices can withstand a Dorian-type Category Five hurricane after 25 per cent said they had never confirmed Bahamas Building Code compliance.
Galleria targets Friday re-open
Galleria Cinemas is targeting this Friday for its re-opening after an 11-month COVID-19 enforced shutdown even though it is still awaiting the formal go-ahead from the Government.
Pub owner: Capacity curb more harmful than curfew
A pub and restaurant owner says capacity restrictions rather than the 10pm curfew are more damaging to his business, adding that a few extra evening hours will do little to improve trade.
Union leader's legal threat on severance pay suspend
A trade union leader is threatening to take legal action over the Government's COVID-related suspension of the Employment Act's full termination pay clauses.
WOMAN STABBED IN PARKING LOT
A WOMAN is in hospital after she was stabbed during an argument with another woman in a parking lot on Saturday.
Nearly 30 fishermen arrested
NEARLY 30 fishermen were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force last week.
