New PI resort: Matthew could ‘not have come at a worse time’
Warwick Hotels and Resorts yesterday said it was working feverishly to have its new Paradise Island resort open for business by the end of October, revealing that Hurricane Matthew “could not have come at a worse time”.
Matthew delivers ‘gut punch’ to GB
Hurricane Matthew has delivered “a gut punch” to Grand Bahama’s economy, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday, delaying its planned turnaround “quite significantly”.
Arawak port back to 10 weekly calls
The Nassau Container Port yesterday said it was back to its regular 10 weekly cargo vessel calls, after Hurricane Matthew restricted the prior week to just 20 per cent of normal volume.
Sarkis submits last ditch Baha Mar bid
Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday made a last-ditch intervention to regain ownership of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project, offering to acquire the property for a price “in excess” of what both its secured creditor and ultimate purchaser will pay.
Banks told: Show ‘flexibility’ over lending relaxation
The Chamber’s chief executive yesterday backed the Central Bank’s move to relax its lending guidelines so storm-ravaged businesses and homeowners could finance restoration, emphasising: “We need to have capital flowing.”
Auto dealer supports storm fraud safeguard
An auto dealer yesterday backed the Government’s safeguards for Hurricane Matthew automobile replacements, suggesting it would reduce the fraud and exploitation seen under previous ‘exigency Orders’.
Hurricane exposes BPL manager’s ‘inexperience’
Hurricane Matthew has exposed the “inexperience” of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) management company in dealing with the aftermath of storms, a former Cabinet minister argued yesterday.
‘Support Bahamian’ in our hour of need
Consumers and businesses were yesterday urged by a senior Chamber executive “to support what is Bahamian” by shopping at home for the majority of hurricane relief and restoration supplies, so as to get the economy “back on the right footing”.
Power problems ‘tie private sector hands’ on storm restoration
The private sector’s “hands are tied” over Hurricane Matthew restoration by the absence of electrical power and Internet access, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.
BPL needs better communication, says ex-union president
The former head of the BEC management union yesterday added his voice to criticism of the utility’s Matthew restoration strategy, arguing that it could have quelled Bahamian frustrations through better communication.
Price Control probes ‘gouging’ complaints
The Price Control Commission’s chairman yesterday said it was investigating reports of price gouging on New Providence and the Family Islands, having received several consumer complaint calls to-date
GB tourism comes ‘to a grinding halt’
The Minister of Tourism yesterday admitted that tourism on Grand Bahama had “come to a grinding halt” due to Hurricane Matthew, as his officials looked at ways to improve the product.
Insurers: Matthew loss ‘could exceed’ $400m
Bahamian insurers yesterday estimated that total insured losses from Hurricane Matthew “could exceed $400 million”, with individual underwriters bracing to receive claims volumes that reach into the thousands.
Baha Mar receiver: No Matthew delay to remobilisation
Baha Mar’s receivers yesterday said there was “nothing at this stage” to indicate that Hurricane Matthew’s passage would delay the $3.5 billion project’s construction remobilisation and completion.
Exuma in ‘two month drag’ via Sandals closure
Exuma’s economy will suffer a two-month “drag” as a result of Sandals Emerald Bay’s decision to close until December 15 to undergo hurricane repairs.
