Bill opens FDI projects to Bahamas contractors
The Construction Contractors Bill paves the way for Bahamians to participate in foreign direct investment (FDI) projects “to a much greater extent than before”, a former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president said yesterday.
$200m GB cruise port beneficial if ‘balanced’
East Grand Bahama’s MP said yesterday that the $200 million Carnival cruise port for his constituency will boost the economy, provided the deal is balanced and Bahamians are the net beneficiaries.
Blackbeard’s presence ‘contrary to rule of law’
A Bahamian QC says it “seems contrary to the rule of law” for the $12 million Blackbeard’s Cay project to still be operating more than 26 months after the Supreme Court quashed all its approvals.
Ex-BAIC chair’s son in Andros timber venture
South Abaco MP, Edison Key, yesterday confirmed his son is a principal in the company seeking an Andros timber harvesting license, saying governments were “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” in approving foreign joint ventures.
Sir Franklyn blasts anti-China ‘hysteria’
Sir Franklyn Wilson last night slammed the growing “anti-Chinese hysteria”, warning that it would prevent the Bahamas from achieving its desired development and job growth targets.
Unions, employers ‘not so far apart’ on labour reforms
The National Tripartite Council is set to resume negotiations over the proposed labour law reforms this Friday, one unionist saying yesterday: “We’re not as far apart as it appears.”
Govt approves $200m cruise port agreement
Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that the Government has approved the agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for east Grand Bahama’s $200 million cruise port.
Bran challenges FNM on Andros timber deal
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday challenged the Official Opposition to pursue the latest ‘Chinese deal’ on Andros, given that one of its principals is an FNM MP’s son.
Govt moves forward on Contractors Bill
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said the Construction Contractors Bill provides an avenue for aggrieved consumers to seek reddress, while also licensing and registering all industry practitioners.
$7m sale impasse holds up Gulf Union closure
A frustrated purchaser has accused Gulf Union Bank (Bahamas) liquidators of repeatedly stalling the $7 million sale of its largest remaining asset - a charge they vehemently deny.
Port Dept’s $600k tug boat repairs are ‘exorbitant’
The Auditor General has urged the Port Department to assess alternative options for its tug boat fleet, branding the over $600,000 spent on repairs as “exorbitant” and not necessarily providing taxpayers with ‘value for money’.
Free trade push ‘irresponsible’ with exchange controls
A governance reform advocate yesterday argued it would be “irresponsible” for the Government to commit the Bahamas to rules-based trading regimes unless local companies enjoyed equal access to credit.
Matthew ‘doubles’ building supplier’s solar enthusiasm
A well-known building materials supplier’s enthusiasm for its solar photo voltaic (PV) system, which has slashed energy costs by up to two-thirds, “doubled” after it survived Hurricane Matthew intact.
Fishermen blast $2.1bn China deal
Bahamian fishermen have slammed the proposed $2.1 billion Chinese agricultural and fisheries investment on Andros, describing it as “very worrisome” and something they cannot support.
Govt ‘bites off more than it can chew’ on $2bn China proposal
The organiser of an online petition that has obtained almost 4,000 signatures against the $2.1 billion Chinese agriculture/fisheries proposal yesterday expressed confidence the Christie administration has “bitten off more than it can chew”.
