Second mobile operator begins launch process
Cable Bahamas yesterday said the clock had started running on the aggressive roll-out timetable for the second mobile operator to launch services to 99 per cent of New Providence within three months, after the Government approved its licensing.
‘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.
Revived Mortgage Plan may assist ‘over 1,000’
The Government yesterday unveiled a revised Mortgage Relief Plan it believes could assist “upwards of 1,000 delinquent borrowers”, via a 20-25 per cent cut to monthly loan payments.
Tax break may help 41,000 homeowners
Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said more than 41,000 homeowners could benefit from the Government’s decision to waive real property tax arrears for owner-occupied homes valued at less than $250,000.
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’.
Gov’t plans to narrow VAT payment window
The Government yesterday unveiled plans to shrink the Value-Added Tax (VAT) payment window by seven days, and other revenue enforcement measures, amid the numerous tariff rate cuts consistent with a pre-election Budget.
‘Financial constraints’ hit $20m harbour repair
The Port Department’s “financial constraints” are preventing it from carrying out a $20 million repair to Nassau harbour’s breakwater, and threatening to undermine operations at the Caribbean’s most efficient report.
Baha Mar creditors protected against ‘backroom deals’
An ex-Baha Mar director yesterday expressed delight that a Cabinet Minister agreed all Bahamian creditors should be compensated, even if the Government “cuts a backroom deal with the Chinese”.
Chamber chief ‘fully expects responsible’ Budget from Gov’t
The Chamber’s chairman yesterday said he “fully expects the Government to be responsible” with today’s Budget, and not engage in pre-election spending sprees that will throw the Bahamas’ fiscal consolidation plan off-course.
QC slams ‘abysmal consultation failure’
A QC yesterday slammed “the complete and abysmal failure” of seven government departments and agencies to consult local residents over the Abaco Club’s proposed marina project.
‘Magical partnership’ urged between Gov’t and private business
The Government and private sector were yesterday urged to form “a magical partnership” to combat high unemployment and escalating levels of violent crime.
Baha Mar citizenship claim ‘political mischief’
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday branded as “political mischief” charges that the Christie administration had agreed to grant 500 Bahamian citizenships to Chinese investors in connection with the stalled Baha Mar project.
Budget can’t be ‘more of same’
Prime Minister Perry Christie must inspire confidence of an economic turnaround in today’s Budget, the Opposition’s Finance spokesman said yesterday, adding: “More of the same just won’t cut it.”
CCA return ‘beyond stupid’ if local creditors ignored
A former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday warned it would be “beyond stupid” to permit China Construction America (CCA) to finish Baha Mar without local creditors first being ‘made whole’.
Gov’t adds $1.6bn to national debt over three years
The Christie administration has added $1.6 billion to the Bahamas’ national debt over the past three years, continuing to push it beyond the IMF’s so-called ‘danger threshold’.
