No evidence Gov’t received $7m for GBPA equity stake
There is no evidence to prove that the Government ever received the $7 million ‘balance’ for its 7.5 per cent equity stake in the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), it has been revealed.
BTC wants 50% cut to Cable’s roaming
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is demanding a 50 per cent cut to the time its new Cable Bahamas-managed mobile rival is allowed to use its network, arguing that 36 months is “too lenient”.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Putting some ZIP in file compression
We have all heard of file compression, and anyone who regularly downloads files from the Internet or uploads pictures to social media is familiar with formats such as ZIP and RAR.
Consultation ‘not option’ on communications towers
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday stressed that the obligation on communications companies to consult before erecting cellular phone towers was “not optional” under the new rules governing their set-up.
Gov’t increases ‘poor construction’ sanctions
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said amendmentments to the Buildings Regulation Act would provide increased sanctions for contractors guilty of unsafe and shoddy workmanship.
Freeport’s top investors face $50-$60m tax strike
The Government has defied Hutchison Whampoa in deciding to impose real property tax in Freeport, a $50-$60 million revenue-raising move that represents a direct strike at the city’s largest investor.
Freeport revival eyeing 24% jobs growth in decade
Government advisers predicted that Freeport’s workforce could expand by 24 per cent in 10 years via an economic growth plan that featured new industries such as aircraft maintenance and ‘value-added’ logistics.
Gov’t told: Don’t approve CCA as Baha Mar buyer
The Government was yesterday urged not to approve any purchase of Baha Mar by China Construction America (CCA), amid fears this would “put too much of our tourism product in one basket”.
Airport Park dodges big bush blaze threat
Businesses in the Airport Industrial Park (AIP) were left scrambling to protect their premises, equipment and inventory yesterday, after they were threatened by a massive bush fire sparked on Monday.
Port accused of ‘total abdication’ via MoU signing
A Freeport-based QC yesterday accused the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) of “complete abdication” of its regulatory and developmental obligations as a result of its agreement with the Government.
Gov’t confident over Carnival visitor rise
The Minister of Tourism was yesterday optmistic that the second Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival festival attracted more visitors than in 2015, and that it remained within budget.
Freeport ‘starts to live yet again’
A Freeport businessman yesterday expressed relief that the Christie administration had decided to extend the expiring Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA) tax exemptions, telling Tribune Business: “We are beginning to live again.”
Bahamas urged: Tackle corruption’s ‘root cause’
A top private sector representative said yesterday that the Bahamas needed to “get to the root causes” of the fraud and corruption identified in recent Auditor General, while also strengthening its public institutions.
Sarkis: ‘No sense’ in Baha Mar bid
Sarkis Izmirlian last night declined to enter the formal Baha Mar sales process, and accused the $3.5 billion project’s receivers of playing ‘rope a dope’ with him.
Gov’t gains key Freeport reforms
The Government yesterday confirmed it has secured a greater role in Freeport’s governance and future development, despite its deal with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) being branded “an illegal breach” of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
