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’.
Gov’t urged: Don’t ‘act on desperation’ over Baha Mar fate
The Government was yesterday urged not to “act on desperation” over Baha Mar, the Opposition’s deputy leader warning: “Don’t give away the house for the sake of one roof.”
Government and Sarkis now ‘irrelevant’ over Baha Mar
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday said the China Export-Import (CEXIM) Bank and Baha Mar’s receivers are the “only voices that matter right now”, as speculation surrounding the $3.5 billion project’s fate reaches fever pitch.
Freeport revenues, production hit by work permit delay
Immigration is “one of the most persistent concerns” for Freeport businesses, with work permit delays responsible for revenue and production losses.
BTC union files trade dispute
The trade union representing the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) line staff is still seeking to resolve employee pay and recognition-related issues dating back to 2011.
