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.
Gov’t earns just 36% of Nassau vehicle revenues
The Road Traffic Department may be collecting as little as 36 per cent of due vehicle licensing revenues on New Providence, with system breakdowns “too numerous” for the Government’s financial watchdog to detail.
Grand Lucayan facing closure without buyer
Freeport’s largest resort will be closed unless its current owner can find a buyer “within a reasonable period of time”, a move that would threaten hundreds of Bahamian jobs and deliver a major blow to its tourism economy.
PM confirms MSC talks to buy GBPA
Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday confirmed that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is in talks to acquire the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), although the Government has not set any timeline for the existing owners to exit.
Developer’s 90 workers face ‘irreparable harm’
Blackbeard’s Cay and its 90-strong staff are threatened with “irreparable harm” as a result of its legal woes, which have already reduced cruise visitor numbers to the project.
