‘Believe it when I see it’ investment attitude
While there are some indicators that the Eleuthera economy is headed in the right direction, the island’s Chamber of Commerce chief says many residents have adopted a “believe it when I see it” attitude to development promises.
Emphasise ‘robust regulation’ to halt correspondent loss
The Bahamas’ “robust regulatory framework” and favourable ratings by international watchdogs should encourage correspondent banks to maintain relationships with this nation’s financial institutions, a well-known compliance officer believes.
Vacation rentals drive Eleuthera’s economy
The vacation rental business is the largest driver of Eleuthera’s economy, with the island’s Chamber of Commerce president estimating that 70 per cent of visitors come from the North American market.
Bahamian group offers ‘win-win’ landfill plan
A reformed Bahamian consortium yesterday revealed it has submitted a proposal to divert 25 per cent of the existing waste streams away from the New Providence landfill, describing the plan as “a win-win” for all stakeholders.
E-mail leak spooks doctors over NHI
The Save the Bays e-mail controversy has further spooked doctors already worried about provisions in the draft National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill that seemingly jeopardise patient confidentiality and data protection.
Resort lay-offs raise query over $110m expansion
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday questioned why the Government kept touting a purported $110 million expansion at the Deep Water Cay resort when it had just terminated nine staff.
Mobile rival can ‘roam’ BTC for first three years
Regulators are proposing to allow the Cable Bahamas-managed second mobile operator to deliver services via the rival Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) for a three-year period until its own infrastructure is built out.
Regulators propose BTC connect change
Regulators are proposing that the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) change its standard interconnection offer to rival carriers to facilitate upcoming mobile market competition.
Rivals slam ‘pie in sky’ FNM VAT exemptions
The Opposition’s leader yesterday pledged to “stick with” his Value-Added Tax (VAT) ‘exemptions’ plan, despite strong criticism from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and political rivals, one of whom urged him to “stop talking fool”.
Activists to send ‘leak’ complaint to data watchdog
The Save the Bays activist group yesterday informed the data protection watchdog it will submit a formal complaint over the leaking of its private e-mails, once its own investigation and legal analysis is completed.
Small businesses push for Parliament march
Small business owners were yesterday said to be pushing for a march on Parliament, given that long-promised legislation to support and grow the sector was “collecting dust” within the Government.
Chamber readies Business Licence fee reform plans
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) yesterday said it was preparing recommendations for “across the board” changes to the Business Licence fee regime, which will “benefit” both the Government and private sector.
Correspondent exit threatens Bahamian ‘lifeline industry’
A former Cabinet minister yesterday warned that the global correspondent banking retrenchment was threatening “a lifeline industry” vital to the Bahamas’ economic welfare and the development of its middle class.
Chamber hopes VAT refund ‘backlog’ over
Chamber of Commerce executives are hopeful that the Government has cleared a self-confessed “backlog”of Value-Added Tax (VAT) refunds that was impacting business cash flows.
BOB admits to anti-laundering weakness
Bank of the Bahamas last year admitted to “deficiencies” in its anti-money laundering regime, and submitted an ‘action plan’ to address them to industry regulators.
