Insurers fear ‘sharp end’ of VAT backlash
A leading insurance executive yesterday said he fears there will be “unintended consequences” when the industry starts levying Value-Added Tax (VAT) from July 1, with the sector “at the sharp end” of any consumer backlash.
TUC chief optimistic on Sandals discussions
The Trades Union Congress’s (TUC) president yesterday said its hotel union affiliate was now awaiting a response from Sandals Royal Bahamian to its request to begin negotiations on an industrial agreement.
Union lacks ‘leverage’ over Melia gratuities
A hotel union leadership contender yesterday argued that current executives have no “leverage” to employ in negotiating with Baha Mar and the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort because they failed to secure a new industrial agreement in 2013.
Melia offers salary advance in lieu of gratuity payments
THE Meliá resort has offered its employees a salary advance option equal to three months’ gratuities calculated at nine per cent while accusing the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) of having “little or nor regard” for the financial difficulties of its staff.
Construction industry reputation has been 'ruined'
THE Bahamian construction industry’s reputation has been “ruined” due to dishonesty and a complete lack of accountability a leading contractor said yesterday, noting that the long awaited Contractors Bill addresses all of the issues raised by the Auditor General over the government’s Small Homes Repair (SHR) programme.
Union maintains 15% entitlement for Melia gratuity
A BAHAMAS Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) executive confirmed that while the Meliá hotel was offering a nine per cent gratuity payment to employees for three months, the union was maintaining its position that the gratuity be calculated at 15 per cent up until a new deal is reached or a judge determines otherwise.
Summer date for $50m Family Islands road and airport work
BAHAMAS Striping hopes to be “up and running” by August or September with its airport and road maintenance project scheduled for 10 islands as outlined in two proposals before the Government.
Fears hard-hit consumers may drop insurance cover
THE insurance industry in the Bahamas is concerned that it may see its customer base shrink, an industry executive noting that the high cost of living, the impact of Value Added Tax (VAT) and stagnant wages may lead many consumers ultimately to drop their coverage.
Insurance industry to introduce VAT education programme
THE insurance industry is not waiting “idly” until the government finalises the details on how the industry will be affected by Value-Added Tax (VAT) on July 1 according to one leading insurance executive, who has told Tribune Business that the sector was positioning itself to launch its own education campaign.
Bahamas close to own quality infrastructure policy
THE Bahamas is moving towards the establishment of its own national quality infrastructure policy according to the director of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), who notes that this is vital for removing technical barriers to trade.
TUC chief says there is 'a disconnect' with employers
MANY employers in The Bahamas have a ‘fundamental problem’ with trade union involvement in their businesses, a leading unionofficial and attorney has told Tribune Business, suggesting that many failed to appreciate the role the movement has played in nation’s history.
Top tips for a successful job interview
THE Bahamas is preparing to welcome thousands of new jobs with the opening of world-class resorts and casinos and complimenting businesses that provide support to them.
Falling mortgage arrears improve commercial loan position
COMMERCIAL bank loan arrears improved in February by $60.2m, with the most significant decline in mortgage arrears which, according to the Central Bank of the Bahamas, contracted by $39.2m.
BTC staff on ‘pins and needles’ over job cuts
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) president Bernard Evans said yesterday that employees at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) were on “pins and needles” over imminent redundancies, with a meeting expected with management early next week.
Tourism boom continues with 11% revenue rise
THE Bahamas saw sustained gains in its tourism revenue during the first two months of 2015, with room revenues improving by 11 per cent according to the Central Bank.
