Cable drops basic TV price increase appeal
Cable Bahamas has quietly dropped its appeal to the Utilities Appeal Tribunal (UAT) over the previous regulatory decision not to approve a 27 per cent increase in the price of its basic pay-TV service.
Outstanding VAT issues ‘more important’ than Appeals body
Resolving all remaining points of potential Value-Added Tax (VAT) confusion is “more important” than the Appeals Commission’s appointment, the Tax Coalition’s chairman yesterday suggesting too little progress was being made on the former.
VAT fraud risk is ‘big deal’ for all Bahamians
Value-Added Tax (VAT) is now here in the Bahamas following years of research, ‘White Papers’, discussions and debates. The Government expects it to produce a net revenue increase equivalent to roughly 2 per cent of GDP, and which will be used for projects that benefit persons living in the Bahamas.
Ferry operator eyes Nassau expansion
Balearia is in talks with the Government about expanding its ferry services to Nassau, a move that could generate “wonderful benefits” for the capital’s economy and its container port.
Foreign attorney block big arbitration obstacle
The Bahamas would likely face “tremendous resistance” from the international bar if foreign attorneys are not allowed to represent clients in arbitration hearings in this nation, a Washington-based attorney describing this as a “significant impediment”.
Junkanoo Carnival ‘can be greatest game in town’
The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival “can become the biggest game in town outside of Trinidad” within three to four years, its top organiser believes.
Nygard dredge permit ‘illegal and irrational’
A senior government official’s decision to approve a dredging permit for Nygard Cay has been branded “illegal, ultra vires and irrational”, given that such activities had already been banned by the Supreme Court.
‘Scorched earth’ campaign delays BEC contract deal
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) refrom process has been delayed because the Government wants to ensure there is no truth to unsubstantiated “integrity concern” rumours that have been raised over its preferred bidder.
Port inefficiencies ‘disadvantage’ Out Island economies
Many Family Islands are being “economically disadvantaged” because of inefficient port and maritime infrastructure, the Arawak Cay port’s top executive believes.
Resort unveils expansion plan
A Letter of Intent (LOI) is being finalised for a 40-room boutique resort at Grand Bahama’s Deepwater Cay property, with plans also underway to sell 40 waterfront lots.
‘Foolhardy’ if National Plan was squandered
The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman says it would be “foolhardy to squander” the National Development Plan by filing it away on the shelf and subsequently forgetting about it.
Gov’t ‘forgets’ 10% spend cut vital for VAT success
Government policymakers have “certainly forgotten” that a real 10 per cent spending cut must combine with 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) if the Bahamas is to eliminate its fiscal deficits.
Reduce petroleum tax burden . . . but not through VAT
The Government was yesterday urged to reduce the Bahamian petroleum industry’s taxation burden by focusing on the non-Value Added Tax (VAT) levies.
DNA leader urges: Disclose landfill manager’s owners
The DNA’s leader yesterday urged the Government to disclose the identities of all shareholders in New Providence’s private sector landfill manager, and provide details of the contractual agreement reached between the two sides.
Union willing to ‘compromise’ on Melia dispute
The hotel union yesterday signalled it was prepared to “compromise” with Baha Mar over the Melia gratuity dispute, provided its members suffered no reduction in their ‘take home’ income.
