Ex-minister blasts water report as 'frivolous excuse'
A former minister yesterday slammed a report blaming changes to the Blue Hills water plant contract for an increase in ‘red water’ as “a frivolous excuse” for the current government’s failure to address the real problem.
Moody's: 'Rein in' Gov't spend for fiscal success
The Government must “rein in” spending to achieve its fiscal consolidation targets, a Wall Street rating agency warning that Value-Added Tax (VAT) and other revenue reforms would not be enough by themselves.
Bahamas prevents $147m Canadian 'catastrophe'
The Bahamas has prevented its $147 million export business to Canada suffering a “catastrophic” loss of competitiveness, reaching an ‘agreement in principle’ to preserve duty-free market access until a new regional trade agreement is concluded.
Pilot sees 'accelerated' private aviation decline
Revenues from the private aviation sector will continue to decline at an “accelerated pace” if the Government does not roll-back “wrong headed fees” on the sector, an industry expert warned yesterday, calling on it to offer more incentives instead.
Pharmacies witness strong flu med sales
SALES of over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu treatments have been relatively strong for 2013-2014 to-date, pharmacists said yesterday, while adding that the season has not been as bad as in previous years.
Giving staff the bigger picture
By Ian Ferguson
Corporation 'agreed' to water quality drop
Consolidated Water allegedly gained “significant” financial benefits after a change to its Blue Hills water plant contract, which was agreed by the Water & Sewerage Corporation, allowed it to supply poorer quality water.
Esso dealers gain 3-year safeguard
Bahamian dealers say they will ultimately have to “wait and see” how they will be affected by the Barbados-based SOL Group’s acquisition of Esso (Bahamas), one retailer telling Tribune Business their contracts were expected to remain the same for the next three years.
Oceania owners target $2m for resort build-out
Homeowners at the controversy-plagued Oceania Heights project believe they can raise a $2 million-plus ‘war chest’ to finance the development’s infrastructure build-out, with beach access and a fitness centre the leading priorities.
Bank 'optimistic' despite $3.175m shareholder loss
Bank of the Bahamas is “cautiously optimistic” 2014 will herald a turnaround in its financial performance, after a 158 per cent increase in loan loss provisions pushed its ordinary shareholders into a $3.175 million net loss.
Bahamas 'regaining' Florida market spot
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said his ministry’s promotional efforts in the Florida market were beginning to pay dividends, telling Tribune Business: “We’re regaining our place in Florida.”
URCA anticipates second cellular licence in 2014
The Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) anticipates licensing one new cellular operator in 2014, as it admits that competition has been “somewhat slow” to develop in the Bahamian communications market.
BISX adds sixth sponsor member
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) has added its sixth sponsor member in the shape of Societe Generale Private Banking (Bahamas).
'VAT effect will beat Baha Mar'
A prominent businessman yesterday warned that “the VAT effect will outweigh the Baha Mar effect” in 2014, adding that next year will “have been a failure” if unemployment remains close to 16 per cent.
BEC's bidders 'left in dark'
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) reform process is today a month behind schedule, with some bidders said to be complaining it “lacks transparency” and that they have literally been ‘left in the dark’.
