Port targeting up to 15% increase from dock fees
The Port Department is aiming to boost “revenue collection efficiency” through obtaining 90 percent of all dock-related fees due to the Government in the upcoming fiscal year while increasing income from this source “by at least 10-15 percent” via rate changes.
Sands: Gov’t ‘completely unleashed’ over spending
The Opposition’s chairman yesterday asserted that the Government is acting as if it is “completely unleashed” over spending taxpayer monies as he challenged how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ $34m plan for a new Nassau head office and London upgrades will benefit ordinary citizens.
Auto dealers chief: ‘Nice to avoid confusion’ over titles
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president says “it would be really nice to avoid confusion and uncertainty” as he pleaded with the Government to consult the industry over planned vehicle title certificate reforms prior to their July 1 implementation.
Royal Caribbean closes$30m Xanadu purchase
ROYAL Caribbean has closed its $30m acquisition of Freeport’s long-shuttered Xanadu Beach Hotel, it has been revealed, and is near to completing the purchase of adjoining land parcels from the Royal Oasis owner.
Florida jet ski operator hits out over US alert
A South Florida operator yesterday pushed back against a recent US Embassy alert warning Americans not to rent jet skis in The Bahamas, arguing that the industry's safety record does not justify such a sweeping move.
Tourism ‘rethink’ must treat Bahamians as greatest asset
A senior government official yesterday argued that The Bahamas needs to “rethink” tourism by treating its people as the country’s greatest selling point while also targeting “value” rather than visitor volume for its Family Islands.
HGTV-featured developer says land title woes ‘real hindrance’
A South Andros resort developer well-known internationally through his starring role in an HGTV series yesterday stressed the area faces a “real horse and cart and chicken and egg situation” as he warned that land title woes are deterring fresh investment.
‘Forced back in time’: Aviation chief pledges new Mangrove Cay airport by ‘end 2027’
The Government’s aviation chief yesterday promised long-suffering Mangrove Cay residents they will enjoy an improved airport “by the end of 2027” amid complaints they and visiting tourists have been “forced to go back in time” over airlift connectivity woes.
Gov’t gives little detail on anti-corruption watchdogs
The Davis administration was unable to provide implementation timelines for three major anti-corruption and transparency watchdogs amid continued questions over whether it has provided sufficient funding.
Bahamians not capitalising on record business support
BAHAMIANS are failing to capitalise on a number of government-backed business initiatives despite unprecedented levels of financial and technical support for entrepreneurs, according to a senior tourism executive.
Development Bank reveals $22m in financing available
THE Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) yesterday revealed it has $22m available to finance development projects across The Bahamas, including Andros, as it urged investors to view the country’s largest island as a strategic national asset rather than untapped potential.
Endangered iguana can be Andros tourism pillar
A CONSERVATION scientist believes the endangered Andros rock iguana could become a new pillar of the island’s tourism economy, helping to diversify visitor experiences, lengthen stays and generate additional spending while protecting one of its most unique natural assets.
Taxpayers to fund $1BN Civil Service
Total compensation paid to the Bahamian civil service will breach the $1bn mark for the first time in the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal period, it has been revealed, with its ranks having expanded by 2,342 persons over the past four years.
Opposition blasts Gov’ts ‘tardy’ extra $250m move
The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday blasted the Government’s “tardy” last-minute bid to obtain Parliamentary approval for an extra $250m spending in the current 2025-2026 Budget year.
