BAIC, ZNS get $5.7m for arrears 'clean up'
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday said the $5.7m allocated for "balance sheet clean-up" at two loss-making government agencies will likely "widen" in upcoming fiscal years to other state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
'Hanging' no longer: PM affirms NIB rate increase
Private sector executives last night voiced relief that The Bahamas is no longer "hanging on this thing" after the Prime Minister confirmed a National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate increase will be implemented on July 1, 2024.
Levy-raising power is 'too open ended'
Governance reformers yesterday argued that the discretion afforded the minister of finance by proposed legislation enabling the introduction of so-called 'sin' or 'sugar' taxes is "too open ended".
BTC targets Internet lead with 90% fibre coverage
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is aiming to cover 90 percent of New Providence with its new fibre network within the next nine months as it placed broadband Internet at the core of yesterday's corporate rebranding.
Oil price rise to harden Gov'ts margin stance
A Cabinet minister yesterday warned that any spike in global oil prices caused by Saudi Arabia's imminent production cut will further harden the Government's stance against granting petroleum retailers a margin increase.
Local excursion operators: Tax foreign charters more
Bahamian excursion operators yesterday said this nation should ban foreign yacht charters on vessels below a certain length as well as requiring this sector to pay Business Licence and work permits fees.
Bahamas can’t escape making hard decisions
In his second and final article, Hubert Edwards says the country cannot ignore warning signs despite there being cause for cautious optimism
My first article encompassed an assessment of the opening Budget communication by the Prime Minister, arguing that the numbers are positive but necessarily rest on confirmation of the 2022-2023 fiscal year's last quarter performance. It also went beyond the numbers to look at the issues which hold significance for the fiscal year ahead. This article continues with a consideration of emerging themes.
Budget deals marinas 'another slap in face'
A former Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president yesterday asserted that the Budget has dealt the industry "another slap in the face" through multiple fee increases for dockage and vessel registration.
'Can't tax Bahamas into better health'
Caribbean Bottling Company's top executive yesterday warned "you cannot tax a country into good health" amid private sector fears that a so-called 'sugar tax' will be a “poison pill” for small business.
Gov't eyes air freight terminal outsourcing
The Government is eyeing a proposal to outsource Lynden Pindling International Airport's (LPIA) freight terminal to private sector developers and operators, it has been revealed.
BPL set for a 'maturity audit'
Regulators are searching for consultants to conduct a "maturity audit" of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) in a bid to assess the energy monopoly's performance and develop better regulatory oversight.
Haywards ready for GBPA 'sell down' to right partner
The Hayward family is willing to part with some of its Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) ownership interest to aid Freeport's revival, it was revealed yesterday, but does not believe the Government should take "majority" control.
HUBERT EDWARDS: Bahamas can’t afford for fiscal forecast miss
The Davis administration has delivered a Budget which, while leaving room for discussion and debate on many fronts, gives numbers which are very positive and welcoming news from a fiscal and debt management perspective. The projections suggest that The Bahamas is on the path to a turnaround in its fortunes, providing international and domestic investors with a level of certainty that would not have been anticipated two years ago. But every aspect of this turns on what the final outturn of the 2022-23 fiscal year will be.
PM's GBPA warning leaves investors 'hanging out there'
Private sector executives yesterday voiced concern that the Prime Minister's "decisive action" warning to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and its principals will deter potential investment in Freeport.
Gov't still focused on food and medicine price control
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government "feels inclined" to expand price controls on food and medicines, after previous such initiatives ended earlier this year, as it takes a "stand for consumer rights".
