‘Sky is not falling in’ on NIB - yet
THE Government still has multiple reform options to rescue the National Insurance Board (NIB) from collapse if it acts now, a pensions specialist asserted yesterday, adding: “The sky is not falling in” yet.
Ex-marina chief doubtful on PM’s yacht registry ambition
A prominent marina operator yesterday voiced doubt that eliminating 10 percent Customs duty on so-called “pleasure vessels” will spark development of a yacht registry as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
Bahamians take ‘partial’ medicine on VAT return
THE Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) former leader says Bahamians have increasingly been obtaining “partial” as opposed to full prescriptions after VAT was reimposed on medicines with effect from January 1.
Lack of budget objectives hits climate spend analysis
THE absence of specific spending objectives in the annual Budget makes it difficult to assess whether the $126.5m allocated for climate change and disaster mitigation in 2021-2022 had the desired effect, it was revealed yesterday.
Cooking gas suppliers in 68% increase plea
Stressed dealers are pleading with the government for a 68 percent increase in the price of cooking gas to secure the industry’s survival in an “horrendous” climate where some are losing up to $500,000 per year.
‘Horrendous June’ cuts Aquapure’s output 40%
A Bahamian bottled water supplier has endured "an horrendous June" after equipment failure and a "bonkers" supply chain cut production for the month by 40 percent.
Health insurance VAT: 'This is not about money'
The Government has undertaken not to change the VAT treatment of private medical insurance claims until a full study is done, its top finance official asserting: "This is not about trying to get tax money."
Assessing how robust your security systems really are
The annual report on crime, and related trends, by the Commissioner of Police should be applauded. It is a commendable attempt at transparency, allowing members of the public - who are also major stakeholders in the fight against crime - to make assessments of the Royal Bahamas Police Force's performance, efficiency and reliability.
Technology provider eyes data recovery laboratory
A Bahamian technology provider says it is investing in a “data recovery laboratory” that will employ biometrics, and face and voice recognition, to help prevent fraud in an increasingly digital world.
Time for a new global order which deals everyone a fair hand
ActivTrades
SINCE the financial crisis of 2008, the idea that globalisation is doomed gained traction in some circles, fed by the rise of nationalist movements, trade wars, the COVID pandemic and, most recently, the war in Ukraine. The free capital flows and open borders trading, which characterised the global economy over the past four decades, currently face a serious backlash.
WHY SUDDEN AXE FOR BOAT DUTY?
The Opposition last night accused the government of “sneaking” in a tax break for the rich by ordering Customs to eliminate the ten percent duty rate on so-called “pleasure vessels” outside the normal Budget process.
Cut $11.8bn debt ‘absolutely’ amid growing distress fears
The Bahamas must slash its $11.843bn national debt in “absolute” terms, a top banker urged yesterday, after this nation was named among ten countries whose bonds are now trading at “distressed” levels.
Soaring gas prices are a ‘silent killer’
Family Island Chamber of Commerce presidents yesterday described soaring gas prices as “the silent killer” for economic activity, with one branding current pump costs as “crazy”.
Realtor enjoys 25% Freeport sales rise
A prominent Bahamian realtor says sales activity in Freeport has increased by 25 percent over the past year as its economic revival ramps up, adding that the city’s “time has come”.
Workers won't see 'equitable rebound'
Bahamian workers are unlikely to enjoy an “equitable rebound” in employment conditions post-COVID, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is warning, with the pandemic likely to have worsened existing skills gaps and mismatches.
