Gov’t targets property tax tripling to $400m
The Government is aiming to more-than-triple annual real property tax collections to at least $400m as a key component in its ambitions to achieve a 25 percent revenue-to-GDP ratio.
‘Not a single merchant’ avoids COVID staff woe
The Bahamas Federation of Retailers’ co-chair yesterday said “there’s not a single merchant I’ve spoken to” who has escaped COVID staffing shortages as she branded Christmas “hit or miss”.
‘Bitter impasse’: Both sides claim win in Old Fort battle
A “bitter impasse” at one of western New Providence’s most affluent communities has ended with its developer confirmed as owner of the Old Fort Bay Club and the project’s marina.
VAT slash ‘not reckless’ as revenues up $160m
The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday said the VAT rate cut “is not a reckless, populist act” as he revealed the Government has outperformed first half revenue targets by $160m.
Opposition challenges contract award silence
The Opposition’s leader last night challenged assertions by a senior official that the Government cannot meet legal requirements to publish contract awards because a key post has not been filled.
Tourism in ‘huge win’ on COVID test ease
Bahamian tourism was yesterday said to have secured “a huge win” after millions of dollars in visitor bookings were rescued by the Government suspending tougher COVID testing measures.
Tourism urges Gov’t to cut 14-day quarantine
Bahamian tourism operators are urging the Government to reduce the 14-day COVID quarantine period, and bring it into line with US and UK measures, to give a further peak season boost.
Super Value’s solar roll-out eyes 60% energy bill slash
Super Value’s principal yesterday revealed the supermarket chain is aiming to slash its energy bill by “60 percent or better” through installing solar power at all its stores by summer 2022.
Realtor unveils his rent-to-own crowdfund plan
A Bahamian realtor yesterday predicted his crowdfunding-driven rent-to-own initiative could build a $10m property portfolio within two years, adding: “The sky’s the limit.”
Realtor sees ‘bumper year’ over 400% transaction rise
A well-known Bahamian realtor yesterday revealed that his firm enjoyed a “bumper year” in 2021 with closed property transactions increasing by 400 percent year-over-year.
Frustration mounts over cay’s ‘economic disaster’
A Treasure Cay investor yesterday described the Abaco-based destination as an “economic disaster” due to its painfully slow rebound from the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Dorian.
ART OF GRAPHIX: How to haul yourself out of a business rut
It is not unusual for business owners to feel stuck at times, especially if sales are declining, and you feel like you are in a rut.
‘Rescue’ peak tourism: Gov’ts last-ditch action
The Government last suspended the mandatory COVID PCR tests for all visitors due to take effect from January 7 after being urged to “rescue” the peak winter tourism season.
Thirteen alternatives to ‘act of humiliation’
The Grand Lucayan’s ex-chairman yesterday urged the Davis administration to pick up four “serious” purchase offers for the resort that he left behind as an alternative to “an act of humiliation”.
Worker shortage fears on Omicron explosion
Bahamian employers yesterday voiced fears that the rapid explosion in Omicron cases could result “in our whole system being challenged” by the absence of key workers.
