Bahamian entry changes ‘more alarming’ than CDC
Bahamian tourism operators yesterday shrugged off the latest downgrade by US health authorities, arguing that constant changes in this nation’s COVID protocols are “more alarming” to visitors.
Hilton’s ‘indefinite’ close threatens up to 130 jobs
The “fragility” of tourism’s post-COVID rebound was yesterday underscored by the British Colonial Hilton’s decision to “indefinitely” close from February 15, 2022, and terminate up to 130 staff.
Tourism sees little impact from COVID downgrade
Hotel operators yesterday forecast that The Bahamas’ downgrade to “do not travel” status yet again by US health authorities will have little to no impact on travel demand.
‘Expect hardship’ from inflation, interest hikes
A former finance minister yesterday warned that “every family can expect hardship” from rising inflation that will exceed the current 7 percent rate in the US.
GB Power’s ‘major cash flow constraint’ warning
Grand Bahama Power Company yesterday said it will suffer “a significant cash flow constraint” after it was granted just 53 percent of the base electricity rate increase it was seeking.
Digital payments player sees off Sebas seizure
A Bahamian digital payments provider has successfully fought off a bid to seize control of its operations by fully repaying the debt owed to Sebas Bastian’s investment house.
COVID food initiative had ‘highest level of integrity’
The probe into the $51m COVID food assistance initiative will conclude that taxpayer funds were “used to the greatest effect” if it is unbiased, a governance reformer asserted yesterday.
Sir William’s son hits back in $144k dispute
A son of the late Sir William Allen yesterday denied that his father owed a $144,000 debt to a local businessman, and argued that any obligation to repay hinges on a “deal” that has not yet closed.
SAFE & SECURE: SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Almost two years later and there is seemingly no end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic; the fifth such declared event since 1918. This particular one, though, harnesses the power of the Internet to drive its messaging. The media impact, notwithstanding the global spread, has been immediate and consistent. Perhaps the coverage has done more damage than the actual virus, but that is another story.
Gov’ts ‘strong stance’ limited GB Power hike
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government’s intervention was responsible for the 47 percent reduction in Grand Bahama Power Company’s base electricity rate increase.
VAT cut to help offset surge in local prices
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the VAT cut has helped offset some of the inflationary impact Bahamian consumers are now feeling from higher prices on food and other essentials.
‘Caribbean’s Singapore’: $15bn GDP target urged
The Bahamas was yesterday urged to target a 50 percent GDP increase to $15bn, a governance reformer arguing: “There’s no reason we can’t be the Singapore of the Caribbean.”
Judge cuts $66k from Sir William’s outstanding loans
The late Sir William Allen’s estate has persuaded the Supreme Court to slash unpaid loans allegedly owed to a prominent Bahamian businessman by some $66,000.
Don’t alienate NGOs in creating ‘political stink’
The Opposition’s leader yesterday warned the Government not to “alienate” non-profit groups and their donors by creating a “political stink” around the $51m COVID food assistance initiative.
GB Power rate hike approval sparks ‘new regulator’ charge
Renewed calls were made last night for an independent regulator to take over supervision of all Freeport utilities after Grand Bahama Power Company’s base tariff hike was partially approved.
