PM promises Dorian tax breaks extension
The Prime Minister last night promised Abaco that he will extend Dorian-related tax breaks beyond their 2021 year-end expiration as part of efforts to “accelerate” the island’s rebuilding.
Sustainability initiative to boost Bahamian tourism
The Bahamas’ tourism product will be strengthened through an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) tie-up with European and regional experts to develop certification systems that bolster sustainable practices.
DANIEL FERGUSON: Gov’t cultural change need on procurement
I realise that during this election season in The Bahamas there will be a lot of political rhetoric spoken while the various parties are on the campaign trail, and much of it is not worth responding to or commenting on. I must say, though, how disappointed I am that the Prime Minister dismissed as mere “foolishness” the allegations made against both Desmond Bannister and Adrian Gibson in relation to contracts awarded in their respective areas of responsibility. This is particularly because these claims, though denied, have not been fully addressed by the duo with the Public Procurement Act 2021 now into its second week of existence.
Taxis suffer 80% business fall-off
Taxi drivers have seen an 80 percent fall in business as they enter the traditionally slow September period, their union head said yesterday, adding that COVID testing and changed protocols are also to blame.
Medical marijuana law eyed within four months of election
A medical marijuama advocate is predicting that the next government will legalise this sector within four months of next week’s general election by passing the necessary legislation.
Bahamas should ‘cut rates’ if US increases
A well-known Bahamian economic commentator yesterday argued that the Central Bank should lower its Prime rate whenever the Federal Reserve raises US interest rates.
Freeport ‘tax grab’ fear on exposed incentives
An ex-Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said it was “striking” that the major political parties have seemingly ignored a problem deterring “sensible investors” from Freeport.
Overseas investment COVID bar removed
The Central Bank yesterday confirmed that Bahamians will be able to resume purchasing overseas securities and real estate from October 1 after seeing a sufficient uptick in tourism-related foreign currency inflows.
‘Water heater sales are lucrative on GB’
A Grand Bahama hotel operator says “it’s a lucrative business to be in hot water heater sales” as his property grapples with the same salt water issues that have afflicted the nearby Grand Lucayan.
‘Don’t put damper on a good thing’
A Bahamian realtor says the Government should focus on collecting the estimated $600m in outstanding real property taxes rather than increase rates, and warned: “Don’t put a damper on a good thing.”
Bahamas needing ‘small miracle’ to avoid austerity
A former finance minister yesterday warned that Bahamians must hope “a small miracle happens” if the country is to avoid harsh post-COVID austerity measures and low growth in coming years.
LETTER TO THE BUSINESS EDITOR: Baby thrown out with bath water on Freeport incentives
In reviewing the Free National Movement’s (FNM) 2021 manifesto issued on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, special note was taken of their plans for Grand Bahama, wherein the party promised inter alia to “work with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) to improve Grand Bahama’s business processes, especially for micro-enterprise.”
Catering companies in mixed COVID outcome
Bahamian catering companies yesterday revealed mixed COVID-19 experiences for their businesses with performance dependent on their target market.
Union chief calls for ‘forensic audit’ at Water & Sewerage
A union president yesterday called for a “forensic audit” into the Water & Sewerage Corporation following the allegations made against its executive chairman.
Compass Point close now eight days away
A Cabinet minister yesterday declined to comment on Compass Point’s threatened election day closure as its owner begins preparations for the shutdown.
