Taxi drivers: Plate change is only ‘tip of the iceberg’
The Bahamas TaxiCab Union president last night said the government has only addressed “the tip of the iceberg” for his members in confirming that the colour of self-drive vehicle plates will change.
Complete Sand Dollar integration now closer
Bahamians will soon be able to transact in Sand Dollars with persons holding bank accounts and digital wallets at other financial services providers, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
‘Absolutely concerned’ on 45% foreign currency debt
Bahamians should “absolutely be concerned” about foreign currency borrowings rising to almost 45 percent of the near-$10bn national debt, a local economist warned yesterday.
Banks suffer 37% profitability decline
Bahamian commercial banks saw total private sector loan arrears increase by $76m during the 2020 fourth quarter as the sector’s collective profitability shrunk by 37 percent year-over-year.
Govt told: Fulfill pledge on GB incentive repeal
The government has been urged to finally give Freeport’s private sector the certainty it urgently needs by fulfilling a key 2017 campaign pledge to repeal Christie-era investment legislation.
‘Don’t have luxury of wasting money’
A past Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) chief yesterday voiced optimism the government’s procurement reforms will deliver taxpayer value, adding: “We don’t have the luxury of wasting money.”
Nassau’s tourist arrivals just 2.7% of 2019’s 1m
Total tourist arrivals to New Providence during the 2020 fourth quarter amounted to just 2.7 percent of the prior year’s 1m visitors to further expose COVID-19’s drastic impact on the sector.
Family Islands ‘do not blend’ with cruise lines
Exuma’s Chamber of Commerce president yesterday voiced concerns that planned weekly calls by a cruise line “don’t blend in” with the island’s existing tourism product.
Payday lender: Govt workers kept us going
A pay-day loan provider yesterday said government employees had ensured its business remained steady throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical plan sees Florida expansion
A Bahamian medical plan yesterday said it has expanded to south Florida by signing up 20 doctors for clients to choose from when in that state.
U.S. queries Bahamas financial crime pursuit
The attorney general yesterday declared that The Bahamas had largely received “a fair assessment” even though the US questioned this nation’s commitment to prosecuting financial crime.
Oil drilling end ‘so far from done deal’
Oil exploration opponents yesterday said efforts to raise the $200,000 security ordered by the Supreme Court are being complicated by the belief there will be no more drilling in Bahamian waters.
National debt near $10bn at 2020 end
The Bahamas’ national debt was just shy of $10bn at year-end 2020, the Central Bank revealed yesterday, having increased by $1.4bn during the previous 12 months.
New vehicle sales ‘20% stronger’ than forecast
Auto dealers yesterday said new vehicles sales for early 2021 have been “20 percent stronger than projected” while warning that potential product shortages await in early summer.
Transparency boost for $1.4bn govt spending
The prime minister yesterday pledged that legal reforms will surround some $1.4bn in annual government spending with greater transparency and accountability.
