How to keep firms and workers viable
The largest, and most immediate, economic disrupter for The Bahamas and the world as a result of COVID-19 is the loss of employment for so many. Reports estimate that over 50 million jobs could be lost in the US alone. With 64 percent of Bahamian gr
Brokers report new issues with Customs' Click2Clear
Brokers yesterday said they have encountered more problems with Customs’ new electronic goods clearance system although the situation seemed to be improving. Lance Major, in-house customs broker for the d’Albenas Agency, told Tribune Business: “This
Law firms line up layoffs
Major Bahamian law firms yesterday revealed the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to temporarily lay-off staff, with one saying: "We haven't received a single fee in four weeks."
2,000 claims stall in system
The National Insurance Board (NIB) yesterday revealed that some 2,000 unemployment benefit claims have “stalled” because employers have failed to file the required contributions statements.
Bahamian investors: Our nation needs you
A prominent businessman is urging Bahamian investors and those with overseas capital holdings to “bring some of that back and help rebuild the local economy” in COVID-19’s wake. Sir Franklyn Wilson, the Arawak Homes and Sunshine Holdings chairman, t
Bahamas holding off debt cost pressures
The Bahamas was the only Caribbean nation in early April to escape pressure on its bond yields amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report revealed yesterday. The IDB, in its 2020 first quarter “bulletin” on the regio
Hotel union to feed the 5,500 with 'advance'
The hotel union’s president yesterday said it has “risen to the occasion” to provide COVID-19 relief to its 5,500 members via “an advance” from the industry’s Health and Welfare Fund.Darrin Woods told Tribune Business that the Bahamas Hotel, Catering
COVID-19 aid moves businesses to tears
A participant in the government’s $20m small business loan support initiative says many borrowers have been reduced to tears when approved for credit that will help pay staff. Robert Pantry, founder and chief executive of Simplified Lending, said no
Cooking gas suppliers face 'sky high' demand
Cooking gas operators yesterday reassured consumers they have adequate supplies to cope with a surge in demand during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown period. Barry Pratt, managing director of Island Gas, told Tribune Business : “Supplies are fine a
ART OF GRAPHIX: How to avoid the 'red eye'
Looking back at old photographs, you may see people with the phenomenon known as “red eye”, which develops as a result of using flash photography. What Causes Red Eye in Photographs? Taking a picture in low light causes the flash to go off close to
'Change mindset' for virtual queues
A Bahamian information technology (IT) provider yesterday urged businesses to “change their mindset” and embrace digital solutions to the problem of long customer lines during the COVID-19 crisis.Philip Darville, SolveIT Bahamas’ managing director, t
It's time for the people's time: Part 2
Establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund A sovereign wealth fund, sovereign investment fund, or social wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund that invests in real and financial assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, or even alt
Mask producers mixed over import prohibition
Local face mask producers yesterday had a mixed reaction to the prime minister’s decision to ban the importation of non-medical rivals in a bid to stimulate domestic manufacturing. Oscar Cerna, a local tailor, told Tribune Business that the move wou
Realtor chief forecasts 20% property price fall
The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president yesterday forecast a 20 percent price cut across the real estate market as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christine Wallace-Whitfield, pictured , told Tribune Business: “I think prices will
Top auto dealer lays-off 80 staff
A major auto dealer yesterday confirmed it is temporarily laying-off 80 staff as the industry prepares to make its case to the government for a partial opening amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Fred Albury, the Auto Mall’s principal, told Tribune Business
