Deficit overshoots DPM’s final prediction by $105m
The Government’s 2017-2018 fiscal deficit overshot the deputy prime minister’s year-end forecast by $105m due to a late spending “ramp up”, a top official admitted yesterday.
Govt pledges no more VAT hikes before election
The Government yesterday pledged there will be no further value-added tax (VAT) hikes before the next election, with the 12 percent rate deemed sufficient to achieve its revenue goals.
Govt not adjusting web shop revenue forecasts
The Government has refused to adjust its gaming revenue projections despite the web shop industry’s legal challenge to the increased taxation, arguing that its case is “on solid ground”.
‘A sea change’ for fiscal accountability
The first-ever fiscal strategy report was yesterday branded “a sea change” that will hold current and future administrations to account for their stewardship of The Bahamas’ finances.
New pilot licensing set for early 2019 in hacker attack
Aviation regulators will roll-out new pilot licensing requirements in the 2019 first quarter, its top executive revealing that a crack down on illegal charter operations is now a “matter of urgency”.
Tourism’s renewed focus on Atlanta travel market
US travel professionals were treated to the sights and sounds of Junkanoo as the Bahamas Tourist Office in Atlanta moved to generate increased business from the area.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Designing the full product package
Labels are the most important part of a product package. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say “labels are the heart and soul of a product package”, especially when the product is a food item, medicine, machinery or a chemical product.
National growth ‘remarkable’ coming from 18% of income
The Bahamas has achieved “remarkable national development” that has been financed with just 18 percent of national income, an ex-finance minister and Central Bank governor says.
Morton details ‘contingencies’ following union’s strike vote
MORTON Salt (Bahamas) yesterday said it has “well-defined contingency plans” to cope with any industrial action after unionised line staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike.
$41m instant financing for Disaster Relief Fund
The Prime Minister yesterday said reform of the dormant bank accounts regime will immediately release $41.3m to help create a Bahamian Disaster Relief Fund.
Hotel union urged: Don’t hurt ‘double digit growth’
The Minister of Tourism yesterday “implored” the hotel union not to undermine anticipated “double digit growth” for the key Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons with industrial action.
Bank beats $25m loan growth goal with ease
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) yesterday said it is on course to increase full-year profits by ten percent after beating its $25m loan book growth target in just nine months.
‘Full probe’ urged into $36k attempt to ‘defraud govt’
The Auditor General has called for “a full investigation” into “a deliberate attempt to defraud the Government” of $36,000 by a Post Office employee in Mayaguana.
Tourism, beauty queen row over govt ‘shell game’
The Ministry of Tourism and ex-Miss Bahamas Universe, Khiara Sherman, pictured, have become embroiled in a new row over an alleged “shell game” involving other government agencies.
Western Air’s jet growth realised
Western Air yesterday revealed it has completed certification for the newly-acquired 50 seater jets that will drive its Caribbean expansion, an executive saying: “It’s been a long time coming.”
