Top official: Shoddy accounting justifies new licence regime
THE Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday defended the new business licence regulations on the basis that too many companies’ financial statements “do not stand up to scrutiny”.Marlon Johnson, pictured, the financial secretary, said this was t
Top official confident of business licence 'happy medium'
The Ministry of Finance’s top official was yesterday “fairly confident” that the new business licence regulations can be adjusted to achieve the Government’s goals without being “onerous” for business.Marlon Johnson, speaking to Tribune Business afte
Bahamas' WTO membership is 'no fait accompli'
THE Government’s chief World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiator yesterday said The Bahamas’ accession was no “fait accompli”, telling accountants: “I’m not tied to any outcome.”Zhivargo Laing, the former Cabinet Minister, told attendees at the Baham
Govt targets Immigration revamp for tech hub boost
The Government is reviewing draft legislation for a visa product aimed at attracting the highly-skilled workers and companies it needs to realise its Grand Bahama technology hub ambitions.The prime minister, opening the second Grand Bahama Technology
BTC union in trade dispute
The trade union representing Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) line staff yesterday filed a dispute over the company’s alleged failure to enter “good faith” talks on a new industrial deal. The Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (
'Overkill': Govt hit overbank account demands
The Bahamian private sector yesterday slammed business licence-related demands for their bank account details as “overkill”, and asked: “When’s it going to be easier to do business?”Michael Maura, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confede
'Concessions necessary' in meeting EU demands
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday revealed that unspecified “concessions were necessary” to meet European and OECD demands for The Bahamas to end so-called “ring fencing”.KP Turnquest, in messaged replies to Tribune Business’s questions, said the G
Nassau water ‘shortage’ alert sounded from July
The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s main supplier was warning of “immediate shortages” that could have “significant ramifications” for Baha Mar and the Government as early as July 2018.
Bahamas 'underestimated' cruise visitors spending
The Bahamas may have “underestimated” cruise passenger spend in Nassau and Freeport, a Cabinet Minister admitted yesterday, following reports of a 59 percent increase since 2015.
'Data room' entry for 50% of Grand Lucayan buyers
Around 50 percent of potential Grand Lucayan buyers have gained access to the “data room” holding details on the property, the Minister of Tourism revealed yesterday.Dionisio D’Aguilar said he remains “hopeful” a buyer will found for the island’s las
Bahamas targets Japan with maritime presence
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) is aiming to make further inroads into the Japanese shipping market through the opening of its new office in the heart of Tokyo’s Minato district.KP Turnquest, the deputy prime minister, was joined by Renward Well
'Overwhelming' responseto Small Business Centre
MORE than 1,500 persons have registered with the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), its executive director said yesterday, describing the response as “overwhelming”.Addressing the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) seminar, Davi
Soaraway Bahamas? 59% cruise spend rise
Cruise passenger spending in Nassau and Freeport soared by 59 percent over the past three years, making The Bahamas the third highest-yielding destination in the Caribbean.Such findings, which showed per capita cruise passenger spending rise at a rat
NHI branded 'pouring water in leaky bucket'
The proposed two percent National Health Insurance (NHI) “tax” was yesterday likened to “pouring more water into a leaky bucket”, with an attorney arguing: “We’re not ready for it yet.” Carey Leonard, a member of the first Christie administration’s N
Shareholder row hits Ansbacher purchase
Ansbacher (Bahamas) year-long efforts to acquire a rival Bahamian bank have been impacted by a bitter shareholder dispute at its target, a Court of Appeal ruling has revealed.The Hottinger and Vernes families, respectively majority and minority share
