New tax to pay for NHI scheme
THE implementation of National Health Insurance, which is slated for a January 2016 first phase roll-out, “will likely” be financed through a new tax on Bahamians, according to Health minister Dr Perry Gomez.
‘BTC job cutbacks show the duplicity of government’
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday rejected the government’s clarification that it will not interfere with the Bahamas Telecommunication Company’s plans to offer voluntary separation packages to hundreds of employees.
Gomez hails potential of stem cell projects
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said five stem cell projects have been approved for operation in New Providence and Grand Bahama as he touted the benefits of the “revolutionary” industry to the Bahamian economy.
Exuma and Abaco centres to open ‘this year’
THE recently completed community health centres in Exuma and Abaco will open this year, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez confirmed yesterday.
Confirmation due this week of Carnival headliner
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe hopes the government will confirm an international artist to headline the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival this week.
Mitchell tight-lipped on Detention Centre claims
IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell was tight-lipped yesterday on recommendations made by a local panel about the conditions at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
DNA leader tells govt to come clean over NIA
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has said the time has come for the government to “come clean” over its spying on the Bahamian public.
Government says Detention Centre report is 'inaccurate' and 'strains credibility'
THE Bahamas Government regarded allegations supported in a report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) as "overstated and inaccurate", in a statement released yesterday.
PLP Chairman backs Pinder over row with Rollins
PROGRESSIVE LIberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts sided with Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder yesterday following a heated argument Mr Pinder had in the House of Assembly on Thursday night with Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.
Christie: If Miller wants to walk out, PLP is a revolving door
ALTHOUGH Prime Minister Perry Christie does not believe that Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller is really serious about leaving the Progressive Liberal Party, he says the organisation operates as a revolving door and persons can “walk out or walk in”.
Moss vows to fight to scrap VAT
MARCO City member of parliament Greg Moss said he will participate in an initiative to repeal value added tax (VAT) at the earliest opportunity possible as he accused the government of “double taxing” Bahamians.
PM to meet BTC CEO
PRIME Minister Perry Christie expects to meet with BTC CEO Leon Williams sometime this week to discuss the company’s plans to streamline staff in preparation for liberalisation of the mobile services sector.
PLP MPs clash in the house
PLP MPs Ryan Pinder and Dr Andre Rollins clashed repeatedly last night in the House of Assembly as debate over the mid-year budget continued.
Renward Wells denies ‘hush money’ claim
BAMBOO Town MP Renward Wells said during a House of Assembly session yesterday that the past few months have been “somewhat tumultuous” for him.
Christie highlights lending reform
PRIME Minister Perry Christie opened the IDB Caribbean Governors Meeting in Grand Bahama on Thursday, telling officials that he anticipates reform of the IDB’s private sector lending framework will result in increased financing for a broader range of economic growth producing enterprises within the Caribbean.
