The Big Story

Halkitis: But the loan, which is coming due, still has to be paid NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday that Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) rate reduction bond (RRB) is effectively “dead in the water” given Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis’ scathing criticism of the process during an address in Parliament on Wednesday. Michael Halkitis. Speaking...

Govt-commissioned report on what Minnis administration owes expected to be completed soon “We are forecasting an increase in revenue of $92 million over what is stated in the pre-election budget” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Davis administration has revised the deficit forecast to $858.6 million, according to Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis, who noted that while this nation is “not...

High demand for vacation rental properties has reportedly led to housing shortage on Exuma “We welcome our friends from different countries, but fair is fair; we need our share to help build the roads, the dock and bridges” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Davis administration intends to look more closely at the vacation rental market marketplace throughout the country and implement...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Sandals Resorts is preparing for renovations and expansion of its Emerald Bay property on Exuma to begin in earnest in 2023, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper. Cooper, who has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Investments and Aviation, told the Exuma Business Outlook yesterday that the resort is also deciding timelines for the introduction of its Beaches...

But slashes allocation for environment/natural resources and disaster management Bowe: The spending priorities will naturally follow the priorities for the administration of the day NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Davis administration has increased the allocation for social assistance benefits by nearly $37 million and the allocation for pension and gratuities by nearly $20 million, according to details contained in the supplemental...

Thompson: $90 mil revenue target overshoot is proof former govt’s policies were sound “We were very disappointed by the misleading statements made by the prime minister” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former State Minister for Finance Kwasi Thompson yesterday accused Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis of making misleading statements during his supplementary budget address in Parliament yesterday, arguing that the government beating...

"Public healthcare is supposed to be safe; I’d rather have the baby in my mother’s bathtub" NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With just a few more months left in her pregnancy, one expectant mother said she is afraid to have her baby delivered at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) after hearing the most recent stories of women who have had bad experiences at...

“We will remove and redefine the role and duties of the competent authority” Minister says free COVID testing coming to New Providence, Grand Bahama and other Family Islands NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville gave notice in Parliament yesterday that the government will not renew the current COVID-19 emergency orders once they expire on November...

Davis suggests now is not the right time to issue RRB Deal: It is ridiculous that the pursuit of this bond has cost us $20 million NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis yesterday slammed as “totally disgraceful” Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) floundering attempt to secure a rate reduction bond (RRB). Davis, while delivering a 2021/2022 supplementary budget...

"Our company has been able to service numerous businesses and help them to override some of the limits that have been going on" Wholesale and retail giants sourced for inventory NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As reports of impending shipping and supply challenges loom over the Bahamian marketplace, a US-based export shopping company is presenting Bahamian businesses and customers alike with a...

No more VAT-free breadbasket items Pension increases, 5G readiness, sovereign wealth fund and national wealth fund among other items on govt's agenda NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is moving forward with its promise to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 12 percent to 10 percent, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis announced today in Parliament. Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis today revealed that there is a whopping $1 billion difference between the numbers provided in the former administration’s pre-election economic & fiscal update report and the government’s actual liabilities.  While presenting a 2021/22 supplementary budget in Parliament, the prime minister blasted the Minnis administration for failing to present the state of the nation’s...

“I should never have said that I would not seek a contract renewal” Search for Smith’s replacement already down to 3 finalists NASSAU, BAHAMAS — University of The Bahamas (UB) President Dr Rodney Smith has requested that his contract of employment with the university be extended beyond 2022. In an email sent to faculty and staff yesterday, and obtained by...

Bahamian man in police custody suspected of being the smuggler NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Labour and Immigration Keith Bell said yesterday that an investigation has been launched into the most recent interdiction of dozens of undocumented migrants from Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, Ecuador, Romania and Turkey on one boat. Keith Bell. Bell’s comments follow weeks of apprehensions and the detention...

Glover-Rolle says there was no apparent reason for stall in promotions approved since June 2016 NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Nearly 300 promotions across the public sector that have been stalled since June 2016 are expected to be advanced within the coming weeks, advised Minister of State for Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle yesterday. Speaking to reporters outside Cabinet, Rolle confirmed that letters...

Bell: The more people are getting vaccinated, the more people are going back to work NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Immigration and Labour Minister Keith Bell said yesterday that the government is optimistic that the number of people returning to work both in the private and government sector will continue to trend upwards. Bell told reporters ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting:...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Works Minister Alfred Sears said yesterday that Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) $600 million rate reduction bond (RRB) is under “active consideration and review”, while also noting that he plans to meet soon with Shell regarding its deal with the company. Apart from paying off BPL’s $321 million legacy debt, the RRB also aims to provide new financing...

"Struggle souse" or delicacy? GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS — A photo of a bowl of sausage souse, dubbed the "Grand Cay Special", made the rounds through the Bahamian social media sphere recently, sending hundreds of users into a frenzy over the legitimacy of the controversial dish.  The viral photo, which was posted by "Good Eats by Queen Cuisine", a Grand Bahama-based...