NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A major supermarket chain owner said yesterday that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a “troubling” rise in the company’s expenses, while also noting that in-store sales were dropping consistently each week. Super Value Owner Rupert Roberts said the consistent decline in sales was likely a result of limited consumer income in […]
Tag: business
ORG engages MSMEs in northern Bahamas to gain insight into dual crisis management
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) yesterday launched an online survey to engage Grand Bahama and Abaco business owners on challenges being faced by the dual crises of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. “Micro, small and midsize enterprises (MSMEs) have long been considered the key economic drivers of any strong economy,” […]
DPM and Sky Bahamas chief accused of $30 mil. “bogus loan” fraud
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest and Sky Bahamas Principal Captain Randy Butler have been accused of defrauding a company of some $30 million via “bogus loans”, court documents obtained by Eyewitness News have revealed. A writ filed by the law firm Scott & Co on November 16 lists Alpha Aviation Ltd. and Advanced […]
DPM: Real impact of COVID-19 to hit in late Fall/early Spring
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Government expects the real impact of reduced economic activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic to be felt in the late Fall or early Spring, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest. “As we go into the late Fall and early Spring, things will start to become more immediate for […]
Immigration Department seeks to boost “efficiency, and transparency”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Department of Immigration is moving toward going cashless and digitizing its services, according to Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry, and Immigration Elsworth Johnson, who said this will improve efficiency as well as transparency. Ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Johnson said: “In order to increase the efficiency that members […]
D’Aguilar: Govt. not prepared to ease travel requirements
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said today that while other countries may have loosened travel restrictions to reopen their economy, The Bahamas is not prepared to go that the extent. Speaking to reporters outside Cabinet, D’Aguilar unerscored there it is an ongoing discussion between tourism and public health officials over the matter. Under […]
PM “very pleased” with Dorian progress
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has made ‘extremely shocking’ progress since Hurricane Dorian blasted its way through The Bahamas nearly one year ago, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday. “I am very very pleased of the progress that has been made,” Minnis said. He spoke following a tour of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial […]
Health officials admit to having “mix-ups” in contact tracing and delayed testing
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As dozens of people express concerns of inconsistencies and delays in testing, health officials advised that there have been some “mix-ups” that have resulted in delays in contact tracing and testing. Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, health consultant to the Office of the Prime Minister, sought to assure yesterday that those issues are being addressed amidst what […]
‘Significant flood’ of requests for Bahamas travel info
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A well-known private aviation executive said yesterday there has been “a very significant flood of requests” for information regarding flying to The Bahamas, telling Eyewitness News “We have not seen any pushback regarding COVID-19 testing requirements”. Rick Gardner, a US commercial pilot, flight instructor and Bahamas Flying Ambassador said: “There has been a very […]
Pandemic opportunity for govt. to capture private home rentals
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The country’s “Clean and Pristine”certification program presents a perfect opportunity for the government to finally capture all of the private home rentals that have been operating for long time, according to an out island boutique resort operator. The certification program will be implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and […]
Atlantis’ Cove reopens July 14
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Atlantis Paradise Island has announced today the Cove will reopen to guests on July 14 as part of a phased reopening. The property will welcome guests to the Royal and Harborside resorts on July 7. Atlantis has partnered with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and launched the Atlantis Clean & Safe Promise to […]
Straw Market Authority rental income losses up to $165k, vendors may not pay until 2021
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Straw Market Authority has seen $165,000 in lost rental income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Works Minister Desmond Bannister. Bannister said the sum represented losses up to May 31, and reflected a 71.4 percent decrease. “As a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic, the SMA has revised and updated its 2020 Budget,” he said. “The updated budget is primarily […]
Accessibility focus for out island tourism needed
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – This nation needs to focus on ‘accessibility’ and make it easier for tourists to visit the out islands, a top tourism executive said yesterday. Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) president Carlton Russell explained the cost of airfare to the family islands is an impediment to out island access. He spoke as […]
Cable Bahamas Group reports strong performance in consecutive quarters
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Cable Bahamas Group said yesterday it has seen a strong performance in consecutive quarters, with its top executive noting the company has been ‘laser focused’ on reducing cost and driving revenue growth. The Cable Bahamas Group consists of REV, Summit Broadband and mobile provider Aliv in which it has a controlling interest. […]
Central Bank: Bahamas economy sustained “upward trajectory”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas’ economy continued to experience “upward trajectory” in February as an increase in long-stay visitors underpinned by improvements in the tourism sector, and foreign-led investments projects shored up activity in construction, according to data from The Central Bank of The Bahamas. The latest Central Bank Monthly Economic and Financial Developments (MEFD) […]
D’Aguilar details process to create new airport at Long Island town meeting
LONG ISLAND, BAHAMAS — At a Town Meeting on Thursday, March 28, at the North Long Island High School in Simms, Minister of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) Dionisio D’Aguilar addressed the Long Island community on plans for a new airport, giving a status report on progress towards this goal. Long Island residents also heard from […]
Blue Lagoon Island receives Travelife Partner Award
Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas, home of Dolphin Encounters, has obtained the Travelife Partner award. The award is a recognition for the long-term efforts and frontrunner position of Blue Lagoon Island regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. Blue Lagoon Islandcomplies with more than 100 criteria, related to an operators’ office management, product […]
Cost of credit/debit transactions deterrent to some merchants
A local businessman has opted to no longer facilitate debit/credit card transactions in his business for cost reasons. Jay Koment, the owner of New Providence Art and Antiques, says for 12 years he felt it was a service he had to offer to better serve his customers, but after a while, it became too much to […]