NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamian retailers say that they cannot continue to operate under curbside restrictions, warning that over 20,000 jobs are “on the line”. The Bahamas Federation of Retailers (BFR) which represents over 100 local retailers said yesterday that based on previous statements by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, retailers were hopeful that they would […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Government revenue fell by just over 45 percent in the first quarter of this fiscal year, with the reinstatement of lockdowns and curfews for the entire month of August exerting “significant pressure” on the country’s fiscal position. The Ministry of Finance released preliminary estimates published in the First Quarter Fiscal Snapshot and […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Sandals Resorts International’s deputy chairman Adam Stewart yesterday acknowledged that the lack of a clear path to reopening this nation’s tourism sector led to the company’s decision to open its other resorts across the Caribbean first. Stewart told the Exuma Business Outlook yesterday that the confusion created in the marketplace over this […]
Tourism: Further streamlining of entry protocols being assessed NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism director general Joy Jibrilu yesterday American Airlines has decided to scrap its pre-flight COVID-19 tests on passengers to this destination. Jibrilu said tourism and health officials are looking to see how entry protocols can be streamlined even further to allow for a better […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Commonwealth Bank has reported that its total profit for the first half of the year was down nearly 19 percent compared to the same period in 2019. William Sands Jr, executive chairman of the BISX-listed lender, noted that total profit for the first half of 2020 was $19.8 million and represents a […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Challenges with vital services and the lack of key infrastructure continues to impede economic growth on the island of Exuma, according to the island’s Chamber of Commerce president Pedro Rolle. Rolle pointed to the lack of proper healthcare infrastructure and inconsistent internet service among the island’s challenges during the Exuma Business Outlook […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Local tour operators say they are bracing for what is ultimately expected to be a slow rebound of the tourism sector, after an operational standstill for some six months. Sonia Bowe-Adderley, principal of Island Escape Tours and president of the Tour Operators Association, said: “Everything in this segment has been closed down […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and various restrictions Bahamians are increasingly shopping online according to a local freight forwarder, noting that it plans to push its door-to-door delivery platform. Just Ship It operations manager Alexis Roberts told Eyewitness News that like most businesses, freight forwarders and courier companies are facing challenges with COVID-19 […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With large residential-style villas ranging upwards of 5,000 square feet, Grand Isle Resort in Exuma is using its own architectural footprint to leap into a burgeoning market of luxury long-term rentals. Michael Lorenz, Grand Isle Sales & Marketing Director, said the resort’s transformation in part from a luxury getaway to premiere stay-away […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper today implored the government to immediately engage in discussions with Scotiabank to delay or cancel its decision to close branches on several Family Islands. Cooper said the closure of Scotiabank branches in Abaco, Andros, Long Island, and Exuma will deal a serious blow to those […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) yesterday clarified that there are just over 3,000 customers who remain without power due to disconnection. The BPL statement read: “Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. (BPL) wishes to clarify information in the public domain regarding disconnections: in response to inquiries about the number of disconnections performed […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An out island small resort operator said yesterday it is gearing up to open November 2, with many of its booked clients expressing the desire to vacation in The Bahamas and keep their reservations. Jeff Birch, operator of the Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros said: “We are planning to reopen on […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Family islanders last night voiced fears that their communities are being relegated to “fishing villages”, with one businessman describing Scotiabank’s exit as yet “another nail in the coffin”. Scotiabank yesterday announced that it has decided to consolidate its banking operations on Abaco, Andros, Long Island, and Exuma into branches on New Providence, […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board (BOIPB) executive director Kerry Fountain said yesterday that out island resort operators are “optimistic but cautious” over the November 1 reopening of the country’s tourism sector. While the country’s two largest resorts Atlantis and Baha Mar will not reopen November 1, the government has expressed hope that […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian poultry manufacturer said yesterday that it plans to introduce a home delivery service for its products in Nassau “within the next week or two”. Lance Pinder, operations manager told Eyewitness News that its production capacity is still only at 10 percent pre-Hurricane Dorian levels. Pinder said: “We still have a […]
NASSAU,BAHAMAS — Aviation officials said yesterday the Grand Bahama airport could fully reopen today as investigations into a recent incident get underway. On Saturday, an American Airlines flight from Miami to Freeport overran the runway just before noon. According to reports, the Embraer ERJ-145LR, which had traveled from Miami, experienced some mechanical difficulties on the […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Beginning November 1, Facebook ads in The Bahamas will be subject to 12 percent value-added tax (VAT). Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson yesterday said the move now puts Facebook and other online operators on “even footing” with Bahamian companies offering marketing services inside the Bahamas who have to charge the necessary VAT. […]
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Central and South Eleuthera MP Hank Johnson said yesterday that his constituents had “every right” to be upset over last week’s water supply disruption. Johnson told Eyewitness News “they are upset and so am I”. “My constituents are upset about it and I am upset about what has transpired in this whole ordeal,” […]
