The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Government is being urged to follow through on its roadworks compensation proposal ahead of the Christmas holidays, one business owner telling Tribune Business: “A little something is better than nothing at all.”

“If the Government would move fast it would allow us to capitalise on this season when people have money to spend. We can get some stuff in our stores, open up to the public and see if we can make some money,” said Fred Rahming, owner of Builder’s Mart on Prince Charles Drive.

“From what I understand the $15 million is to be divided between all the people who suffered from the road project, it’s straight across the board. What I have heard from the Small & Medium Business League members here on Prince Charles Drive is that it’s not what they really want, but a little something is better than nothing at all.

“They are trying to reach some settlement before Christmas so they can go away and purchase some stuff. They are inclined to a accept what the government is offering and put the matter behind them”.

Barry Kemp, owner of A1 Lock & Key on Market Street, estimated that due to the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP) his business had suffered losses in the range of $25,000-$30,000.

He echoed the call for the Government to move quickly in delivering on its roadworks compensation proposal. The relief, capped at $15 million in total, is said to include an 18-month discount on electricity bills, credit on customs duties, financing from the Bahamas Development Bank and relief on real property tax and business licenses for six months.

“If you want to get things moving, the Government should start dealing with the smaller businesses who need that cash injection,” Mr Kemp said.

“Coming towards the end of the year, the Christmas season and so forth, small businesses really need to have a financial injection as such where they can be able to get back on their feet.

“I understand there is a $15 million cap. Hearing the losses from the likes of Mr Rupert Roberts at SuperValue alone, that just about wipes that away. The Government needs to stretch it a bit more.”

Brenda Moore, owner of Die Hard Game Club on Robinson Road, told Tribune Business: “I heard someone say that something was in the papers regarding compensation but that’s only the paper.

“I’m waiting to see what happens. I submitted my documents during the survey by the last government; nothing ever happened. Business is not good. If something is going to happen I just hope and pray it happens before the holidays, before Christmas, because it’s really bad.” SuperWash’s president, Dionisio D’Aguilar, in a recent interview with this newspaper urged fellow entrepreneurs to “cut the deal and run” regarding the Government’s $15 million compensation offer.