The 121st ranking in the World Bank’s 2016 ‘ease of doing business’ rankings “does not represent who the Bahamas is”, Prime Minister Perry Christie argued yesterday, touting a Competitiveness Council as the answer to these woes.
Mr Christie said this body will be created “in short order” as a public-private sector partnership (PPP) to “come to grips” with issues impacting the conduct of business in the Bahamas.
While delivering the opening remarks at the 2016 Accountants Week, Mr Christie said Competitiveness Council will harness the analysis and recommendations of the National Development Plan (NDP), and have a two-month timeframe in which to report back to him with a plan to improve the business environment.
The Bahamas fell one spot, from 120th to 121st year-over-year, in the World Bank’s ease of doing business rankings, with the drop in the ‘paying taxes’ ease, from 22nd in the world to 95th, cited as the main reason why this nation failed to improve its overall position.
Speaking on the Bahamas’ slippage, Mr Christie said: “It’s a serious matter, and we have spoken to the Chamber of Commerce. We know that with the National Development Plan (NDP), and with all the ideas relevant to our being able to improve in the area of doing business, we are hopeful that we are going to have in short order a Competitiveness Council and group of private public sector personalities, all with a view to being able to come to grips jointly with issues.”
Mr Christie said he was committed to changing the “downward slide” in the ease of doing business that has been experienced for the last decade.
He added that unlocking the spirit of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the National Development Plan (NDP).
Comments
banker 8 years, 1 month ago
Blah blah blah ... another useless thing that doesn't work -- like Urban Renewal.
DonAnthony 8 years, 1 month ago
You are wrong urban renewal works very well, just as designed..... as a slush fund to buy votes.
Honestman 8 years, 1 month ago
Apart from government corruption, what else is working well in The Bahamas Mr. Prime Minister?
OMG 8 years, 1 month ago
And how long has the government had to set up this council knowing full well that it is hard to conduct business here. Someone I know is selling his house, has a cash buyer but the lawyers work at a snails pace citing illness, holidays and simply not doing things in a timely manner. In his words these people are driving me crazy and I can't wait to get out of here.
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
Business Ease Slippage ‘Doesn’T Represent Nation’ - I think it does exactly represent the Nation.
sealice 8 years, 1 month ago
it doesn't represent the nation because it's a hell of a lot worse here then any stinkin number can represent
The_Oracle 8 years, 1 month ago
"Competitiveness Council?" Frigging back benchers competing for Stipends is about it! If Christie was a "short Order Chef", we'd all starve waiting for food! Ease of Business here is far worse than the World Bank could possibly assess given their short visits and the people they are steered to. Garbage replete with flies.
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