The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Please allow me space in your daily to voice a concern.

Has there been an amendment to the Business Licence Act? This burning question is being asked because it has become very frustrating for the small man to receive a renewal of licence.

The previous administration made tremendous strides in helping small business owners obtain their Business Licence via the online portal. They went a step further and removed the fees for businesses with a yearly revenue of under $100,000.

All licenses expired December 31, 2022, and it appears that somewhere along the way things changed.

Renewal requirements have changed to a point that it is almost impossible to obtain a licence for a small business. Are we as a nation forcing the small man to conduct business illegally? Who went to bed and woke up with this unrealistic spectrum of requirements? Is it even legal for a Government Corporation to make such drastic changes without such changes being approved by Cabinet and Gazetted? Why is it necessary for a Profit and Loss statement, Real Property Tax Assessment, Bank Statement and other such items to be presented before a licence for a nail technician, a hair braider, beautician, lawn maintenance/gardener, and other such entrepreneurs (many that were born out of the COVID-19 crisis), can be granted a renewal?

Many of these persons are barely making ends meet and need to continue operations within the scope of the law. Please do not allow these persons to become lawless. Come on - let us be real. Let it make sense.

VANESSA SCOTT, JP

Nassau

January 30, 2023