Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 9 months ago on What a stinker – daming report reveals extent of problems at WSC
What a stinker – daming report reveals extent of problems at WSC
Minnis ordered the release of this EY report on WSC to distract attention away from his own shenanigans involving Oban Energies and its crooked agents and principals. The Tribune may have taken the bait but the public at large will not fall victim to doing so. We the people are still waiting on a proper explanation from Minnis as to how and why he has allowed our government to become entangled with the charlatans behind Oban Energies.
concernedcitizen 11 years, 5 months ago on $5.119bn debt's foreign currency share 'worrying'
$5.119bn debt's foreign currency share 'worrying'
@banker you have not mentioned we have become addicted to consuming , phones ,cars etc etc ,,my dad saved and scrimped and built credit to access for real estate etc ,,by the time our generation is 30 we are maxed out w/ consumer debt ,,my father never bougth a new car until he was in his fiftys and bought it cash ,,when his good credit would have given him a new car by the time he was 25 ,,but he just used the bank for investment not flash ,,sh##t we even borrow for vacations
John 11 years, 4 months ago on Shotgun fired in clothing store as it is wrestled from would-be girl thief aged 13
Shotgun fired in clothing store as it is wrestled from would-be girl thief aged 13
If she is really 13 and underage this is a trend hat is becoming popular in many metro-US cities. They send the kids to do crime whilst the adults stand near in the background. If the (teens) are caught they go to reform school or get community service, basically a slap of the wrist for committing a serious crime
jt 11 years, 4 months ago on ‘Visitors leave money on ship for fear of robbery’
‘Visitors leave money on ship for fear of robbery’
I'm sad to say that I couldn't recommend Nassau as a vacation destination to friends from abroad looking for a relaxing vacation. Unless you are trapped at a bland and pricey all-inclusive, you must deal with horrible traffic, untangling which roads are one-way (sometimes without signage), and spending every waking moment in fear of being robbed. I recommend the out-islands instead.
The_Oracle 11 years, 3 months ago on Government eyes extra $200m from VAT
Government eyes extra $200m from VAT
"Tax neutral" is disingenuous at best, a known lie at worst: If their revenue is expected to increase, it is coming from somewhere/someone. Unfortunately the Government and the bureaucrats have done all the theoretical work with no actual logistics of implementation. Local restaurants will have to remit VAT at a higher % than hotel restaurants. VAT on supplies and services will get built into price increases. This ill advised fiasco will trickle up, down left and right before the dust settles. Dust does not remit Taxes! The harder the line taken by ministry of finance heads will result in harder resistance/non compliance. However they no longer serve the People, they serve the IMF, OECD, WTO, ILO, so we had better wake up quickly and demand answers.
The_Oracle 11 years, 3 months ago on Hold Gov't accountable over VAT, taxpayers told
Hold Gov't accountable over VAT, taxpayers told
Most will generally return to the cash based economy that we have only recently started moving away from via ATM convenience and online Bill paying. Also, well over 80% of licensed businesses can claim to fall under the $100k threshold, leaving 20% to become registered as merchants. The service aspect is going to get hit hard, but I doubt you'll see lawyers or accountants working from the back of a truck like sub contractors, plumbers and electricians do. We must understand that the Bahamian Government, no matter the Political party, has a master far more threatening to them than disgruntled Voters.
banker 11 years, 3 months ago on Exporter fears over VAT refund timeframe
Exporter fears over VAT refund timeframe
I think that a VAT in general is a good idea, however I fear that the lack of productivity, professionalism and lack of processes in our system would make it a failure in the Bahamas. Our civil service is not professional enough to run a new complex system in a timely fashion.
Effective things like VAT and taxation requires a government being able to handle "Big Data" as it is known in the industry, and when it come to Information Technology, the civil service is still in the Dark Ages. For goodness sake, our government doesn't even have a CIO or Chief Information Officer.
Other countries that have successfully implemented VAT had some sort of sales tax in place, and hence merchants already had accounting systems to manage a tax regime. That doesn't exist here in the Bahamas. It will be a struggle, and methinks that the Nassau Institute's paper may be ultimately right, but not for the reasons that it gives.
watcher 11 years, 2 months ago on Private sector in Tax Coalition talks
Private sector in Tax Coalition talks
So far, all I've read and heard on the subject of VAT is what concerned businesses have to say. Why is the Government not able or willing to issue definitive statements yet on what will, and will not, attract this pernicious stealth tax ? In my opinion, it is because they have no clue, and instead they are waiting until they estimate the wrath of the public. Not a satisfactory state of affairs at all.
JohnDoe 11 years, 2 months ago on Constitution chairman says 'no way'
Constitution chairman says 'no way'
The real issue here is who is in charge of the affairs of this country? Almost every Cabinet Minister behaves like the Acting PM, now a private citizen has the gumption to pre-empt the PM and inform the nation of a reversal of a policy decision before the PM himself has addressed it. Mr. PM just pass a Bill to crystallize your pension and exit stage left because it is obvious that you are not engaged in the affairs of this country. These perilous times call for a PM that is engaged with sleeves rolled up and a shoulder to the wheel.
Guy 11 years, 2 months ago on Roberts hits out at Allen over VAT
Roberts hits out at Allen over VAT
Rather than lambasting naysayers about the implications of VAT, the government should educate the public on EXACTLY how it will work. The small bits and pieces of sometimes conflicting information being circulated by this administration is really sad and wreaks of incompetence at the highest levels. We have yet to see the long promised draft legislation and regulations as it relates to VAT. We have no OFFICIAL information on what to expect from this. Just sound bites and misrepresentations. Perhaps the government should blame itself for the "public hysteria" on VAT because it seems like we will know nothing of it before the July 2014 implementation date. Instead of bashing those who have doubts about the effectiveness of VAT, the government should educate us on it and help us to understand its value.
banker 11 years, 2 months ago on Pitch your tourism idea
Pitch your tourism idea
My idea is to put Obie Wilchcombe and Perry Christie in a dunk tank and let the tourists throw balls. That will get more people to come off the ship and spend money here, if only to sink the PLP.
http://www.alliesparty.com/images/easy_…" title="dunk the PLP" />
PS. Why does Obie always look like he is wearing lipstick in his pictures?
jerzy 11 years, 2 months ago on IDB study shows VAT 'positive' for jobs, growth
IDB study shows VAT 'positive' for jobs, growth
It is the same old story. CARTAC, IMF, World Bank etc. all faceless nameless and with confidential or incomplete or non existent studies trying to impose their own policies on small countries without regard to the democratic wishes of the people. The suggestion that it is in the peoples best interests is unsupported by evidence or data.
The experience of other jurisdictions in the Caribbean has been far from conclusive. There are many factors that should be considered beyond whether a tax instrument is capable of raising large amounts of revenue. The economic impact and costs of implementation, together with the administrative cost of operating such a system are chief among those considerations.
The so called C-efficiency of VAT in the Caribbean is often bandied about as an indicator desirability. However, those people that use this as a positive benefit are either, trying to be deceptive, or are just plain ignorant of what the C-efficiency measures.
C-efficiency Ratio: the ratio of VAT revenue to consumption, divided by the standard tax rate. This measure seeks to avoid the problems encountered in the efficiency ratio, since consumption is a more appropriate VAT base than GDP.
However, in the case of jurisdictions that import a great deal if not all that they consume the C-efficiency ratio will automatically be high. This is because in the region of 70% of VAT is collected at the border as the goods are imported. In those circumstances it begs the question whether the expense of implementing and administering VAT could ever be worth it, being that only around 30% of the revenue is collected domestically. This 30% is unlikely to even cover the costs of collection. Serious thought has to be given as to whether import duty is far cheaper and more efficient in comparison to VAT as a tax instrument.
There is no doubt that VAT is an effective tax in larger jurisdictions with substantial home production. However, there is mounting evidence that it is unsuitable for small island jurisdictions with little or no home production or distribution. This is all provided there is no economic benefit in joining the WTO and reducing duty and trade barriers accordingly. However, in a jurisdiction that produces and export little it is difficult to see what advantages could be had from joining CARICOM's free market and the WTO. It would only encourage imports that would be now taxed on an equal footing with home production; effectively destroying what little home production there is at a stroke.
Bahamas it is your choice, speak up or forever hold your peace. I was central in the campaign against VAT in the TCI. Frankly, I would like nothing better than the Bahamas to adopt VAT it would leave the TCI in a much stronger position, but it would be your downfall.
ETJ 11 years, 2 months ago on Non-profits urged to 'fight crippling' VAT
Non-profits urged to 'fight crippling' VAT
The Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB) will stand with BHS on this. As the only animal organization/shelter on Grand Bahama, with not one bit of Government support (financial or otherwise) and no Government agency dealing with animal issues on this island, the HSGB cannot absorb one more dollar in costs. The HSGB is a private, non profit registered organization, and never expected to be dealing with the myriad of animal problems and virtual flood of animals in need that we have been inundated with for far too many years. Many of which should rightfully be Government's civic responsibility. Imposing any VAT on us would likely be the final nail in our coffin as we are struggling now to overcome many issues Government has ignored for too long. Simply keeping our doors open is literally a daily challenge.
We share the same issues as our counterparts in Nassau at the BHS. A large number of non or slow paying clients. Already exorbitant costs for pet food and medicines, cleaning supplies, repairs and maintenance, electricity, and shipping costs, to name but a few. We cannot survive if 15% or 20% is added to this. Plain and simple.
This issue needs to be addressed forthwith so that all NGO's can be informed, and act accordingly. Hopefully it will not result in any having to close, given the vital and otherwise unfilled roles so many contribute to their respective communities.
The_Oracle 11 years, 1 month ago on PM hints at being open to VAT target push back
PM hints at being open to VAT target push back
I do not even know where to start on this tripe! 1) The Prime Minister is not concerned with the potential shock to Firms and the wider economy? Ludicrous if true, but a collapsed economy will generate less not more revenue! 2)We must do VAT because we voted against the Gaming Referendum? Utter nonsense, as VAT has been on the table since at least 2005, along with the pressure for Tax regime change. 3)Government Develops the Country? Chief, I'm sorry but the private sector develops the country, the Government is supposed to facilitate it, not strangle or tax it to death. You are doing the first, and are about to do the second to hasten the first. 4) Alternative? Stop spending, wasting, and pilfering and promising that which you do not have the money to give! You are not Moses! The discussion of VAT started with paying down National debt, moved to covering Recurrent debt, all the while still promising Free health care for all. Government is like a crack head with a Credit card! This one particularly.
justthefactsplease 11 years, 1 month ago on 'Bahamians don't understand VAT'
'Bahamians don't understand VAT'
The headline should have read: "The Bahamian Government does not understand VAT" ... that would have been more accurate ... right now the blind leading the blind towards the precipice over the next rise.
TruthSayer 11 years ago on Operation Potcake cancelled after local vet opposition
Operation Potcake cancelled after local vet opposition
Thank you for that very accurate breakdown of costs. It is obvious the BVMA numbers are padded.
I have read their letter and it is very clear that they do not want foreign vets coming in to work for free. They are trying to backtrack now, because frankly, they are getting destroyed in the media. If in fact, the intent of their letter was to open a dialog about the option for another plan, they might want to rethink who they have write their formal letters. Because from the looks of the comments in this blog (many of which post direct quotes from the letter) everyone seems to have the same interpretation of the meaning.
First they agree to work with the groups that comprise Operation Potcake. Then they see how much money was raised and how much money the volunteers spent getting to the Bahamas and they think (Ka-ching!) we can get all that money and we can say we will do the job and make some money as well! Didn't anticipate the pushback on you plan, did you? Why is everyone acting this way towards you? Because they do not like being lied to, they do not like promises being broken, they do not like people who can't give 10-14 days out of their year to volunteer to help those less fortunate. I'm not as all saying that none of the vet association doesn't volunteer, but the letter from your leader certainly does not reflect that.
So let's say you do 500 surgeries for $50, we now know the actual cost of the supplies is roughly $17, but I'll round up in your favor to $20. They pay you $50 x 500 = $25,000. Actual costs are $10,000. That gives your a nice profit of $15,000. Here is the problem with your thinking, you assumed people were dumb, but they aren't, no even close. Animal Welfare volunteers are some of the smartest people I have ever met and some of the most passionate. That is a bad mixture if you try to BS them and then do something that is not in the best interest of the animals. One can see from this blog, that you have found that out.
In your letter, you also mention you can only do 3 days, just too much of a hardship for you to do more. That doesn't bode well with people either, not people who spend their vacation time going to volunteer to help animals, not the people who plan their days off a year in advance to be be able to volunteer more. So, you grudging offer to work for 3 days and make a profit, even if it is not your normal profit margin, that pisses them off.
In the end whatever is decided about the money, you cannot make the impact required to address the overpopulation in 3 days with just a few vets. Battles are not won by a few soldiers taking out a few other soldiers. It takes an army. You were offered a well trained, dedicated army to help you fix your problem. They deal with the dogs that would never, ever grace the doors of your clinics.
I hope everybody can swallow their pride, lick their wounds and honor the commitments they made.
TruthSayer 11 years ago on Operation Potcake cancelled after local vet opposition
Operation Potcake cancelled after local vet opposition
No one is withdrawing support. Operation Potcake organizers have worked with the Vet association from the beginning. They were part of the overall plan....from the beginning. They have been invited to attend every meeting (interesting, when the vets met about this issue, they did not offer an invitation to OP. OP asked to attend and were told no.....great way to show you want to work with others, huh?) The vet association said from the beginning (about 2 years ago now) that they could not take the time to tackle the problem, but offered to do surgeries for OP during the year at a cost of........Wait for it..........$30, this included money for them, supplies and to pay assistants. OP would purchase vaccines. They were to do, collectively, 1000 surgeries during the year, between the big OP clinics. This is what THEY agreed to do, ThEY said they couldn't take the time for the big mash clinics (and they are still saying that, as they can only offer 3 days a year to help the problem) So I would like to see their numbers on how many surgeries they have done during the year? My guess is not many. In the end it is the VMAB that has pulled their support, in the end it is the MVAB that refuses to work with others to fix the problem. You say they have challenged themselves to fix it, yet they have on multiple occasions said they cannot do it. In the mean time, the dogs and cats are breeding while they figure it out. This is not a new problem and having volunteer Vets come in to assist is not going to threaten their jobs. These animals would NEVER, EVER end up in their clinics and while they sit in their clinics, the animals suffer on the streets. It is time to swallow their pride and do the right thing. There is a certain grace in accepting help when it is offered.
ohdrap4 11 years ago on New Zealand team to explain VAT in Bahamas
New Zealand team to explain VAT in Bahamas
See, all along the tribune reporters have been asking the wrong guy.
ASK THE PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND TO EXPLAIN IT ALL.
Surely, with a name such as John Key, he must be from Abaco.
HonestTruth 6 years, 7 months ago on Mitchell blasts Lloyd for tone over firings
Mitchell blasts Lloyd for tone over firings
I blame the Tribune and the Guardian for their lack of effort with reporting. They look for people who the Bahamian people have little interest in hearing from for comments (eg fred Mitchell, Bradley Roberts, Sam Dumbcombe and did I mention Fred Mitchell).
The lack of quality journalist in this country is a damn shame