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Tax break may help 41,000 homeowners
Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said more than 41,000 homeowners could benefit from the Government’s decision to waive real property tax arrears for owner-occupied homes valued at less than $250,000.
Gov’t plans to narrow VAT payment window
The Government yesterday unveiled plans to shrink the Value-Added Tax (VAT) payment window by seven days, and other revenue enforcement measures, amid the numerous tariff rate cuts consistent with a pre-election Budget.
'Little chance' to lower high debt, bad loan levels
The Central Bank of the Bahamas has admitted the current economic climate provides "little opportunity" to reduce high consumer debt and loan delinquency levels, with only 'qualified borrowers' able to access credit.
Just 12% of mortgages finance 'new buildings'
New Central Bank of the Bahamas date has provided a further insight into the sluggish home construction market, with just 12 per cent of mortgage applications involving 'new builds'.
Florida court blocks $7.59m Bahamas ruling
A contractor’s bid to enforce a $7.59 million Bahamas Supreme Court judgment against a major global hotel chain has been blocked by a Florida appeals court, which ruled the latter was not involved in a $1 billion Bahamian joint venture.
Broker severs ties with ex-investor over $1m ‘misuse’
A Bahamian broker/dealer yesterday said it had severed all ties with a former shareholder after he allegedly misappropriated $1 million that was intended to be an equity investment in the firm.
Bahamas ‘must get it right first time’ on tourism value
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president has warned that this nation will suffer reduced stopover arrivals unless its product value improves, adding: “We need to get it right first time.”
Ex-minister pledges to battle $2.57m reversal
An ex-Cabinet minister has pledged "to fight on principle" a $2.57 million damages award against himself and his law firm, which the Court of Appeal last week backed as enforceable.
Oil explorer: New fiscal regime does not apply to us
The Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive yesterday said the Government’s increased ‘take’ from oil exploration would not apply to its activities, because its fiscal terms were already set.
Baha May delay’s 50% cut to growth
Baha Mar’s delayed opening could potentially slash 50 per cent off the Bahamas’ 2015 economic growth forecast, a well-known businessman has warned.
Gov’t agrees ‘few hundred thousand’ in VAT credits
The Government has approved “several hundred thousand dollars” of Value-Added Tax (VAT) credit refunds, a top official yesterday promising that businesses would not endure “a protracted wait” to receive them.
Broker ‘in peril’ if it meets US demands
A Bahamian broker/dealer will “act at its peril” should it comply with US federal regulators’ demands to produce thousands of documents relevant to their ongoing New York legal battle.
Trade deficit narrows 9.7%
The Bahamas experienced a 9.7 per cent drop in its trade deficit to $2.554 billion in 2013, largely due to an almost-$300 million fall in its import bill.
Atlantis eyes 100k extra room nights in Marriott tie-up
Atlantis is hoping its 10-year franchise deal with Marriott International will generate an extra 50,000-100,000 room nights per year, its top executive describing the agreement as “the most significant tourism stimulus for the Bahamas this decade”.
Gov't 'good faith' key to Brewery's 100-job growth
Sands Beer’s manufacturer yesterday said its planned $15 million growth strategy, which could more than double its workforce via the creation of “over 100” jobs in the next five-10 years, depends on the Government maintaining the ‘tax advantage’ it holds over its BISX-listed rival.
Pension providers enjoy ‘significant’ 100% inquiry rise
Pension plan administrators yesterday said they had seen a 100 per cent increase in employer inquiries over the past 12 months, describing the surge as “significant” given existing low participation levels.
BTC to complete Abaco cell overhaul in mid-May
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is set to complete its wireless system overhaul on Abaco and the northern Bahamas by mid-May, giving customers improved cellular service, including faster speeds for downloads and browsing on smart phones.
Roberts: Abaco interests up 11%
SUPER Value's owner has told Tribune Business that Abaco has proven "more resilient" to the global recession than any other Bahamas island, with his interests on the island seeing an 11 per cent increase in business year-over-year.
$112m spent with 'no due process'
$112m spent with 'no due process' By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor With more than $112 million in public monies spent "without any evidence of due process", the Bahamian Contractors Association's (BCA) president has urged the Government to use t
'Mixed bag': Auto sales 50% off peak
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor A leading auto dealer believes the industry will "eventually" recover to levels comparable to its 2007 peak, despite 2011's new car sales being almost 50 per cent down on that banner period in what was described a