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‘Lessons must be learnt’ from Baha Mar’s chinese woe
Lessons must be learned from Baha Mar’s construction woes to ensure other Chinese-led investment projects avoid similar delays, a leading contractor yesterday noting the same company is poised to begin the British Colonial Hilton’s $200 million redevelopment.
CIBC: Bahamas worst for ‘bad’ mortgages
CIBC’s top Caribbean executive yesterday revealed that the “magnitude” of non-performing home loans in the Bahamas was “greater than anywhere else” in the region, this nation accounting for 50 per cent of the bank’s ‘bad’ mortgages.
Atlantis’s 4.5% Xmas rate rise beats hotel norm
Atlantis has seen a “quite substantial” 4.5 per cent year-over-year increase in average daily room rates (ADRs) for the upcoming peak Christmas/New Year season, a growth rate exceeding industry norms.
Shareholder outrage over ‘no change’ BOB
Bank of the Bahamas shareholders yesterday reacted with outrage over the decision to nominate the existing Board of Directors for re-election, one demanding: “Where does the buck stop?”
Illegal netting threatens $1.5m bonefish investment
A Long Island bonefishing lodge owner says his $1.5 million investment and six jobs are being jeopardised by illegal netting, which threatens to “wipe out” the industry within the next five years.
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”.
Baha Mar avoids damages on $10m 'credit letter'
Baha Mar has reached a legal settlement that prevents a former hotel partner seeking specific damages against it for trying to draw down a $10 million Letter of Credit, although arbitration proceedings remain alive.
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.
Car Show 'bounce' in 83-100% sales growth
BAHAMIAN new car dealers yesterday revealed that the Car Show "bounce" appeared to have returned in 2012, with April's sales up between 83-100 per cent month-over-month compared to March.
'Almost $900m' raised on LPIA redevelopment
THE Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) yesterday told Tribune Business it had now raised "almost $900 million" via six separate financial transactions, having just closed the final $225 million round to fund Lynden Pindling International Airport's (LPIA) $409.5 million redevelopment.
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.
Super Value chief: Prices up 2-3% with new Port
SUPER Value's owner yesterday warned the price of many grocery items is likely to increase by at least 2-3 per cent, having been told that freight rates will rise by 10 per cent due to the new/revised charges being imposed by the Arawak Cay Port.
FINCO in profit boost as bad loans hit $100m
FINCO in profit boost as bad loans hit $100m By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor The $5.4 million boost from changes to its loan loss provisioning calculation enabled Finance Corporation of the Bahamas (FINCO) to enjoy a 3.18 per cent net income in
$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
COMMUNICATIONS REVENUES FALL 7%
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor The Bahamian communications industry's total revenues decreased by 7 per cent year-over-year in 2010, falling from $460 million to $428 million, as the sector's regulator pledged to introduce "universal service ob
Credit union member growth expands 29%
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Bahamian credit unions have outpaced commercial banks through an average total asset growth rate of 9.25 per cent over the past five years, the Central Bank's governor said yesterday, their collective membership h
Winterbotham staffer passes Series 7 exam
Winterbotham staffer passes Series 7 exam The Winterbotham Trust Company's operations administrator, Jessica Thornley-Mitchell (pictured), has passed the Series 7 exam with a grade of 81 per cent after studying with the Nassau-based Securities Training I
74% 'PERSONAL' CREDIT IMPEDES DEVELOPMENT
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor The Bahamas' development is being "seriously impacted" because its citizens are unable to invest in key productive areas, such as energy and transportation, due to almost 74 per cent of credit going on 'personal'
WATER CORP DISCONNECTS 5,400 IN '11
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor A net 5,435 customers were disconnected by the Water & Sewerage Corporation for non-payment in 2011, data supplied to Tribune Business reveals, even though reconnections reached their highest level for five years.