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VAT guidance notes undermine core financial sector policy

The Government’s “inconsistent” Value-Added Tax (VAT) positions are threatening to undermine core financial services policy objectives, a top QC warned yesterday, threatening a loss of competitiveness and high-value business.

Water Corp: $1.2m claim was resort financing ploy

The Water & Sewerage Corporation has defeated a $1.227m damages claim for trespass that it alleges was merely a ploy attempting to force it to finance a planned Andros eco-resort.

QC slams ‘free lunch’ for Port and Hutchison

A well-known QC has slammed the Government’s Freeport incentive legislation for “giving a free lunch” to those who can most afford it - Hutchison Whampoa and the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) two family shareholders.

Tax delinquents warned to brace for ‘shock treatment’

Major tax defaulters were yesterday warned to brace for “shock treatment” from the Government’s recently-unveiled tax crackdown, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s (BCCEC) chairman giving his “strong support” to the initiative.

Baha Mar remains Gov’ts economic ‘Achilles heel’

THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday said he was “sceptical on the timelines” for a Baha Mar resolution, describing the $3.5 billion project as the Government’s economic “Achilles heel”.

Bahamas exports decline by 36% to five-year low

The Bahamas’ merchandise trade deficit fell by 12.3 per cent in 2015 to $2.719 billion, as the decline in imports offset a more than one-third reduction in exports.

Broker blames SEC battle on regulator’s ‘inaction’

A Bahamian broker/dealer has blamed the Securities Commission’s “inaction” for creating its dispute with US regulators over their document production demands.

Bahamas ‘open for business’ on oil exploration

The Government was yesterday praised for sending “a signal that the Bahamas is open for business” by moving to bring the oil exploration regulatory regime into law, a move that will facilitate well drilling in 2017.

Landfill chief: ‘Don’t read anything’ into our CEO transition

Renew Bahamas’ principal shareholder yesterday said “nothing can be read” into his stepping down as the New Providence landfill manager’s chief executive, as concerns persist over its financial health.

Property Fund ‘gap’ as PwC to vacate Providence House

THE BISX-listed Bahamas Property Fund is preparing for temporary vacancy at its last fully-occupied property, following a $2.206 million third quarter hit caused by a timing adjustment.

‘Don’t squander’ tax reform opportunity

THE Bahamas was yesterday urged “not to squander the opportunity” presented by outside pressures to undertake comprehensive tax reform and reposition its economy.

Bahamas urged to ‘review’ corporate income tax merits

The Bahamas was yesterday urged to examine the benefits of implementing a ‘low rate’ corporate tax, and whether this would unlock potential “benefits” from double taxation agreements.

BTC profits slump 26.4%

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) suffered a 26.4 per cent profits slump for the year to end-March 2015, as its revenues and staffing levels came under pressure in the run-up to mobile liberalisation.

Central Bank gives Govt ‘an uppercut’

The Central Bank of the Bahamas yesterday delivered “an uppercut” to the Government’s fiscal projections, urging it to rein in spending amid a $266 million deficit for the first 10 months of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

‘Breath of fresh air’: 150k cruise arrivals over Xmas

The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair yesterday hailed the increase in cruise ship traffic as a “breath of fresh air” for business with close to 150,000 passenger arrivals forecast for Christmas week.

Corporate redress regime upheld with $33m verdict

The Supreme Court has prevented the Bahamas being perceived as “a parochial, quirky jurisdiction” for international business through its recent ruling on a $33 million insolvency dispute, a former attorney general said yesterday.

Commission names new top regulator

The Securities Commission has named Dave Shannon Smith as its executive director with effect from March 1, 2012. He takes over the post from Commission chairman, Philip Stubbs, who has held it since the departure of former executive director, Hillary Dev

Banks to ‘double’ VAT recovery.... to just 10%

The Bahamian banking industry is hopeful it might be able to recover ‘double’ the amount of Value-Added Tax (VAT) inputs than previously thought, as one institution yesterday revealed its total tax burden will increase by $6-$7 million in two years.

Ex-BREA chief ‘not surprised’ by Smith ruling

A two-time former Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) president yesterday said he was “not surprised” at the verdict won by ex-minister George Smith, and renewed his call for the Association and Real Estate Board to be separate.

Leading importers face ‘major’ VAT uncertainty

Major importers were yesterday said to be facing “major” uncertainty over how Customs will calculate duty rates post-January 1, a factor that is preventing them from making essential computer system adjustments.