By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A group of small business owners on Grand Bahama said Wednesday they are significantly affected by the new rules and regulations imposed by the government concerning the importation of goods at the Freeport Harbour.

Having to deal with an already depressed economy, they complained the government is making doing business in Freeport more costly and difficult.

About 30 persons assembled at the International Bazaar on Wednesday to air their concerns about the significant delay in the release of goods imported at Freeport Harbour following some policy revision put in place two months ago.

They also claim "unnecessary" fines ranging from $200 to $2,500 are being levied against their businesses for minor infractions.

"Today we are here calling on the government of the Bahamas - the people's government - to come and sit with us as small business owners to hear our views and concerns regarding some policies that are affecting us," said businessman Darren Cooper.

"There was a revision put in place; I don't know if it is Bahamas (Department of) Customs or under the Ministry of Finance, but there are men and women who represent the government as part of a task force in Nassau to collect government revenue, and they decided to bring it here to Freeport.

"That new task force has created a 'heap of hell' for us as business owners," he complained.

Mr Cooper reported that goods initially took two days to clear at the harbour.

"Now it is taking 12 days before you get your goods", he said. "The delay is slowing down the way we have been able to provide product to our customers. Some things could be done that could make it easier for us.

"And so we are calling on the deputy prime minister; we have eight members that represent us in the halls of Parliament, and we are calling on them to come and sit with us to hear our concerns; listen to us. We are not asking you to exempt us from duty or VAT, but we are asking you to relax some of the new (things) that have been levied against us as small business at our ports of entry."

Mr Cooper noted that the economy of Freeport pales by comparison to Nassau.

"Nassau has more hotels and casinos; in GB we have one half of a hotel which is open, and we have one ship sailing to Freeport," he said.

The outspoken businessman stressed small businesses are keeping the Grand Bahama economy "afloat."

Unemployment

"If we close…people are going to join the unemployment line; if we close our doors rent and mortgages are not going to be paid. We are the ones keeping GB afloat right now."

Mr Cooper added: "I understand fiscal responsibility that the government has, but I want the government to understand that...all of us are feeling the pinch.

"We stand with the government; we support the government, but we need you now to come and hear our cries - it is rough."

Derek Williams, of Speed-X Courier Service, has had to let go five employees in the past month.

The businessman reported that his business was slapped with fines from $200 to $2,500.

"The courier business is not an exact science and sometimes we have items that come not manifested… and (I have heard that) some persons have been fined up to $10,000. My business can't survive giving away (that kind of) monies for simple infractions.

"The government needs to ease up on these fines. We don't mind paying customs duties and VAT, but these fines are ridiculous," he said.

Orthland Strachan, of Compusec, said that he sent a letter to Senator Kwasi Thompson on September 21 on behalf of the group outlining their concerns.

He stated that items are valued less than $100 and $500, should not be manifested and cleared by a broker.

Mr Strachan believes that once the items are attached with the accompanying invoices, they should be cleared immediately, saving time and the cost for delivery and brokerage fees.

Businessman Gordon Inc, of Big G's Plumbing, said his business is not doing well.

"I am feeling the pinch like everybody else," he said, adding that he is considering reducing work hours for his staff.

"We are losing money right now, and I am working to pay my staff," he said.

Anton Brookes, co-owner of Island Traders, said the courier business was almost forced to close its doors.

"I am here to stand up for injustice that many of us are facing," he said.

Angela Rolle, of OMG Couture, said she too is pained by the poor economic state of Grand Bahama.

"I came up with the idea that God gave me on Sunday - #fixgrandbahama," she said, referring to the social media hashtag. "I can't sit around, and I am not going to run to Canada like the Johnsons. I am going to stay and fight for my country. I was born here and went to Hawksbill High. The powers that be need to come and fix GB now," she said.

Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson said Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest will respond to specific customs issues raised and will meet with the group.

Mr Thompson also confirmed that he received a letter from Mr Strachan, but was unable to acknowledge his receipt of the letter because there was no return address or contact information.

He noted that the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama along with the government's entire parliamentary team is dedicated and focused on making it easier to do business and creating more opportunities for small businesses.

In a statement issued on his Facebook page, he stated that the minister of youth would be partnering with the Office of the Prime Minister in providing assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs who qualify beginning early December.

"We will continue to insist that larger industrial businesses give more opportunity for local businesses through our business to business expos. We will continue to focus on making Grand Bahama the centre for technology providing new opportunities," he said.

Mr Thompson indicated that the OPM would be assisting in creating 20 new small businesses with its Apiary Entrepreneurial Programme.

"We are committed to removing roadblocks to businesses. This will be in addition to our continual focus on bringing new business opportunities and the redevelopment of the Lucayan strip and other iconic properties," he said.

"It is also our plan to create the Small Business Development Centre in Grand Bahama to hear and address all concerns of small businesses. They are the engine of our economy and must be given every opportunity to succeed," he said.