But the stores they may shop at are (RP) and the fish they may buy are. As well as the owners of other stores, who all then put up their good prices to cover the increase in tax they are paying

Why are we listening to people like this? Nothing to show that anything will happen. Just a man singing for his supper

It never should have got to this. If the fee increases are the right way then come out with the studies that show this. Know that just because Government may increase their revenue that does not mean it is a "win", if the marinas see a decrease this will lead to a direct decrease to Bahamians who rely on this industry. The studies would then need to show if that decrease is worth it.

Who the private security firm and why are they needed? Is this now too big for the police?

Now do the same but with the Florida Keys

so at 10% VAT that's $2.5 million less for Goverment, and throw in couple thousand more in business license. Hope the new fees cover all this.

Why wasn't this done at the start. Why is it that Government continues to change policies and taxes and then only after listen to the businesses affected. Everyone was saying this would happen. Of course we were charging too little before but you can't do massive increases and changes with no input form others. It needed to be increased but just not by as much. And make getting all the required visas, documents and other items easier (there is a thing called the internet).

Until Government allows Bahamians to invest in that 49% i won't take this as good news. If the Government keeps that 49% the Bahamian people will not see the benefits

They trying to time that to end just around the election. After when FNM have to make a candidate decision but before the actual election in the hopes it is good for them

the DEPP Director is just another example of a Government employee who does not do their job but is still paid. They will talk all the good talk and tell you what laws might be on the books, but they never enforce them. Driving around at night on this island and you can tell none are enforced. She can join the so called Bishop who is in charge of disclosures as being ineffective along with plenty others.