Part 2 of 2

Response in Support of the Bahamian Government’s Position on Regulatory and Tax Compliance in the Yachting and Tourism Sectors

Those who claim they can operate elsewhere do so to pressure The Bahamas into compliance with their demands. However, our unmatched natural beauty, strategic location, and cultural heritage remain irreplaceable. If these operators leave, they will inevitably return because The Bahamas offers a unique and unparalleled experience.
It is crucial to recognize that the criticism of these new regulations often comes from those who have long benefited from lax enforcement. The government’s recent reforms have highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and streamlined processes, such as reintroducing an online portal for registration and payment of fees. While we acknowledge the need for improved efficiency, logistical challenges should not overshadow the importance of these policies. It is far better to take the time needed to enforce equitable rules than to allow the perpetuation of unfair practices.
The government’s strategy to raise fees on tourists and foreign operators—without disproportionately affecting Bahamian citizens—is both prudent and necessary. Cruise passenger taxes, environmental levies, and increased fees on private aviation and yacht charters represent a move toward fairness. This policy ensures that those who profit most from our resources contribute meaningfully to their sustainability and the development of the Bahamian economy. The notion that our destination should remain a tax haven for the wealthy, while local businesses and citizens bear the burden, is both unjust and unsustainable.
In closing, the recent tax increases and compliance measures are essential to charting a new course for The Bahamas—one that prioritizes economic sovereignty, environmental preservation, and fairness. As Bahamians, we must reject the narrative that foreign operators are indispensable to our success. Our economy will thrive when those who benefit from our resources contribute their fair share. If these operators believe they can find better opportunities elsewhere, they are free to explore them. However, they will discover that there is no destination quite like The Bahamas. And when they return, they will find a nation that no longer sells itself short.
This is our moment to reclaim ownership over our economy and resources, and we must not allow anyone—be it cruise lines, foreign boaters, or complicit individuals within our industries—to stand in the way of progress. Let us stand firmly behind the government’s efforts and ensure that the future of The Bahamas is one of fairness, sustainability, and prosperity for all.

> Response in Support of the Bahamian
> Government’s Position on Regulatory
> and Tax Compliance in the Yachting and
> Tourism Sectors

The long-standing practice of selling The Bahamas too cheaply has acted as a whip, holding back economic growth and fairness for over 70 years. Over time, foreign interests—including cruise operators, yacht owners, and private aviation clients—have benefited enormously from our natural resources without making equitable contributions to their preservation or the national economy. As Bahamians, we must now stand united with the government’s efforts to enforce tax compliance and restore balance in these sectors, ensuring that those who exploit our nation’s wealth are held accountable.
A glaring example of this exploitation is the cruise industry, which books its packages online and outside the jurisdiction of The Bahamas. This means that these companies evade VAT obligations, despite conducting business directly within our borders. The same applies to operators in the shark dive tourism sector, who similarly structure transactions to avoid VAT. This is a troubling loophole that must be closed. If businesses are profiting from our waters and natural attractions, they must pay their fair share into the Public Treasury, like everyone else.
Adding further weight to this problem is the deeply concerning documentary by Nicola Smith, The True Extent of Fishing in the Bahamas, available on YouTube. This film exposes the troubling practices within the fishing sector, revealing the shameful exploitation of Bahamian resources and the treacherous culture within the industry. Even more disheartening is the complicity of some Bahamians, who refer to violators as ‘friends’ and enable destructive activities that erode the sustainability of our marine environment. This is a national disgrace, one that underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and cultural change.
The introduction of the 10% VAT on foreign yacht charters, in addition to the existing 4% Port Department levy, is a necessary corrective measure to address years of imbalance. For too long, the yachting and cruise sectors have used our resources, profiting immensely while evading responsibility for their upkeep. The temporary decline in yacht charters and the reported $90 million shortfall should be seen for what it is—a short-term adjustment that reflects resistance to long-overdue reform. Our national policy cannot be dictated by the convenience of foreign operators; sustainability and fairness must be our guiding principles.
Threats from yacht and cruise operators to move their business to other destinations—whether Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, or even South America—must not deter us from pursuing policies that serve our long-term interests.

> Part 1 of 2 (continue in reply)

> Law enforcement officials and
> investigators are legally obligated to
> conduct investigations in a
> transparent and timely manner.

From a legal perspective within the Bahamian legal system, the concerns surrounding this case highlight issues of transparency, accountability, and due process in investigating fatal traffic incidents. The questions raised by the victim’s father, combined with public sentiment, stress the importance of ensuring that the Bahamian legal system functions without bias, regardless of the social status of those involved.

**Key legal considerations include:**

*Right to Due Process under the Bahamian Legal System:* The father of the victim has a legal right to be informed about the progress of the investigation. Any unnecessary delays in delivering information, particularly in a fatality case, could give rise to concerns about whether the legal process is being properly observed. In the Bahamian legal system, due process mandates that all involved parties are treated fairly and that justice is neither delayed nor obstructed.

*Equal Treatment under Bahamian Law:* One of the primary concerns is whether the status of certain individuals, particularly those in positions of power, is influencing the course of the investigation. The Bahamian legal system, rooted in fairness and equality, is designed to ensure that no one is above the law. Any perception or evidence of preferential treatment based on one’s social or professional status erodes trust in the system.

*Bahamian Duty of Care and Negligence:* Legally, all drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles in a manner that ensures public safety. In this instance, an investigation must determine whether the driver or the motorcyclist acted negligently. The Bahamian legal system requires a thorough and impartial examination of all evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and traffic reports, to assess who, if anyone, bears responsibility.

*Accountability within Bahamian Law Enforcement:* Law enforcement officials and investigators are legally obligated to conduct investigations in a transparent and timely manner. Any deliberate delay or failure to communicate with the victim’s family could lead to accusations of negligence or obstruction. Within the Bahamian legal system, those responsible for conducting the investigation could face legal repercussions or internal disciplinary measures if found to be deliberately impeding the process.

*Legal Recourse for the Victim’s Family:* The family has the right to seek independent legal counsel if they feel the investigation is being mishandled. They may also pursue legal remedies through the Bahamian courts to compel action from law enforcement or seek compensation for any proven negligence. In some cases, civil litigation could be initiated against individuals or entities involved in delaying or mishandling the investigation.

The comparison I was making with the Bahamas’ new visa extension fees underscores a broader principle: many countries, including the US and UK, impose fees and procedures for tourists seeking to extend their stays. Although the specific costs and processes may vary, charging for visa extensions is widely recognized as an international norm. The Bahamas' introduction of the $200 fee aligns with these global practices, as it allows governments to recover the administrative costs associated with processing such requests.

While it's understandable that tourists, particularly those who visit during the winter and wish to stay for longer periods (4-6 months), might be impacted by this new fee, this situation is not unique to The Bahamas. Many nations require tourists to pay for extended stays. The Bahamas, like the US and other sovereign states, has the right to set policies for managing its borders, ensuring that adequate resources are in place to support these processes.

For too long, certain visitors have taken advantage of The Bahamas, whether through disregard for our fisheries regulations or now expecting to avoid the cost of extending their stay - personally, we are selling the Bahamas much too cheaply. It’s time to acknowledge the reality: the resources and infrastructure that tourists enjoy come at a cost, and it’s only fair that those who wish to stay longer contribute accordingly.

Google question: How Much Does it Cost to Extend Visas in the USA?

It can be challenging to navigate the complicated visa extension process in the USA. Amidst the various steps and documentation, the associated costs are a significant concern for many. If you’ve found yourself pondering how 'much does it cost to extend visas in the USA?'

The answer is more straightforward than one might think.

> The US government charges a fee of
> $185 to renew a B1/B2 visitor visa,
> which is directly transferred to the
> government during the filing process.

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/ext…

In the wake of the tragic incident involving a wheelchair-bound man, left lifeless on Strachan Boulevard due to a suspected hit-and-run, my prior concerns about the dangerous state of our roadways have been sadly reaffirmed. This is not simply a tragic accident; it serves as a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained culture of lawlessness that has taken over our streets. Recklessness, a flagrant disregard for human life, and a lack of accountability now define much of the driving behaviour in Nassau, resulting in yet another unnecessary and entirely preventable loss of life.
We have now reached a critical juncture where negligence on our roads is no longer just an inconvenience—it is a grave matter of life and death. The fact that a disabled individual, reliant on a wheelchair, could be struck down, potentially dragged, and abandoned to die on the roadside is a powerful indicator of the erosion of moral responsibility and civic duty in our society. It should never take the death of such a vulnerable individual to remind us that every time a driver chooses to ignore traffic laws or act recklessly, they are endangering the lives of innocent people.
The penalty for a hit-and-run conviction, set at $10,000, is a woeful reflection of how little we value human life in such cases. This paltry sum is a grave insult to the grieving families and the very fabric of our society, which is torn apart by such senseless acts of negligence. What does it say about our values when the price of recklessness and indifference is so severely undercut, reduced to a monetary figure that hardly reflects the gravity of the crime?
It is high time we put an end to this rampant disregard for life on our streets. This incident is not an isolated case but a symptom of a larger, more dangerous trend that threatens the safety and well-being of every citizen. We urgently need a comprehensive overhaul of traffic law enforcement, harsher penalties for offenders, and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards responsibility and accountability. Furthermore, we must close the gap of corruption that enables reckless drivers to evade justice and continue operating on our roads without consequence. Without these changes, we will continue to witness unnecessary suffering and senseless death.
To the authorities: the time to act is now. Fulfil your duty to protect the citizens you have sworn to serve by taking decisive action against the epidemic of reckless driving. To the public: let this serve as a wake-up call. We must reclaim our streets before they spiral further into chaos, and this starts with each of us holding ourselves and others to a higher standard of responsibility. No more lives should be lost to this madness.

The time for polite conversation and passive observations is over. It is not a matter of who will throw over the domino table—it is a matter of when those with the authority and responsibility will take decisive, unrelenting action. Our streets have become a battleground 'just the gunfire has not started yet', and the real question is whether we have the backbone to confront it head-on. Law enforcement must lead the charge, but if they fail to act, then it is up to the community to demand accountability. If we allow this culture of lawlessness to continue unchecked and unchallenged, we are complicit in its escalation and the loss of life that will follow.

This is not about disrupting the status quo; it’s about destroying it, breaking down the system that allows dangerous individuals to operate with impunity. Every criminal driver, including those in uniform, must be taken off the road. Vehicles should be impounded, licenses revoked (well, that is a different story), and consequences severe enough to send a clear message: lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. If we wait for someone else to take the first step, we will remain in this cycle of chaos. The time to act is now, and anything less than complete and uncompromising enforcement is unacceptable.

Driving in Nassau has evolved into a perilous ordeal, where vehicles are increasingly wielded as instruments of recklessness in a climate of lawlessness and impunity. What should be routine acts of road safety have turned into dangerous disregard, with drivers routinely ignoring stop signs, running red lights, and cutting in front of others in a frantic attempt to gain an edge. These actions, performed without concern for the consequences, place the lives of innocent citizens at risk every day.

Our streets, once designed for order and efficiency, have now become a chaotic stage for criminal behavior, where unchecked road rage, defiance of the law, and a lack of accountability create a sense of impending disaster. We find ourselves at a juncture where drivers seem to be inviting dangerous escalation, with the potential for deadly confrontations lurking around every corner.

Adding to this troubling scenario is the behaviour of our law enforcement officials. Rather than setting an example of discipline and adherence to the rules, some members of our proud police force contribute to the disorder by misusing their emergency equipment. Using flashing lights and sirens, they cut through traffic congestion not always for an emergency but to assert their dominance over other drivers, further eroding the public’s trust.

The situation begs the question: who will be the next victim of this madness? As we stand on the precipice of escalating road violence, we are left to wonder whether those who should be protecting us are instead contributing to the very environment they are sworn to combat.

> Let us see more officers actively
> patrolling the streets, especially in
> high-risk areas where the issue of
> criminal driving is most prevalent.
> These officers should be focused on
> removing dangerous drivers from our
> roads and impounding their vehicles
> without hesitation. This enforcement
> must be applied consistently, even
> when the offenders are fellow
> officers. No one should be above the
> law, and only through firm, impartial
> action can we restore order and safety
> to our streets.

The teachings attributed to Jesus, particularly within the Christian tradition, convey profound ethical principles that are fundamental to his prophetic mission. His message to the Israelites, who had strayed through distorted interpretations of scripture, loses its significance when delivered by those whose souls have been tainted by moral corruption. Jesus' words, intended to inspire repentance, transformation, and compassion, are rendered hollow when spoken by individuals whose actions stand in direct contradiction to the values they claim to uphold.

Mr. Goudie’s observation that “they can’t control how adults act” is accurate, particularly in reference to the case of a troubled 41-year-old gay man grappling with drug addiction. This man, ensnared in personal turmoil, embarked on a soul-searching journey to the Bahamas, seeking redemption or clarity. However, despite his intentions, he ultimately lost his way. The tendency of family and friends to deflect accountability by placing blame on external circumstances only exacerbates the situation. The true tragedy lies in their failure to acknowledge the man's personal responsibility for his own decisions.

Those who serve darker forces walk the earth, attempting to redefine what is natural with twisted illusions, like a man parading as a woman and expecting the world to accept the lie. Perhaps no external push from 'Satan's helpers' is even needed—maybe the self-deception is enough for one to spiral into chaos. A life of confusion, driven by misplaced desires and deception, needs no encouragement from evil forces. It falls apart on its own, a tragic farce of human nature.