Ignorance is a bytch err bliss

Who has put the glass ceiling on BPL’s management to make a conscious decision to upgrade the power plant to more reliable, modern and efficient equipment? To rid the company completely off bunker ‘c’ fuel, to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, to introduce renewable fuels or other forms of energy creating mechanisms. To reduce the cost of electricity, to increase the supply capacity of the plant and to return the company to generous and sustainable profitability? Did I miss anything? Orr

Obviously those who commented above SP and those who responded Chucky and 'da jackrabbi",t are not aware or ignorant of the intent of minimum wage. Minimum wage is not to drive the wages in the market but to set a comfortable level at which new workers can be paid when they enter the market. The market drives wages, and unfortunately, because of the high cost of doing business in the Bahamas, including high taxes and utilities along with a depressed economy, many find that the minimum wage is the going rate for most labor intense jobs in the market. This includes store clerks, warehouse personnel, gardeners (some) and maids (some). Many find that to currently climb above the minimum wage, one has to get a job with more responsiblites. But, of course persons who have qualifications beyone high school should have no issue with minimum wage as their starting salary should be at least $100.00 above it. Some may argue that one cannot live on a minimum wage of $210 per week. Well most people who are starting out in the work field do not live alone and neither are they the head of a household or major bread winner. ANd when a persons finds him or herself in a situation that they need additional money but cant raise above the minimum wage, then the options are to work overtime or find a second part time job. That is how their parents and grand parents made ends meet. When wages and salaries are increased with no corresponding increase in sales or income for a business, then the only option is for the business to raise prices. And if prices are increased corresponding to the wage increase, then there is no financial benefit to the worker. He is taking home more py, but has to spend more to maintain his same standard of living.

Should read: "Of Course government is NOT entertaining this idea right now..."

Carnival may just be the tip of the iceberg in regards to dumping of sewage in the ocean. And, in fact one must be painfully aware that the dumping of raw sewage in the ocean is not illegal as long is it is 80 miles offshore. And as the numbers of cruise ships increase exponentially the effects of ocean dumping will become more damaging and even more threatening to the ocean environment. The dying coral and reefs and seabed is already crying out with their dying breath as they lay dying from pollution and contamination. And the hypocrisy of this government is they have passed laws to fine a Bahamian $3,000 or six months in jail for releasing a single balloon in the air but nothing beyond international law is done to protect the islands and seas and curb cruise and other ships from dumping millions and millions of gallons of raw sewage and waste water in the ocean. Throw Rocks at Doc! And at the Minister of the Environment.

Obviously this is just to excite emotions and rile up workers to false expectations. And unions are famous for doing this to garner support. Of course government is entertaining this idea right now because they know the disaster the 12% vat increase has created. Minimum wage was increased by 60 % just recently and to increase another 45% would double the minimum wage in less than ten years. The average increase in salaries and wages is under 10%.

Hopefully good will come out of this and investors will be in it for the long haul. Then it may be Bahamians building projects like The Pointe or Purchasing The Lucayan Hotel in Grand Bahama.

Evidence clearly shows FNM and BPL are not up to the Job. And the people’s patience is wearing thin. Like onion skin.

Seems like the plug has been pulled on Sky Bahamas, for whatever reason, and it’s only a matter of cleaning up after the party. That’s how it go in this Bahamas.

The US stock market suffered its greatest losses in 12 years despite Donald Trump promising to delay increases in tariffs on Chinese products to allow retailers and consumers to enjoy a Christmas holiday season without price increases. Signs that a recession is definitely on the horizon and some feel it will hit while Trump is still in office and cause him to lose the next election. Here in the Bahamas there has been little recovery from the recession of 2018 so there is little to cushion a recession. The vat increase has further slowed the economy, despite a robust tourism sector. And many businesses may close by years end if things doesn’t change for the better. At least they can benefit in the small window before the US economy slumps.