So was SunWing (sounds Chinese) merely keeping on a smiling face until government completed the (here sucker) deal with Hutchinson? And then they, too, are flying the coop. Serious business. And Bahamians may need to stand together and fill the gap on this one. This may be a clear and patent message to both the government and Bahamians in general that the time has come to take charge of this Bahamian economy and start investing in it. Others will leave you high and dry. You will not realize the seriousness of Grand Bahamas’s economy until you meet people who moved there 20 years ago and have now returned to Nassau, despite the crime.

@Porcupine: I guess you mean the bigger businesses that are getting government contracts and exemptions on washing machines and plane and helicopter parts ay? And clothing and shoes and fabrics. Lots of those stores are still on the verge of closing down because there is no real growth in the economy and government has sucked out an additional 4.5% in vat, not to mention other increases, police records, Birth certificates. Even the director of the Arawak Port is reporting that volumes are down significantly The cost of doing business for the small man has gotten too high. You would think D’Aguilar would be busy with the various hotels doing advertising and promotions to keep every hotel room occupied this winter season. That’s how new money will get into the economy.

Some of the world stock markets, including China and the US, had some of their worse performances in 10 years. While President Donald Try is blaming this on the Federal Reserve , who he claims is raisin interest rates too fast in an effort to starve off inflation,this can be the beginning of a new recession. Especially since it is the technology stock that are taking the most beating.And hopefully the FNM has a plan in placei in case the world does slip into a recession,especially since the Bahamas went thro at least two economic cycles withoutano significant recovery. Can you imagine what can hayto the National Debt with another five years of recession?

Mr D’Aguilar should be specific as to which businesses are reporting that business is good. Most businesses, including food stores, are reporting that sales are down 20. - 30 percent since the VAT and smaller businesses are suffering even more. Yes the FNM are managing the economy better and have managed to put the brakes on a lot of the corruption that was going on and the carting away of millions in government funds, but the biggest problem D’Aguilar’s FNM government has is the perception that they are only for some of the people and not all Bahamians especially the working class and small and medium businesses. Some view this government as a hen sitting on her eggs and only allowing the chosen few to reach in and bet one. Despite Bah Mar opening, unemployment is still a major concern especially among the young and more specifically among young males. And the cost of living is also a major concern, especially with the recent doubling of electricity bills. And this will certainly increase the number of customers having their power supply disconnected.

standing up to apple IPhone 10 plus and max

Trump holds press conference. Surprise at the size of hurricane Michael and the potential for catastrophic damage! But government is on alert and ready to move in as soon as hurricane passes. Winds up to 150 mph expected and surges and rains

So Haiti gives the Bahamas the middle finger? Thought that was Perry Christie...

One of the most chilling talk shows was hosted by a former gang banger who goes by the name of Scrooge. He has been in and out of the prison system and is also familiar with how the police operate. But according to Scrooge, the country will never be able to get a grip or handle on its crime situation as long as the prison continues to operate as it currently does. Prison, he said, ‘Is a college where the hardened and career criminals school and educate the young and new offenders.’ One example he gave is when the country was crying out to hang murderers. So the prisoners say ‘fine, if they want to hang murderers, you must now get rid of witnesses.’ ‘No witnesses, no conviction.’ And so the country went to that period where many who happened to witness a crime were gunned down and executed. Scrooge believes that upgrading the prison system should be a national priority. Some see it as a waste of money. Or spending funds the government doesn’t have but he believes the prison has a direct impact on what happens crime wise in the country. The priority should be separating young and petty criminals away from hardened criminals and persons serving long sentences. And even persons on remand. They need a new and separate facility for them because once they get mixed in with the others criminals ‘ they will get schooled.’

four fires at BPL that left Bahamian consumers seeing double. On their September light bills that is. And not a single soul arrested and charged. No word from the police as to if they have any suspects or even if the matter is still under investigation. But the Bahamian people must pay for the damage. So what difference it makes that some cars valued over one hundred thousand is now thrown into the fire. Only to think of what type of low life, inconsiderate buffoon would do this. But then looking at the crime statistics...

So what about the Port Authority in all this? Why are they sitting on their assets and allowed Freeport to go to the dogs? Is Hutchinson sabotaging Grand Bahama with their high fees both at the air and sea ports?