I am. It works seamlessly for 'some' of the banks, but not all. Not all businesses/customers bank with RBC or SBL. Again, lack of consistency. My feedback here is coming straight from dealing with multiple platforms.

The VAT filing for March is normally due on April 21. So if this article is correct, then that would mean the filing date has now been moved up. The headline and content don't seem to be accurate.

The quickest way to enhance cash flow ----- **make it as easy as possible for customers to pay you.**

BPL should quickly adjust their policies to make sure it meets the current situation of their customers. Start making calls and put out mass communication on how to make payments during the COVID-19 dilemma....don't just wait until payments stop coming in.

Currently, there is an online portal that businesses can use to make payments, but it only works efficiently under the best of circumstances.

I know of multiple businesses that struggle to retrieve their bills timely and have challenges using the online portal because it was set up under an email address that is no longer available (i.e. a previous accounts clerk that no longer works for the company). Or, businesses that have multiple meters can't get their bills all at once or in the same manner because of some bureaucracy.

The entity needs to revisit their online payment process with a particular focus for the ease of businesses. In appearance, it seems to be well established, but in practice, it is not.

This is a very unfortunate situation for all. And I hope that the employees see a swift resolution. However, it's fair to call out the realness in this situation.

"payroll deficiencies" = poor financial management.

It is agreed that the COVID-19 definitely has put a global strain on the economy, with repercussions for us locally. However, being unable to make payroll for the week prior to the shutdown (for services already rendered) gives an indication that the company may have probably already been in massive cash flow management trouble.

Being a young/new company is no excuse. The management team should have been in a position to properly scale their staff complement to match what their cash-flow could support (no one on the competent team was forecasting cash needs? Staffing cost is the easiest to predict since the company is in full control of that). As a new company, you're allowed a 'bligh' for not providing service at 100% if you're still in the start-up phase. But it's a stretch to ask for a 'bligh' if you intentionally expanded your services beyond what you could afford on the hopes that money was on the way. In tough times, [1] always make sure your staff is in good order and [2] never spend money you don't have yet. The management team should accept some level of accountability for this (not throw it on the investor). I hope this is a lesson learned.

You mean maybe 200 jobs at minimum wage; significant tax concessions to the foreign entity (that lasts for a decade or more), and most of the profits generated being diverted out of the country to said, foreign owner? At least if it were a Bahamian owned entity, you would have more comfort in knowing the profits were being redistributed into the local market. In the long run, that does not materially help the economy. In the short run...sure, maybe.

SMH...that statement really should not be used to generalize ALL Bahamians.
I think this depends on the industry and HOW the employer is advertising. I know of several young Bahamians that are part-time in school and looking for landscaping and other side hustles. If you come with the mindset that "ain't no Bahamians want to do this anyways" then of course you won't even go looking in their direction. Put one of those job advertisements on instagram for a part-time gardener/handyman and I bet they will find young and idle Bahamians willing to do it. Half the time, the employers advertising in such an archaic way that they are not even connecting with the viable job seeker in the first place.

I really hope his "good ideas" are based on more than just his personal experience and exposure. I don't recall any survey or study going out to chamber members to get their input. We must recognize that having an understudy and determining the best way to develop that individual depends on the industry and nature of work. Blanket suggestions for an overall strategy won't do the trick. I hope his ideas represent that of a diverse mix of business types.

If I have paid for the item and have proof that I paid for it, it is my property. What I do with it henceforth is not subject to the dictation of the person that sold it to me. If I decide to walk out with it in my hand, that is my prerogative. Perhaps your security model is outdated and that is what needs to be changed. This policy goes against the common law between buyer and seller. Very often I forget to bring my bag. Or, if I am going in the store for one item (let's say a bar of chocolate or a drink), I often refuse a bag anyways.

Wow that's such a specific request by the Dutch...hmmm....The Netherlands / The Bahamas....Quick Google Search...

- The 10th largest company in the Netherlands bringing in approximately $1 Billion in profit annually (per Fortune 500 Listing) ---> Heineken N.V.
- The company with the highest P/E ratio on the Bahamas Stock exchange, bringing in 24 Mil in profit in 2017 and 6 Mil in profit in 2018 - Commonwealth Brewery Limited (2019 profit probably went back up a bit)
- Heineken N.V. owns 75% of Commonwealth Brewery Limited

Soooo hmmm, I would be very wary of The Netherlands and anything related to our country's tax regime. Their suggestions would significantly impact a major company in our country, that also has significant interests in their country. What's this really about?

Spot on! If anything, customs should have shut them down since the first week in January. The fact that they extended up to now (mid-February) is also an exception in itself. The bond requirement is an annual thing. Yes, the hurricane took place, but at some point, that can not continue to be the reason for allowing non-compliance. The rope is only so long.