That's not quite true. There is a company called Global Blue collecting data from merchants near the cruise ports and reporting it to the government. They can see exactly how much cruise ships are bringing into this economy; and it's a pretty penny.

The argument here completely neglects those of us who actually did well in school, have the skill-sets (and experience), and want to put it to good use but are assumed to 'not-exist'. Those of us that didn't get the "D average" and want to excel in our country are forced to look other places because the system is designed to continually seek foreigners. The 7-year rule is a step in the right direction. We have to start somewhere.

Seven years is sufficient time for an executive to take a skilled senior manager and mold them into an executive role (if they genuinely put the effort into it). The rule forces this to happen. There are countless examples where work permits include a clause for training a Bahamian to take on the role in the future, but no true effort is ever put into it (nor enforced).

Ummmm.....'anyone can get a [Driver's License]' <-- really?!?! I think you mean those that 'know someone' can get a Driver's License without proper testing. Because I certainly failed my first test and had to come back again to retake (this was 10+ years ago). The rules of getting a driver's license have continued to change in the Bahamas. Unless there is an alternative government issuing illegal documents.

Based on what I just read, there's a rationale for all of those bills (with some general gray area, but nothing egregious based on what Bannister is saying). Even the one for the Institute of Accountants, which probably would have come regardless of who was on the board. Our company got a request as well, because of some international conference they hosted this year. If you take a step back and look at the big picture, it appears these details are coming out to distract from the real issues. That's annoying. This back and forth needs to end. If something materially wrong was done (i.e. procurement approval issues), then investigate it. Move on to fixing BPL please.

Who’s in charge of the numbers at AML? For a publicly listed company, this article is reckless. It seems like a throw of blame. There are too many mitigating factors in play for AML to make this assessment so soon after VAT implementation has taken place. They may very well see a sales decline because of VAT, but it is too soon to validate that.

[1] what are you comparing the 10% decline to? If you’re comparing it to a rolling weekly trend, then of course you would see a decline since the last few weeks before VAT was implemented there was an increased spending by everyone (whether it was warranted or not). Obviously more folks would spend less the first few weeks after VAT is implemented. Because they’re still stocked up from their last spending rush. You have to consider consumer behavior. So again....10% decline compared to what specific period?

[2] It’s hasn’t even been a full 3 weeks since VAT has been implemented. At least wait until the end of July is complete and compare this month to the same July period of last year. Use the full month since some consumers are paid monthly (which impacts their spending habits)

VAT has had an impact for sure on consumer spending, but we shouldn’t be reckless in sensationalizing its impact. Come On! The reporter should have pressed more on how 10% came to be a reasonable assessment for them to announce.

My guess is there are other reasons why AML is halting expansion...but the VAT increase presents some cover.

Pffffffff.....

No. I expect the MP to be accountable for his actions...just like everyone should be. If he knows what the rules are, and his heart is closer bonded with his constituents than the rules...then just accept that reality and move on to finding more solutions. It's ok to understand both sides you know.

Totally agree relfreethinker. This is the system that is in place. If these are the rules, why should there be an expectation of exemption. And DDK...why should there be a 'wait and see game'. It was expressed ahead of time what would happen.

Well this isn't true. Quite a few of us did return...i'm one of them (and I know of many others). And I sure did get tracked down to start making payments, while I contributed my talents back to the Bahamas. So the system didn't completely fail. Not perfect...but didn't completely fail.

Bahamians need to know their rights. Employee could call in sick and still be paid. Employee could consider a march of more than 1 mile as hard labour and something that isn't required as a part of their job description if not initially agreed. If there is specific and factual evidence that an employee will receive a pay-cut for not participating in a road march; let them take that complaint to the labour board. The department of labour would more than likely side with the employee.

Well...couple thoughts on this:

1. Carl Bethel isn't PM, so whom can he fire? All talk.
2. In the same token though, he's referring to government posts (and not the elected position of the individual). Those with posts were appointed by the PM. Based on this logic, then I see the validity to suggesting that they resign from a paid government post if they do not have confidence of the government. They would still remain Ministers of Parliament however (since we the people voted them in).
3. I was hoping for more substance from Minister Robinson in particular on why he isn't supporting the VAT increase.
4. None of this is a win-win situation.