Not surprised by this. small countries, like those listed, are vulnerable to blackmail and coercion and unable to do anything about it. Its a coup using economic instead of military force. I'm sure there will be more to follow, as the big boys impose their will on everyone else.. We need to accept that we are no longer a sovereign nation.

So if we are going to be so pious and self-righteous, how long before this Taliban mindset starts stoning all the single women having babies? surely that must offend their moral standards?

This is a very dangerous precedent being set.. if this is allowed to stand, you have to wonder what will be the next restriction.. who set this rule and even more, how come only at Immigration?

i don't blame the Union.. people don't have any place else to go on vacation and for sure no place cheaper. I mean who wants to go to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Hawaii and Thailand on vacation anyway... they need us man, so lets show them white people who own Atlantis that if they dont like it, they can go.. we got lots of bahamian investors with billions of dollars waiting to take over.. In fact, some of them are the same ones dying to buy the Grand Lucayan...

let them do as they will.... who will that hurt? the same folks who strike of course. if the country goes to hell, they are going with it.. so let 'em strike... you can't fold to threats and pressure coz if you do, it will be open season for this kind of thing again and again.

I'm sure Sandals has high powered lawyers, private investigators and all the other usual characters doing background checks and research on these folks since they were born. lets see if that reveals a suspicious history... i'm sure there are skeletons in the closet.. everyone has some.. the question will be, are they relevant..

we bahamians need to decide what type of economy we wish to have. if the guiding principle is going to be the people (gov't) own the place so we dont need to be concerned about who pays or does not pay, then stop this talk about profit and loss. in such a scenario that concept would be alien. everybody use however much you need, if you can pay good, if not let the taxpayers all pay for you. textbook socialism. one day we want to be efficient, reduce costs, etc., next day none of that matters. cant have it both ways. same time we're at it, lets all ride free on bahamasair, after all we own that too...

its really high-time that we enforce or legislate laws to protect the national interest. Harm tourism and you harm the economy of the country. that should be a crime with hefty penalties.. cant just sit on the sidelines and do nothing and hope for a good outcome. hope is not a strategy.

The Union would call it a collosal failure because they now are getting a feel of reality, something the brothers and sisters in the hotel industry need. Priivatization is supposed to achieve exactly what is happening.. promote efficient, cost-effective service and run the laggards out of business. its about the consumer (the majority) not about protecting a few employees. BTC struggling simply proves that it cant compete.

A lot of this cost issue is actually due to socialist policies. Gov't took a decision decades ago that all bahamians should have access to electricity.. good idea. However the method you have to disagree with.. BEC provide the power infrastructure, etc., then let ALL bahamians pay for it not just the users? There must be a better, more efficient way. Asking a Nassau businessman or resident to pay more for light so a guy in Rum Cay or Ragged Island can have electricity hurts everyone. If you choose to live off the grid as they say, you need to understand what that means. Yes those folks see a better lifestyle with this socialist policy, but the entire country suffers as a result. In the final analysis, it is unsustainable.