"Still, Mr Smith argued that the government should not focus solely on the "payables" side..."

Any chance he one of the set what is owe BPL over a hundred thousand? Just curious.

Bahamians should know it is now time to pay up for past slackness. I dont see many comments on the numerous articles admitting to where these past debts came from. Nor many comments about the fact that NOBODY in this country - even KP - can produce a comprehensive list showing the specifics of our 8 billion dollar debt. Nobody. Not even Halkitis.

Turnquest said the government’s 2018/2019 budget could mean that in three years the country could have a balanced budget and finally “take control of its own destiny”, but the business community is not sharing government’s vision and has called for a meeting with Ministry of Finance officials to express their concerns.

Concerns? Oh yeah. Concerned that black people may achieve REAL independence and whites will no longer have as much control. Oh yeah. Concerns. They prefer to keep us in debt forever. The FNM plans to get rid of the debt. I like that.

Hopefully African-Bahamians will finally realize this government is trying to cut the shackles OFF their ankles.

"Among other things, Mr Bowe said the government’s position restricts the freedom of choice of poorer Bahamians..."

NO !!!!

Poor Bahamians restrict their own freedom of choice when they put the hot dog in the hamburger without rain coat.

Along with hiring "cheap" labour, they have created the problem - not politicians. Investors having to pay bribes to get licenses, especially Bahamian investors We shoot our own selves in the foot. Dr. Minnis just putting on the salve - and some a dem is sting.

Sir Franklyn is obviously not aware that duty free clothing and shoes have been sold in the shanty town unlicensed "stores" for years. The new budget simply levels the playing field for Bahamian retailers. We don't have to smuggle now. We can offer competive prices now to compete with both Miami & Port au Prince.

The last two grade letters, when read together, speak for themselves. That's what we say to our students every single graduation year. D is in the middle, so you get a D to take with you to them foreign college.

Carry ya hip and don't come back. We don't want smart Bahamians here - they don't vote for chicken & gin.

If ya got money to breed;
Give Caesar what he need;
He pay for all ya school;
And doctor and dentist tool.

Pickaninnie dis come fast;
*But the party cannot last;
*Try a condom or a snip;
*And pull ya pants over ya hip;

*Ya hired gardeners for so cheap
*While tell ya brethren "Take a leap!!!"
*Seven and a half couldn't change your way?
*Now ya ass gah really pay

* ... and that's all I got to say :-)

People NEED alcohol to survive the stresses of life - literally. If you make it unaffordable - they will turn to crystal meth. Then you'll really have a problem. This is what happened under President Obummer.

Jackbnimble commented "...That will be my stance going forward because it's getting next to impossible to live in the Bahamas."

Really Jack? Sloops are landing every week loaded with hundreds coming here to take on jobs that are waiting for them...offered by immune-to-prosecution employers.

Tens of thousands have done and continue to find it very possible to live in the Bahamas. The situation here is way way better than where they are from (at least for the time being).

OldFort - yes it would be quicker and cheaper - but the idea of it carries a very negative political price. Just ask R. Lightbourne.

However, my method will eventually be embraced by the poor once they realize the awesome advantages which are:

1) Get to keep their third child;
2) No hospital or OBGYN fees for that birth;
3) 20 years of free housing and food etc for one member of their family;
4) A near guarantee that the mother will not have a 4th child (at least not prior to the first two being old enough to help work and support it);
5) In the off chance that she does become pregnant in prison, at least that child will have a father who has a secure government job with an eventual pension.

Trust me. This idea is going to take root, and a new and prosperous era in the Bahamas is about to begin.

Bahamians have been hiring "cheap", foreign, "under the table" labour for decades. Depriving NIB of funds due to not declaring, and depriving their fellow Bahamians of jobs by hiring shanty town people.

Now it's time to PAY you bastards. The chickens have come home to roost, and the chicken feed gah cost ya 12%.

I am very happy about the new VAT rate. It is exactly what traitor Bahamians deserve.

Hire cheap Haitians & Jamaicans?
Pay expensive VAT.
Good for ya asses.