Actually I see Japan being pro-active and ahead of the curve, in that they know damn well we have no clue but could decide to ban/bar imports of their used vehicles for whatever idiotic reason we might come up with, including but not limited to special interests.
Dealers are taking a hit, but still have to stock parts and support vehicles they sell. Pay mechanics, staff, The importer sells "as is where is"
BTW, Jap vehicles have to be removed from their (Jap) roads once a certain age is attained.
Is it 2 years? maybe 5? in any case I wonder how many glow in the dark? Tsunami flooded?
We are so slack and dense......

We so want first world status and standards,
without any responsibility or accountability of course.
Government is the principal offender, leading the private sector by poor example.

BTW, our festivals are staring you in the face. Homecoming festivals scattered throughout these islands and their settlements. However, accommodations and infrastructure are substandard. There is where the investments should grow, both Government and Private sector. And that is a long term game, which should have been underway since '73.
Irrespective of petty politics and short sightedness.

Still copy catting, no original ideas, It takes on average 5-10 years to develop any festival type event, even Golf Tournaments with big names.
Calle Ocho, the Carnival in Miami, mardi Gras, The Trini Carnival, etc etc.
All privately organized BTW and with Government sanction.
A waste of time and Money UNLESS driven by private sector interests with money VESTED in its success.
The profit motive coupled with competency is still the cleanest operation.
Note Government appointees have neither of the above save short term private payouts.

Personally I am in Awe of spandex. Seriously strong stuff.
While failure often seems imminent it always defies the laws of irresistible force vs. Immovable object.

Years ago Road traffic would check vehicle headlights for the offset to the left, especially important as most vehicles imported from the U.S. have the headlights offset to the right.
Why? specifically not to blind on coming cars. Such a simple thing, long since fallen by the wayside, along with so many other criteria for public safety.
Inspection of scaffolding, cranes, Communication towers, the list is endless.
Spalling concrete on Government buildings, vehicle emissions, especially commercial.

While I believe VAT aught to be shown separately on Bin/shelf labels, for the simple reason that the average Bahamian may start to understand the Government is the real cause of the high cost of living, his logic is flawed. Rather than try to do the bare minimum as required, do both?
Knowledge is power, give your customers the cost break outs at every opportunity.
Same goes for gas pump prices, it aught to be shown per gallon.
Government can coerce, the private sector can convince!

In effect Tal, you are asking Government to forego its taxes, and taxes on freight, and Vat on taxes and freight correct? Cause that would handle it damn near to the penny!
eliminating business license tax on Gross income would help too.
Just so we understand each other.......

I remember the Minimum wage proposal being $170 a week, until Government realize they themselves would not be in compliance with it!
Aside that, the gross stupidity evident in successive Governments is astounding, and largely responsible for the economic stagnation the entire country is experiencing.
Government had better learn that it should tax or control, but not both.
Either can kill an economy, together it is guaranteed.

I disagree, Old Fort. Not this time.
Not that there will be any competency on display, as they will still approach everything from their own stagnant perspective, but business as usual is done. over.
The pressure has increased exponentially based upon our decades of laissez faire, we are now cornered with nothing to fall back on. Oh the thieves will still be thieves, Politico's will still spout Nationalism, Bahamians first, protectionism, but it is done.
Be ready for the ride.