It did indeed sound like that part of his address was written by the ever present Customs
paranoia or "suspicions." Suspicions they are too lazy to act on case by case as provided for by the C.M.A.
Investigate, prove, prosecute.
Far easier to harass and rule by fiat/edict.
What is sad is that among all the QC's and Lawyers in the Bahamas, there is only one, occasionally another or two who will stand on principal and rule of law.
Most are too busy covering their own tail feathers.

The issue I have with nationalization is that it will make our current shit hole look like a garden party!
Ask any Venezuelan. They are well down that slope but as bad as it is, they haven't hit the bottom yet.
No, The problem is government thinking it can solve a problem it created in the first place,
with the same old tired approach that created the problem.
It is becoming apparent that this crew cannot think outside of the box (cliche but oh so true)
nor listen to people who do. (Which includes Bahamians )
There are people in this country who can think, solve issues, we just don't elect them!

Government seizing or compelling a sale of private property is a slippery slope.
What next? What when they come for your property or business?
No, it has been proven over and over that Government can run nothing. Not a postal system, not a hotel, not healthcare, not FDI, not a prison or court system, not any aspect of the country.
There are mechanisms that can be used, but nationalization simply indicates a government desperate enough to use force. A very short sighted action, the discussion of which shows we have elected nothing new.
That we have invited in Chinese national interests without understanding the beast is a mistake we will have to live with, another shining example of Government ineptitude.

Not sure and am doubtful that Large businesses are shifting bonded materials out of Freeport to Nassau and other islands, but I have no doubt Individuals are abusing the privilege.
That is a problem easily addressed by Bahamas customs within the authority they have under the CMA. Go check the damn mailboats. Ask for proof of purchase, whether a duty paid invoice or a Bahamas customs receipt if imported under bond directly.
An ability they have never chosen to exercise, aside the targeting of certain companies or individuals.
The intrinsic laziness and slow thinking of Bahamas Customs (and the larger Government for that matter) would much rather rule by fiat, that is to say, constantly think up and institute inane and pointless restrictions and procedures that serve no purpose aside intimidation.
There are a couple exceptions to the above, Good officers, but they will never rise up in the ranks to exert a level of sense to (Bahamas Customs investigation) what has become fragged to hell and back.

Let them all savage each other, the Bahamian public will benefit,
we have been footing the bill for this corruption for decades.

The queen aught to be revoking a whole bunch of QC's, Wayne whats his face etc etc.
obviously not enough vetting of recipients.
Funny how those who have amassed wealth thru political connection and "most favored stooge" are so damn vocal!

Shipyard just backed out of a cruise ship refurb,
not enough hotel rooms on island for the ships crew who must vacate the ship during work being done.
(probably asbestos removal but that is another story...)
and the dominoes fall.......

You would be the absolute last ass anyone would ever want to be in charge of their health care!
Nothing the Government touches or takes over works, or has any over arching benefit for Bahamians.
Your ineptitude is exceeded only by your arrogance and ignorance.

Seems the Chinese cannot build anything well, nor run anything properly.
Seems our Government cannot negotiate anything properly.
Air the dirty laundry, all of it.

Oh I agree John, Certainly not exclusive to the Bahamas, but first and foremost it is the Bahamas I am concerned about, as we have so little left to lose.
No industry to speak of, no natural resources (gold, diamonds, oil, Bauxite, etc etc)
Even our fisheries are being depleted, by any and all,
You would think we could get something right by accident at least, but no.