And this new passport snafu is happening all over the world.

The new software does not migrate data from the previous systems, so you are not "renewing your passport" you are getting a new one and need the documents all over again.

some people even need grandparents or parents birth certificates, so added bureocracy to find those things.

But I recall the e-govt of 20 years ago, cannot recall using it for anything. I remember a CRT terminal in the office to get police certificate. There was a printed sign that, "Once you fill in the form, we will send you an email to say it is ready". When 6 months? a year from then? I smiled and took my place in the line. I have not seen any more terminal there ever since.

As for the VAT, Peter Turnquest already mentioned the 'harmonization of vat rates' as a goal of the EU.
I suspect it is to harmonize to 15%

[http://www.tribune242.com/news/2019/mar…]

> Revealing that the Government was
> still on alert for developing
> international regulatory initiatives,
>
> Mr Turnquest identified such initiatives as the taxation of
> electronic and digital transactions,
> plus the harmonisation of VAT rates,

In the late 1990's I had a boss who wanted us to have a 'paperless office', but it had to be done with the existing computers and software, what a joke.

[1]: http://www.tribune242.com/news/2019/mar…

The elderly policeman who often speaks on the radio tells that crime prevention includes precaution.

Don't wear a string bikini and ride with the jet ski operator.
Don't run with scissors.

> we need to ensure that we provide
> entrepreneurial opportunities for
> Bahamians to bring initial coin
> offerings (ICO), for instance.

As Derek Rolle looks down on us from heaven, he reckons he lived ahead of his time.

> Maynard Fumes Over Bpl Toilets

His fumes spread out all over when the lights go out.

clico was such a ponzi scheme

you have to ask the people at the passport office.
but, since you have to be there from 4am you better bring the birth certificate just in case.

i know someone , born before 1973, who is in the same situation as the guy above and has to get affidavit now.

well people are being told that their passports are not being renewed, but rather they are gettibg new ones.

a previous passport is no longer proof of citizenship, so you have to come up with other means.

bahamians hardly use birth certificates for anything, until now.

those who get a birth certificate with no event are lucky. others have to get affidavits. older ones cannot find people to affidavit them.

madhatter has a point. papaer bahamians acutally have papers to show

well , as a sideline, he said today at the guardia morning news that the EU wants "uniform vat rate"

i am now fearful that it is an excuse to raise the VAT to 15%

I think it has already been agreed , as the grapevine says the EU demanded 15% VAT.

it is sad those days that many govt institutions are not trusted in social media.

not that the africans care, they get on the plane with ebola and take it to other countries.

plus taking a body like taht will likely cost 30,000, why not just cremate?