By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
NASSAU/PARADISE Island hotels are targeting occupancies in the “60 percent range” for the slower fall season to ensure they enjoy “a banner year” and at “a minimum match” 2024’s performance.
Joy Jibrilu, the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that reversing last year’s occupancy slippage during the September to November period
- together with “capitalising on the momentum” generated by a strong Christmas and New Year season - is critical to an improved 2025.
She added that The Bahamas is also hoping to enjoy the “traditional” 10 percent increase in airlift that host nations generate from hosting the Routes America regional aviation conference, which is due to take place next month on Paradise Island and attract some 1,000 industry executives to the destination.
Mrs Jibrilu also told this newspaper that the post-COVID
travel boom has ended and will likely not been seen again, with the Bahamian hotel and tourism industry set to revert “incremental increases” in business volumes following the economy’s reflation in the pandemic’s aftermath.
Acknowledging that the resort industry slipped below the targeted occupancy levels for 2024 amid the run-up to the US presidential election and hurricane-related devastation in key visitor source markets, she said: “We’re hoping for better than 2024 in terms of stopover visitors.
“The Ministry of Tourism talks about numbers that have far exceeded the prior year, but that’s primarily made up of cruise passengers. We want, and hopefully at a minimum, to match 2024. We’re not looking for 2023, but to see some improvement in 2025 and consistency throughout all the months of the year.
“For our hotels to see occupancy, including September, October and November, in the 60 percent range that means we’ll have a good year,” Mrs Jibrilu
By NEIL HARTNELL
THE Opposition’s chairman last night argued that the Davis administration’s pre-election deal with the unions has “fallen apart” as the private sector asserted: “There’s no reason for this strike.”
Dr Duane Sands, an exminister of health, told Tribune Business he and other senior physicians were “ensuring that people’s lives are protected” by covering for the 90 percent of junior doctors who failed to report for work at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) due to the two day, 14-union industrial action triggered by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and its affiliates.
Speaking as he was headed to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) to
perform “an emergency procedure” normally carried out by less senior doctors who are participating in the sick-out, he asserted that the Bahamian public healthcare system was likely the service that suffered “the greatest impact” from yesterday’s industrial agreement. Apart from the nonappearance by nine out of every ten members of the Bahamas Doctors Union (BDU), with Dr Sands estimating this number to be around 400 physicians, some 60 percent of the more senior doctors
Union chief hints at more strike actions
By FAY SIMMONS and Annelia Nixon Tribune Business Reporters
THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) president described yesterday’s industrial action as a “peaceful gathering” and hinted it could extend beyond the initial two days if worker demands are not met.
Obie Ferguson KC maintained that while union leaders will “work assiduously” to resolve ongoing issues with the Government they are prepared to take further action until this is achieved. “Oh certainly, oh yes, we agreed to get it resolved. That’s the only resolution and I’m satisfied that would happen. It has to happen,” he said.
“We will work assiduously to get this matter resolved quickly. It’s in the best interest of the country, is in the best interest of the union and the members.” Denying the industrial action was a strike, Mr Ferguson said it was a “peaceful gathering” and participants only want to see meaningful progress on their issues.
“What strike? We ain’t got no strike, this is a peaceful gathering, and the union just decided that they will work together,” said Mr Ferguson. “Let me explain it to you. If this was a strike, we’d be on Bay Street somewhere and carrying on.
represented by the Consultant Physician Staff Association (CPSA) also reported sick along with between 10-15 percent of Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) members.
The strike action at the PHA and other public sector agencies came as the Bahamian business community voiced fears about the impact on the wider economy if the disruption is prolonged and extends beyond the 48 hours announced by the TUC.
Dr Leo Rolle, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, told Tribune Business via a messaged reply: “We are watching with concern to see how long it lasts. Hoping the two sides can get back to the table to discuss and work out
Exam deadline delay to ease pilot shortage fear
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamian aviation regulator’s chairman yesterday confirmed it has pushed the January 31 deadline to take and pass a controversial exam back to June 2025 to ease pilot shortage fears.
Devard Francis, who heads the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAAB) Board, told Tribune Business he plans to meet with pilots and the associations that represent them “one more time” to discuss adjustments to the ‘air law exam’ that all aviators must pass for their licences to be renewed.
Pledging that he and the regulator are “not ducking” the industry and its concerns, he added that the deadline change will allow more time to study for and schedule the exam and thus eliminate fears that a pilot shortage will result from too few persons passing and being unable to renew their licences.
Speaking as the Bahamas Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association (BAOPA), a newlyformed body representing private pilots, signalled it is taking advice on legal options as it relates to the exam, Mr Francis told this newspaper that the Authority is unlikely to accept industry calls for it to be made an ‘open book’ test.
And, given that Bahamian carriers and pilots are increasingly expanding routes and services into international markets, he argued that the ‘air law exam’s’ contents cannot be solely “domiciled” or confined to Bahamian territory but, instead, prepare the industry and its participants “to survive in any terrain, any country”.
“I want to have another meeting with all stakeholders; one more time to let them know we’ve made some changes already,” Mr Francis said of the Authority’s progress in resolving industry concerns. “We had a time limit of January 31. We have already adjusted that and taken
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
GAS station operators were yesterday assured the 50 percent VAT rate cut on most foods will apply to products sold in their convenience stores to prevent them suffering an unfair competitive disadvantage.
Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, confirmed in a messaged reply to Tribune Business that petroleum retailers will also be able to charge consumers the lower 5 percent VAT rate from April 1, 2025, on the same items as food stores to ensure a taxation level playing field between the two sectors. And, in common with the supermarket industry, he also confirmed that the VAT rate reduction will not apply to “prepared or cooked” food sold by gas stations from their kitchen and deli-style businesses. Customers will thus still pay the existing 10 percent rate on these products that they purchase.
Mr Halkitis responded after Raymond Jones, the Bahamas Petroleum
Retailers Association’s (BPRA) president, told this newspaper that gas station operators were seeking clarification from the Government to clear up uncertainty over whether the 50 percent food-based VAT cut applied to products sold from their convenience store segments. He added that failing to extend the tax relief to gas stations would have “hurt the retailers” by making their products more costly in comparison to the same items sold by food stores such as Super Value and AML Foods. Placing the industry at a pricing disadvantage would then drive consumers to shop more frequently at grocery outlets and supermarkets for these products and negatively impact gas stations.
“I don’t know. That’s a question to ask,” Mr Jones replied when asked by Tribune Business whether 5 percent VAT would apply to shelf food items sold by gas stations from April 1. “They made a general 5 percent cut for all food stores. I don’t know if it will
DR DUANE SANDS PETER GOUDIE
Real estate firm touts 2024’s sales doubling
A BAHAMIAN real estate
firm says its sales doubled in 2024 due to a robust high-end property market and “even stronger team”.
Danny Lowe, managing partner of The Agency Bahamas, unveiled the upbeat performance as he announced the company’s 2024 awards. Dexter Avney was named as top overall producer for sales and rentals, while BreAnne Adderley received the MVP Award and James Galantis took Rookie of the Year honours through a “impressive record of outstanding achievement”.
“Over the past two years, our collaboration and teamwork have truly distinguished us, propelling
a united drive for excellence,” said Mr Lowe, who opened The Agency’s local franchise in 2022.
“It’s really about the fundamentals, being there every day for your client, really studying and knowing
the market and grasping the client’s wishes to satisfy what they need, not just presenting them with the
BAHAMAS IN AVIATION DEAL WITH EL SALVADOR
THE Bahamas yesterday signed an agreement with the Central American nation of El Salvador in a bid to improve aviation links and connectivity between the two countries.
Sebas Bastian, The Bahamas’ ambassador to central America, signed the bilateral Air Service Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on this country’s behalf with Homero Morales, executive director of El Salvador’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The signing took place in the presence of El Salvador’s vice-minister, Adriana Mira, and officials from both governments.
“This agreement represents a bridge that brings us closer, not just geographically, but also in our shared vision for mutual economic growth and development,” said Mr Bastian during the signing ceremony.
“Enhanced air connectivity will facilitate the movement of travellers, support tourism
growth, and open doors for greater trade opportunities between our regions.”
The Air Service Agreement establishes the legal framework for scheduled passenger and cargo services between the two countries, paving the way for increased tourism, trade and cultural exchange. The agreement reflects the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations and foster economic co-operation.
Mr Morales said the agreement will create new opportunities for connectivity between Central America and the Caribbean. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both nations’ civil aviation and legal departments.
The El Salvador signing was said to be part of The Bahamas’ strategy to expand its international aviation network and boost diplomatic relations with key regional partners.
easy, available property, but reaching deeper to see what can be available that ticks every box and then some.
That’s what it takes and that’s the team we have, dedicated and powerful.”
The Agency’s global founder and chief executive, Mauricio Umansky, used a Netflix show, Buying Beverly Hills, to grow the firm into 130-plus offices in 12 countries with The Bahamas among its earliest foreign franchises. The local firm opened as the post-COVID demand for Bahamian real estate continued to soar.
MARINE FORECAST
SEBAS BASTIAN
DANNY LOWE, managing partner of The Agency
ADDERLEY, The Agency’s MVP award winner JAMES GALANTIS, The Agency’s
Businesses: ‘There’s no reason for union strike’
the issues. The impression from unionists is that industrial relations with the Government are not very smooth at the moment.”
And Peter Goudie, the Chamber’s labour division head, voiced concern over the seeming disconnect between the statements issued by Obie Ferguson KC, the TUC’s president, on one side and those from Prime Minister Philip Davis KC and Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service on the other.
While the Government side has repeatedly reassured that progress in industrial negotiations is being made, and that proposals are being passed to the Ministry of Finance to ensure the necessary funds are being made available, Mr Ferguson and the unions have constantly contradicted this by asserting that critical issues and outstanding matters are either not being addressed or dealt with too slowly.
“Let’s get serious: There’s no reason for this strike,” Mr Goudie told this newspaper. “It’s no good for the economy; of course it isn’t. It never is. To have everyone slinging mud at everybody else; whether it’s legal, illegal. Seriously? I don’t know what else to say. It’s not good for the country. It’s not good for anything. It’s just bad news.
“Pia Glover-Rolle keeps talking about how they are negotiating but, on the other hand, you’ve got the head of the union saying they’re not doing anything. Who knows? Nobody knows. Pia Glover-Rolle is saying one thing and Obie is saying another thing, and the Prime Minister is
saying the TUC leader is not answering his phone. You’ve got to wonder what’s going on.”
While voicing optimism that the industrial unrest “isn’t going to spill over to the private sector”, Mr Goudie added: “What I’m concerned about is you have different views parroted in the paper which don’t make any sense. That’s the biggest concern. Everybody keeps saying this, that and the other, but nobody is making sense. You have to be concerned.’
The PHA and public healthcare system were not the only public agencies impacted by yesterday’s sick-out. Tribune Business was informed by aviation sources that air traffic control at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) was short-staffed in the morning, which resulted in the authorities only permitting scheduled commercial and cargo flights.
“They didn’t allow any general aviation planes this morning,” one contact, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. “There was only scheduled airlift and cargo.” However, Hinsey McKenzie, the Bahamas Air Traffic Controllers Union’s (BATCU) president, hinting at the reduced staffing levels suggested that those who appeared for work will soon be fatigued and unable to keep it up if industrial action is prolonged.
“I believe they have put him some things in place,” Mr McKenzie said. “I know I spoke with management since about Friday and they are quite aware. “I know they have management who can work, who are trained. It’s not
that they aren’t trained. So we anticipate that they go for more than a day or two. They may not have the staff and ability to run the facility that long. They may put in for a good day, but after today I don’t think they would be able to do what they have to do tomorrow [today].”
However, Dr Sands and others asserted that the greatest impact was felt at the PHA and public healthcare system. Referring to the pre-election memorandum of understanding (MoU) that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) signed with The Bahamas’ two umbrella union bodies, including the TUC, the Opposition chairman argued that this pact now seemed to be collapsing.
“This administration prided itself on having cut a deal with the TUC in 2021,” Dr Sands blasted. “Clearly, that deal has fallen apart or the relationship has fallen apart. I’ll leave it at that. The public health system probably had the greatest impact or felt the greatest impact because a significant number of junior doctors, in particular, called out.
“Despite that we have tried to maintain a safe level of coverage. I am headed back into the hospital now to do an emergency procedure that would otherwise be done by staff not there, but there’s no question about it. It’s had a noticeable impact. There have been a number of patients that have had clinic visits cancelled or elective procedures have either been postponed or cancelled. It’s not an insignificant event in health.
“The hope is that there’s urgent resolution so normal service can resume. Around
90 percent of junior doctors did not come to work. That’s probably in the order of 400 or so. It’s difficult to do much other than emergency care when there’s so many so many parts of the healthcare machinery are not present,” Dr Sands added.
“On top of that, we had a percentage of the nurses, maybe 10-15 percent, who called out. While not significant in terms of numbers, it also makes it difficult to provide healthcare services because you are already way, way down on physicians, you are down on nurses and you also have other staff in the TUC umbrella.
“Let’s just hope this is resolved soon. It’s significant. All we can do is hope there is nothing more than inconvenience for the patients and their families. Notwithstanding an understanding of the grievances that people may have, the nature of what we do clearly, first of all, is do no harm. We have to ensure that people’s lives are protected so the senior physicians are actually engaged in doing that.”
Dr Sands said clinic closures, and the postponement of what he described
as “routine procedures”, will cause a patient backlog or “deficit that has to be made up. The problems don’t go away”. Asked whether he believed the industrial action by the TUC and its affiliates was justified, Dr Sands replied: “That’s a very, very important question and I’m not going to run away from it.
“What I can say to you is I don’t know enough of the granular details to argue whether it’s justified or not justified. I’ve heard the discussions. Having been in this situation as a minister myself, I can only hope the level of engagement of this administration is comparable to the level of engagement we gave and, despite that, the nurses and doctors went on strike.
“Is it justified? Clearly the unions believe they are justified otherwise they would not take action. Any time a trade union decides to proceed with industrial action, the belief is they feel they have exhausted ordinary means of resolution. The Prime Minister, minister of health [Dr Michael Darville] and the minister of labour should all roll up their sleeves, get back to the table and get this matter resolved.”
The uneven participation by union members in yesterday’s industrial action, with more doctors than nurses seemingly participating, raised immediate questions about its effectiveness and whether it will help the TUC and its affiliates achieve their objectives of resolving member and worker grievances over salaries and working terms.
One veteran trade unionist, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the TUC was seeking to use the sick-out as leverage to pressure the Government into fulfilling other parts of the 2021 MoU such as the promise to help finance renovations to Workers House on Wulff Road.
“The Government had anticipated it and had their contingency plans,” the labour activist said. “I don’t think the two-day sick-out will be successful. Did this warrant a major strike or sick-out? I don’t think so.”
Mr Ferguson could not be reached for comment before press time last night. His mobile phone was answered by an “official”, who said the TUC president was busy in a meeting. He did not respond to a subsequent message.
DoiT BAHAMAS LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation)
NOTICE is hereby given that by a resolution passed on the 6th day of December, 2024 the above-named Company was put into voluntary liquidation.
FROM PAGE A22
Mr Lowe said the demand for quality highend residential properties shows no signs of slowing.
“We saw an increase in demand for Paradise Island where Dexter Avney’s deep market knowledge and commitment helped him play a key role in the company’s growth,” he added. In 2024, The Agency partnered with Sterling Global Financial, the Hurricane Hole developer, to drive sales at its off-site condos on Paradise Island, a 38-unit complex called THIRTY-SIX. “Paradise Island continues to captivate buyers as it is truly a world apart,” Mr Avney said.
“The location places you at the epicentre of luxury, surrounded by iconic, world-class resorts such as the Four Seasons Ocean Club and Atlantis. In your neighbourhood you’ll find championship golf courses, fine dining restaurants, casinos, spas, entertainment, luxury shopping and yachting experiences. Paradise Island isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a lifestyle you live.”
Mr Lowe praised Ms Adderley for “always going above and beyond, fostering a positive environment that motivates others while setting a high standard for all”. He added that Mr Galantis “has already shown
exceptional potential” in just one year with the firm. “Last year, 2024, was great, doubling our sales from the year before, and we predict an even stronger year in 2025,” he said. “We are on the right track, and on track for success, thanks to a super team.”
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that BCS Corporate Group Ltd., Cumberland House, 15 Cumberland & Duke Streets, P.O. Box SS-6836, Nassau, Bahamas was appointed voluntary liquidator of the Company. AND TAKE NOTICE that any creditors having debts or claims against the Company are required to send particulars to the Liquidator of the said Company and in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.
Dated this 13th day of January, 2025
BCS Corporate Group Ltd. Liquidator
Exam deadline delay to ease pilot shortage fear
FROM PAGE A24
that down to June. That gives a lot of pilots some time.”
Mornel Brown, BAOPA’s president, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the sector had heard talk of the exam deadline being adjusted to whenever an individual’s licence expired to relieve the pressures caused by the January 31 deadline. And Mr Francis yesterday indicated such a move is being considered.
“We have some of the Bahamasair pilots whose licences expire in 2027 and 2028,” the Authority’s chairman confirmed. “They have a considerable amount of time to get prepared for the test. We have a good pass rate for Bahamasair; only three have not passed out of 25 pilots. Twentytwo persons have passed so we have seen some great success.”
Alexander Ferguson, the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas’ directorgeneral, in a pre-Christmas message to the aviation industry said the ‘air law
Hotels
exam’ is seeing a pass rate of 70 percent. A sceptical industry, though, is questioning what this is based on and what are the actual numbers of pilots passing and taking the test.
Another way of looking at this is it represents a 30 percent failure rate.
And Mr Francis, while confirming more deadline flexibility, said the Authority is unlikely to grant other pilot requests. These involve making the ‘air law exam’ an open book test and its content more relevant to the Bahamian operating experience, but the chairman added: “Some people have called for an open book test. We cannot do that.
“If an emergency happens, you have the life of all the persons in the back of your plane, whether it’s 100 or ten. You don’t have that time to look through a manual or book. You need that knowledge of what to do. We need to make sure persons have the scholastic aptitude to take these decisions.
“How would you be, in a plane with a serious
want 60% occupancy in fall for ‘banner year’ 2025
FROM PAGE A24
continued. “We expect higher numbers in the rest of the year. We’re looking for 80 percent and above for the rest of the year.
“We were below those numbers, 60 percent, last year and if we can get back to them or above we know we will have a banner year for stopover arrivals to Nassau/Paradise Island. That will really put us where everybody benefits. The trickle down effects, socio-economic benefits, are felt there.”
With the US presidential election now in the past, Mrs Jibrilu said she felt confidence has already returned among potential US travellers. “It looks to me as if everyone has settled into the prospect of the new president and what he brings, but historically the Republicans do do well for The Bahamas, and we have to embrace it in that spirit,” she added.
“There were moments at the end of 2024 where we saw unexpected headwinds, and for us to end so strongly it’s for us to capitalise on that momentum and make sure we keep it going.” As for the post-COVID travel boom, the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board chief said: “I don’t expect to see that again. That period is over.
“Everyone tied down from COVID has got travel out of them. This will now be regular, consistent travellers and incremental increases. That’s what we’re hoping for. We’ll take that. Every stopover visitor is so valuable to us,” Mrs Jibrilu continued.
“The great news is we ended 2024 with a strong December. I think that was across the board for our hotel members, both the large ones and small ones; not just occupancy but average daily room rate (ADR) as well. They are still tallying the results, but everyone is talking about meeting budget, so when they so that or better they are happy.
“After the third quarter and beginning of the fourth quarter, they say it was a good December and all did well. That was both big and small properties, and they were sold out for New Year.” Mrs Jibrilu said the Christmas and New Year’s rebound had revived tourism industry confidence following the 2024 second half struggles when performance dipped below prior year comparatives.
“I think we’re more optimistic certainly for the first quarter of 2025,” she told Tribune Business, “but the good news is we’re seeing a strong April. We cannot deny that Easter is in April this year [compared to March last year]. It’s a delayed Easter break but that lengthens the season. We’re going to take whatever gains we can.
“We’re really hopeful everything remains equal, and the weather remains cold in Europe and North America.... Everyone is now so cautious because of last year. We felt we knew what our bookings were and then everything went belly up. People are now saying they are more optimistic than they were. There is light at the end of the tunnel and the trends are positive.”
Mrs Jibrilu said the tourism and resort industry is targeting a further boost from The Bahamas’ hosting of the Routes Americas conference on Paradise Island from February 9-13, 2025. “We have a phenomenal relationship with our airline partners to the extent where they say we are very important as a destination for them,” she said.
“As soon as they see an uptick, if they do not engage more aircraft they will increase the size of the plane. With Routes America all the airline executives from all over the world will be in the destination, and that is nothing better for us. We can then talk to those executives about what we have as a product and show them first hand.
“Traditionally, you do see a 10 percent uptick in airlift after hosting Routes Americas as a conference and we’re hoping to see the same. Air carrier providers who have not thought about The Bahamas as a destination then see the product, the airport and the destination and that opens their eyes to this making sense. The good thing is that they’re expecting 1,000 persons to come and that’s above average.”
emergency going on, and you see the pilot ask the co-pilot to get a book to read while the plane’s engine burns?” Mr Francis asked. “We want the best for our country, make sure our pilots have tested well, and making sure they can survive any terrain, any country. We have to make sure they are well prepared; I am not saying they are not, but we have a duty as regulator to make sure they are prepared for anything.
“We have pushed it down to June. It is not a Bahamian ‘air law exam’; it’s an ‘air law exam’. The exam is not domiciled between Freeport and Inagua. Bahamasair, for example, now goes to Jamaica and has added more routes. We have to make sure they are able to fly over there.”
Pilots, speaking on condition of anonymity, argue that the ‘air law exam’ is holding them to a higher standard than their mechanic counterparts. They assert that the latter enjoy an ‘open book’ exam for their licence renewals, with the test’s contents and questions crafted by
the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas’ own mechanic inspectors and thus geared to this country’s operating environment.
This, some pilots are arguing, contrasts with the ‘air law exam’ which they assert appears to have been ‘copied and pasted’ from a European aviation study guide, and bears little resemblance to the conditions and practices that will be encountered in The Bahamas.
Mr Francis, acknowledging that he has yet to meet with the BAOPA, said he had sought to arrange one over the Christmas holiday but Mr Brown was off-island. “We’re not ducking,” he told Tribune Business. “We know we have to face feedback on that. That’s what we’re doing. We’re not going to make everyone happy, but I am hopeful we can come to a resolution amicably.”
The Authority chairman said he is “extremely, extremely confident” that a resolution will be achieved. However, Mr Brown told this newspaper that he and BAOPA members are “just
as concerned now as we were in the beginning” over the air law exam and potential fall-out for the ability of pilots to fly Bahamianregistered aircraft in this nation’s territory if they fail to pass.
“I’ve heard they’re thinking about changing the deadline to when a pilot’s licence expires, but they have not communicated that to the industry and not told us that yet,” he told this newspaper. “As far as we’re concerned, come January 31 our licences will be expired if we don’t pass.
“We are still where we are. We’re trying to get some legal advice to see where we’re at. We’re going to sort that out in the next couple of weeks before the deadline. We’ll let the chips fall where they may. Can you imagine what will happen if the entire sector shuts down?”
Pilots say they have encountered difficulties in sourcing study guides and materials and, while not objecting to the exam as a concept, said the contents do not align with what was promised. One, while
acknowledging that they shared concerns about the nature of the questions, said those relating to locations such as London’s Heathrow airport were still relevant because “your pilot’s licence doesn’t limit you to flying in The Bahamas alone”.
However, they challenged why questions on issues such as visual flight rules (VFR) when flying at night were included given that night flying “was not allowed in The Bahamas”. And the source added: “My biggest concern is that they have a hard deadline of January 31 to take and pass the test.”
Another aviation contact said they were forced to have the study guides shipped to The Bahamas from the UK. “It’s a Bahamas air law exam so it should be on Bahamian air law,” they said. “This test is not based on Bahamas air law, but is based on questions from the EASA test.” The source also pointed out that the terminology and phraseology are different from what Bahamian pilots are used to.
GAS STATIONS TO BENEFIT FROM 50% VAT RATE CUT
FROM PAGE A24
be different between food stores and gas stations.
“The Government makes these pronouncements which are not very clear and leaves it for other people to figure out. We’ve sent a message to find out if it does apply to make sure we understand what it does and doesn’t apply to. It should [apply to us] because it’s the same food stuffs, just less quantity and we don’t have the variety, but it’s the same stuff people but from food stores.
“If they don’t do that it will hurt the retailers because people will then go straight to the food stores for the tax relief. It has to apply. I’ll let you know what we find out because the issue has already been raised.”
Besides providing positive news for retailers, Mr Halkitis also confirmed that Bahamian restaurants will also pay the lower 5 percent VAT rate on the foods they either directly import or purchase from local wholesalers with effect from April 1, 2025.
However, while restaurants will enjoy relief on their VAT ‘input’ costs, they will still be charging diners - the end consumer - 10 percent because the final product is the “prepared or cooked food” that will still attract the full rate. This will result in the sector becoming a big net VAT payer to the
Government due to it being charged the lower 5 percent rate on many of its inputs while consumers are charged the full 10 percent on outputs. Still, this move will likely make the 50 percent foodbased VAT cut easier to administer for wholesalers.
Steven Key, general manager of The d’Albenas Agency, had told Tribune Business: “If you have the very same item that’s sold to a food store or a restaurant, then right now everything is the same VAT.
“But if you have to go now and take that same item and determine who gets 5 percent and who pays 10 percent, then there’s computer programming probably involved. And that all depends on the programmers as far as how long it will take.”
Meanwhile Vasco Bastian, the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association’s (BPRA) vice-president, pledged that he and other gas station operators will ensure any VAT reduction on shelfbased foods will be fully passed on to consumers.
Conceding that he had “no idea” whether the 50 percent VAT rate cut would apply to gas station convenience stores, he added: “We get our shipments from the wholesalers. If they get a discount, and VAT is reduced from that side, it will be a saving for us and we will be able to pass that savings on to the customer.
Union chief hints at more strike actions
FROM PAGE A24
“And I tell you, the Bahamian public, if you call a strike tomorrow, you can get everybody and their grandma who’s not even in a union, they coming out. So that is not what we doing, we just want results for the union. We ain’t trying to support nobody, defend nobody, affect nobody, our concern is the worker.”
At least 14 labour unions threatened to take industrial action, beginning with a two-day nationwide strike yesterday. Prime Minister Philip Davis described the proposed strike as “illegal,” arguing that Mr Ferguson was acting in bad faith, and asserted his office had repeatedly tried to reach Mr Ferguson to schedule a meeting but the TUC president did not answer his phone.
Mr Ferguson, however, maintained he has not spoken to the Prime Minister and did not have a meeting scheduled for yesterday.
“The Prime Minister said he had a meeting with me. I don’t know where that came from.
I never met with the Prime Minister. I never had a conversation with the Prime Minister. So how the Prime Minister could tell the Bahamian public and the unions that I supposed to meet with him at 2pm today,” said Mr Ferguson.
“I have a full trial, but that’s what people do to try to discredit you or me when they can’t get what they want. I repeat: I never met with the
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.” Ralph Munroe, Bahamas Customs comptroller, told Tribune Business there was “no disruption in services” despite higher than average call-ins by staff saying they were sick but nothing out of the ordinary. He said they did not have to activate any emergency plans.
“We didn’t have to have those activated,” Mr Munroe said. “We had one or two people who called in but that’s almost on a regular basis - a little more than you would regularly have but it didn’t affect us any.”
Expressing the United Artists Bahamas Union’s (UABU) support of the industrial action taken by the TUC and its affiliates, secretary-general Linc Scavella-Ferguson questioned why the Prime Minister referred to their actions as unlawful. He noted that Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour, had issued the 14 strike certificates being used.
“He keeps saying that the strike is unlawful, but how come Pia Glover, minister of labour is not saying that? Because she is the one who issued the 14 strike certificate,” Mr Scavella-Ferguson said.
“All of them with the strike certificate are on strike. Fourteen have strike certificates. So, for example, we do not have a strike certificate but we are an affiliate of the TUC, so we are in full support. And there are a number of other
“If the wholesale price is reduced and we buy from them, and it results in savings in our stores, it will be passed on to consumers because our costs will be less.” Mr Bastian said gas station convenience outlets were “a different model” from regular food stores in terms of size and breadth/depth of inventory, describing comparisons between the two sectors as akin to “apples and oranges”.
“Anything to reduce the cost of operations and save the Bahamian people extra dollars, and put more money back into the Bahamian people’s pockets, is a good thing,” he told Tribune Business. “What the Government is doing is excellent.
“Say whatever you want about the Davis administration, and some people put a spin on it to try and be negative, but there’s been some good things that the Government has done for Bahamian businesses over the last three years. There’s some concerns that the general public may have, but the Government has done more good than bad. Let’s face it and accept it.
“I’m an optimist. I don’t see negatives. I call a spade a spade, but the Government has done more good than bad,” Mr Bastian continued.
“We need to get to it. The Government has done all in its power to aid the economy over the last three years. Let’s
give them a chance to reduce whatever needs to be reduced.
“If the Government reduces whatever’s on the wholesale end, we will definitely pass it on to consumers. Everything the Government does to advance the cause of the Bahamian people we’re on board with. It just makes sense to reduce the VAT on certain items to 5 percent.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis KC, in last week unveiling what was branded as a “50 percent reduction in the VAT rate on all food sold in food stores”, said: “ Beginning April 1, the rate will be cut in half from 10% percent to 5 percent. This new 5 percent rate will apply to all food in the food stores, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baby food, lunch snacks and frozen foods.
“However, it will not apply to prepared foods in the deli.. This rate reduction will also apply to the importation of all items previously mentioned. The effective date is April 1 in order to give merchants and food stores time to make the necessary adjustments.
“VAT is not the cause of the high price of food, but for those with the tightest disposable income, reducing VAT by 50 percent will make a difference. This reduction will not impact our fiscal targets for this year.”
unions that does not have strike certificates, and so they are in full support.
“The ones that don’t have the strike certificate, if they strike, it will be unlawful. He is thinking that some of them may be part of the ones that don’t have the strike certificate, maybe withdrawing their labour. But if they do strike and they don’t have the strike certificate, then it’s unlawful. That’s not the case here.”
In regards to Mrs GloverRolle’s comments that the TUC’s actions “undermine” the progress being made, Mr Scavella-Ferguson said that it was only a stalling tactic.
“We have the ear of the Government. So they will listen, but they do not act. They keep saying that but they playing the tactic of stalling until it near election time.That’s what they’re doing.They’re playing games,” he said.
Mr Scavella-Ferguson also sought to clarify that the industrial action is not a sick out. He said that the unions have simply “withdrawn” their labour. He told Tribune
Business that the TUC has 42 unions and, of those 42, only 14 have been issued strike certificates. He said the TUC has the full support of its affiliates but only those with strike certificates are taking industrial actions.
“This is a strike and everyone just stay home. And I hear people saying call in. No one has called in sick. It’s a sick out. Meaning that the union members have withdrawn their labour. That’s the only weapon they have. So they have withdrawn their labour totally for today and tomorrow,” Mr Scavella-Ferguson said.
“We do not have a strike certificate. As a matter of fact, our union is not made up like the other unions.We are entertainers and so if we do a strike, we cannot withdraw labour because most of our work is done in the night. But we are in full support. And plus, our issues are on the table along with the other unions that have struck, and the situation is if they solve 14 of them and one is left, the strike is still on.
