THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the industry does not need the Government’s help to source materials outside the US, adding:
“We’ve been doing this for 30-40 years.” Leonard Sands, speaking after the Bahamas Trade Commission said it was aiming to make construction costs more affordable by acquiring supplies from other Caribbean jurisdictions, told Tribune Business that the Government did not seem to realise the private sector has already been doing this for decades.
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
HITTING Bahamian airlines and other carriers that serve this nation with $1m-plus retroactive fee demands is “akin to sabotaging the industry”, a senior aviation executive warned yesterday.
Anthony Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that it would “be foolhardy” for the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA) not to rethink its approach after last week stunning multiple industry operators with billings seeking increased fees for the period May 2021 to end-July 2024.
Instead, he argued that the Government should exploit its purchasing power and seek to acquire materials itself for use in its own housing programme if it was really serious about reducing construction and home ownership costs for Bahamians. These supplies could then be passed to the contractors hired to build government housing subdivisions.
“Who’s asked for that in the private sector? Anyone?” Mr Sands told this newspaper of the Trade Commission’s building materials initiative. “They asked me about that, and engaged the BCA about that, and we told them very frankly that every contractor sources supplies from every
Warning that the industry’s already “slim margins” will likely leave many carriers unable to meet BANSA’s demands, he added that ticket prices charged to travelling passengers will now “take a hop in order for operators to say in business” and cover these retroactive fees.
Mr Hamilton, warning that the situation will likely spark legal action unless BANSA backs down, told this newspaper that the Authority’s retroactive billing for air navigation services fees highlights wider problems in the aviation industry where the various regulatory and taxing agencies operate in “silos” and fail to see the bigger picture in terms of the overall financial burden on operators.
timezone in the market already from whoever they want it from. They don’t need the Government’s assistance in that regard.
“I’m not going to go to the Government and say I need 15 pallets of plywood, here’s my money, can you go out and source it from Curacao or Venezuela for me. We can do that ourselves. It’s a matter of getting on the phone with a supplier and paying for it. There’s no advantage.
“What the Government should do is, if it’s really interested in driving down the cost of housing for government subdivisions and government housing projects, they should source the materials and give it to the contractor to use. The private sector does
And, suggesting that the increasing “hardships” faced by existing carriers will discourage new entrants to the industry, he called on both public and private sector operators “to fix it for future generations”. Mr Hamilton said the increased BANSA fees also threaten to “displace” Bahamian-owned carriers and make this nation ever-more reliant on foreign carriers to meet its tourism airlift and air transportation needs.
Meanwhile, a senior tourism executive yesterday indicated that he and other top officials were blindsided and taken unawares by BANSA’s retroactive billing move. Kerry Fountain, the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board’s executive director, said he and Dr Kenneth Romer, director
not need the Government’s assistance to source product for the construction industry. We do that on a daily basis from around the world.”
Disclosing that he has sourced tiles from Jerusalem in the Middle East, as well as materials from nations such as Vietnam and Germany, Mr Sands said there is “no barrier” to Bahamian contractors diversifying their supply chains. He added that the US is the main source of
Opposition: Does Hutchison port exit also involve DEvCO?
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
Hutchison Holdings’ plans to sell its interests in the Freeport Container Port and Freeport Harbour Company also include its real estate holdings.
Kwasi Thompson, the Opposition’s finance spokesman, during the conclusion of the midyear Budget debate in Parliament also asked the Government to confirm if the Freeport Container Port and 50 percent stake in Freeport Harbour Company, together with Board and management control, are in a worldwide $17.165bn proposed sale to a consortium featuring Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Blackrock.
Mr Thompson said the deal, which involves some 43 ports spread across 23
different countries, is concerning for residents in Grand Bahama and asked for clarity on whether it affects the Hong Kong conglomerate’s investments in Grand Bahama Development Company (DevCO).
“This issue may not have been raised, but it is an issue of concern for folks in east Grand Bahama. But also, I believe, in Grand Bahama as a whole, and that is the sale of or possible sale. I know we’ve been hearing sort of media reports
of aviation and deputy tourism director-general, only learned that carriers were issued with the bills one day later on Friday. This, he told Tribune Business, occurred when they met with Silver Airways, the Florida-based carrier that is due to deliver between 85,000 and 90,000 seats to this destination between December 2024 to July 2025. Silver, which is presently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US, confirmed that it, too, had received a “$1m-plus” retroactive bill from BANSA. Mr Fountain, in response, argued the approach was “baffling” and voiced fears that the burden of paying the extra fees will be passed - via ever-increasing airline ticket prices - directly to
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A CABINET minis-
ter yesterday said “new revenue” is not required to finance an expansion of free medicine for Bahamians with chronic non-communicable diseases, as he asserted: “This ain’t no pie in the sky.”
Dr Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness, told Tribune Business that long-standing ambitions to expand the National Chronic Drug Prescription Plan’s reach will be funded from “massive savings in tertiary care costs” generated by keeping Bahamians suffering from diabetes, hypertension and other similar diseases out of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
Rejecting assertions by the Opposition and others that this is merely an “election campaign” ploy, he argued that combating chronic non-communicable diseases - which have grown to “epidemic proportions” - at the earliest stages of
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
THE Prime Minister yesterday challenged Michael Pintard, the Opposition’s leader, to state if he believes the economy has recovered from COVID-19 during a politically-charged end to the mid-year Budget debate.
“Do you accept that the economy has recovered?” Philip Dabis KC asked, to which Mr Pintard admitted that it has, yet highlighted that The Bahamas’ gross domestic product (GDP)
primary care via the provision of free medications will generate savings “on the back end”.
Dr Darville also told this newspaper that the 160,000 patients he referred to in the House of Assembly last week represents the number of Bahamians enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, to which the National Chronic Drug Prescription Plan will ultimately be transferred to. The 160,000 figure is not the number of persons with chronic non-communicable
growth rate has slipped from 14 percent following the post-pandemic reopening back towards this nation’s historical average of a projected 1.7 percent for 2025.
“Any economy that has been closed during COVID, once those economies re-open, there is a naturally-expected recovery in industry. When the economy re-opened, it reopened with a 14 percent, then 10 percent economic growth rate. And then it returned to pre pandemic numbers,” said Mr Pintard.
DR MICHAEL DARVILLE
LPIA RATED HEMISPHERE’S LEADING AIRPORT FOR ITS SIZE
LYNDEN Pindling International Airport (LPIA) was yesterday named as the best in the Latin America and Caribbean region for airports serving between two to five million passengers annually.
Nassau’s prime aviation gateway, in a statement, said the recognition by the Airports Council International (ACI) was based solely on airport service quality (ASQ) surveys conducted at more than 400 airports worldwide.
Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), LPIA’s operator.
“We are humbled and honoured that our guests have given us this recognition. The award reflects the entire LPIA community’s commitment to delivering a positive experience even with the challenges faced in airport operations,” said Vernice Walkine, president and chief executive of
“This acknowledgement speaks to the hard work of our employees, airline partners, concessionaires and key stakeholders who come together every day to ensure we provide the most seamless and enjoyable travel experience possible. While we celebrate this achievement, we recognise
TWO-DAY ELEUTHERA OUTLOOK WILL FOCUS ON GROWING PAINS
THE upcoming two-day Eleuthera Business Outlook on April 3-4, 2025, will seek to showcase the island’s growing potential as well as that of Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.
The 13th such annual conference will take place at the Hub in Rock Sound on Thursday, April 3, and at Valentine’s Resort in Harbour Island on Friday, April 4. Held under the theme ‘Prioritising inclusive, sustainable growth,” it will examine the opportunities and challenges Eleuthera faces as it continues to evolve.
Thomas Sands, the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s president, said: “In the past, we would have talked about recessions in Eleuthera, challenges in Eleuthera, and a lack of growth in particular areas. We are growing. Through most of the island of Eleuthera, there is growth. We’re very thankful to see that happen. There’s a lot of new opportunities evolving on the island of Eleuthera.”
However, challenges have come with this economic growth. “The level of growth has happened very quickly. Essentially, we were not prepared for it on several different levels.
In terms of civil infrastructure, it would appear that, in recent times, there is this recognition that there needs to be a solution,” Mr Sands added. “There needs to be a solution that is actioned quickly. In recent times, we’ve seen contracts for road construction. We’re seeing BPL step up to the plate and make the investment in manpower. They’ve also had a series of meetings in Eleuthera outlining their plan to upgrade not only the transmission but power generation and distribution, speaking about the reality of what the challenges were, and a solution to move forward.”
Mr Sands also pointed to ongoing efforts to address water and sewerage infrastructure needs, and underscored the importance of clear communication about where Eleuthera is heading. “It’s important for everyone to understand where we were, where we’re going, and what the needs will be,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Sands said he is optimistic about the island’s future and its potential to help diversify the Bahamian economy.
“Eleuthera will be a
significant growth market for the country, and investment must take place to ensure we can sustain that growth,” he added.
“As a Chamber, we believe it’s essential to have both government and investment data to help us understand where growth is headed and how we can position ourselves accordingly..... Eleuthera is a long island with several constituencies that feed into one another.
“South, central and north Eleuthera each have their own unique dynamics, but they’re all interconnected. You can drive from North Eleuthera to South Eleuthera and experience different landscapes, cultures and communities along the way.”
The Outlook’s first day in Rock Sound will focus on south and central Eleuthera, with an emphasis on infrastructure investments and solutions. The following day, in Harbour Island, discussions will centre on the northern part of Eleuthera, including Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.
“Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island are essentially one larger ecosystem with
that our journey is ongoing. There is more work to be done, particularly as we work towards our goal of achieving a five-star rating.”
Justin Erbacci, directorgeneral of ACI World, said:
“Congratulations to the entire team at LPIA for your remarkable achievement in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. Your airport is one of the
best airports globally for customer experience, as chosen by passengers themselves. Keep raising the standards.”
The ACI ASQ initiative is the only global benchmarking programme measuring guest satisfaction throughout the travel process.
Ms Walkine encouraged airport partners to remain
individual economies,” Mr Sands explained. “We are excited to continue using this format, which allows us to address the unique challenges and opportunities of each region while acknowledging their interconnectedness.”
On Thursday, April 3rd, the keynote address will be delivered by Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation. Other confirmed speakers will include Shakera Johnson, director of information security at Cable Bahamas; Toni Seymour, chief executive, Bahamas Power & Light; Daniel Zuleta, project director at Cotton Bay Holdings; Giana Charlton, human resources manager, Rock Sound Properties; Vibert Williams, chief operations officer, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies; Montgomery Miller, senior manager, Strategic
Coordination Office, Water & Sewerage Corporation; Nicholas Higgs, managing director, Bahamas Development Bank; Tim and Selima Hauber, One Eleuthera Foundation; and Keyron Smith, president and chief executive of the One Eleuthera Foundation; Bradley Watson, Bahamas Conservation Programme Manager; Tim Smith, partner, Better Homes & Gardens; and Colin Lightbourne, licensed partner, Engel & Volkers.
On Friday, April 4, the keynote address will be delivered by Clay Sweeting, MP for central and south Eleuthera, and minister of works and Family Island affairs. Other speakers will include Shakera Johnson, director of information security at Cable Bahamas; Dr Kenneth Romer, deputy director-general of tourism; Toni Seymour, chief executive of Bahamas Power & Light; Lee
focused on key areas for growth and improvement.
“This recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward,” she said. “Today, we pause to recognise the collective efforts that have contributed to this success and to continue to push for excellence in airport service and operations here at LPIA.”
Prosenjak, owner of Valentine’s Resort & Marina; Ben Simmons, owner of The Other Side/The Farm/ Ocean View; Montgomery Miller, senior manager, strategic co-ordination office, Water & Sewerage Corporation; Melanie Roach, Bahamas Striping; Keyron Smith, president and chief executive, One Eleuthera Foundation.
The Harbour Island event will also include presentations on business banking, insurance, real estate, creative commerce and sustainability. Speakers will include Ian Rutherford, Simplified Lending; Itahalia Ellison, recording artist; and James Malcolm, BPG Real Estate. Other real estate professionals include Robert Arthur from Lightbourne Realty and Colleen Carey from Damianos/ Sotheby’s.
The day will continue with sustainability presentations, including topics on community empowerment and agri-tourism by Mr Smith, of One Eleuthera Foundation, and Ben Simmons, owner of The Other Side/The Farm/Ocean View. Andy Fowler, senior vice-president and master distiller, of Bahamas Botanicals will also present on the topic valuing value-added. To register for the Eleuthera Business Outlook, visit tclevents.com or contact Margaret Albury at 322.1000 and malbury@ tclbahamas.com.
JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport, arrived at Heathrow Airport in London yesterday ahead of the Government’s bid to seek re-election of the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Albany promotes new service chief
ALBANY Bahamas has promoted Maneiko Marshall to director of service and personnel development with responsibility for overseeing training programmes that improve employee skills.
Albany, in a statement, said Mr Marshall will also work on aligning staff development with Albany’s service standards and strategic goals. He will manage a team focused on delivering quality service at the high-end resort, while ensuring employees are given opportunities for personal and professional development.
“For the past 12 years, Maneiko has been an integral part of our team, playing a key role in
running our operation with passion, dedication and expertise,” said Ivan Haller, Albany’s vice-president.
“His leadership and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping our success.”
Mr Marshall’s promotion comes after Chef D’Angelo Charlton was named executive chef at the resort. He oversees all dining experiences, menu development and culinary for five restaurants and several other food and beverage outlets on the property. Chef D’Angelo is currently preparing to open the resort’s sixth restaurant, offering another fine dining experience option to guests. Mr. Haller added: “We look forward to pushing the boundaries even further at Albany, setting new standards and continuing to elevate our service experience for our valued members and guests. The future is bright, and we are ready for new heights.”
MANEIKO MARSHALL
MINISTER of Energy and Transport, arrives at Heathrow Airport - London to seek reelection of the BMA to Category C of the Int'l Maritime Org.
Photos:Anthon Thompson/BIS
Businesses fear child leave extension strain
By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business
BUSINESSES yesterday
voiced fears that proposed labour law reforms concerning paternity and maternity leave may impose additional strain by increasing already-high operating costs.
With maternity leave currently standing at 12 weeks, and at least one-third of this time paid by employers, Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, said the specifics surrounding any potential changes will be revealed in due time. She added that the Government “don’t want to pre-empt final approval of our stakeholders” and that a public presentation is planned.
“The Cabinet has already been presented with the 255 recommendations that were procured via the legislation symposium my ministry hosted in July 2024,” Mrs Glover-Rolle said. “The next step is to take the ‘white paper’ back to the original stakeholders - unions, employer confederations and government agencies.
Some business owners are already voicing concerns about how extended maternity and paternity leave may impact their financial situation. Screws & Fasteners World, a hardware store, employs five people, two of whom are women.
Proprietor Patricia Cleare said it can be a “challenge” paying an essential worker on an extended leave.
“I heard about it. I just read, Mr Rolle, the Chamber of Commerce gentlemen, saying that that can be an issue for us with some businesses, and it can be an issue with some of us extending,” Ms Cleare said. “I’m a lady and I have three children, but I do own a business.
“And the 13 weeks alone, and sometimes 14 weeks, actually does put a strain on some businesses where you have to bring in somebody else to actually deal with the demand in your business and try and weather out that storm of 13 to 14 weeks.
“And God help you if the person has to stay longer. But I don’t want to be somebody who will actually stifle somebody’s opportunity.
“We [are] still at the phase of preparing the final recommendations to return for consultations with all of our stakeholders, which will soon go out to them. Upon approval of the final recommendations, we will be able to announce the specifics.”
UB GRADUATES READY TO EASE NURSING SHORTAGE
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business
A CABINET minister yesterday said newly-graduated nurses from the University of the Bahamas (UB) will help to ease shortages of trained staff on Family Islands.
Dr Michael Darville, minister of heath and wellness, responding to Kwasi Thompson, the east Grand Bahama MP’s, queries about when full-time nurses will be assigned to clinics in Sweeting’s Cay and McLean’s Town, said additional staff will be available for placement “very shortly”.
“As it relates to some of the challenges in Sweetings Cay as well as McLean’s Town, I must say that there is a shortage of nurses in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and we just had 58 new graduates from UB who are now being trained, and some of them are domiciled in Grand Bahama and have expressed interest to return home,” said Dr Darville.
“So very shortly, I believe that we will have the leg room necessary to ensure that Sweeting’s Cay is covered and, by extension, McLean’s Town.” Dr Darville said sourcing accommodations is challenging in Sweeting’s Cay
and the Government is working to resolve the issue and ensure Grand Bahama residents have adequate access to healthcare.
“One of the greatest challenges we have in Sweetings Cay has to do with accommodation, and it was a similar problem we had in High Rock that was resolved, and so we’re working diligently on it,” said Dr Darville.
“The people of East Grand Bahama deserve, and should have, the necessary medical support system in place in the event of any incident or even to treat chronic non communicable diseases, and so that is definitely on our agenda as well.”
Parliament also approved a resolution to borrow $75m for the Public Hospitals Authority to construct a new hospital in Grand Bahama and to undertake repairs at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
“For completeness, the resolution passed for the borrowing of $75m for the Public Hospitals Authority was for the purpose of construction of the Grand Bahama hospital and some repairs to the Princess Margaret Hospital. And the consortium of banks is led by CIBC Caribbean,” said Prime Minister Philip Davis KC.
And then, sometimes, some women really need it. You know, back then, they wanted women to actually be homemakers. But to me, I think it’s going to put up even more strain on businesses if they increase it to 13 weeks. Now, I don’t know how far they’re increasing it.”
Ms Cleare added: “I had women working and who had children. Thirteen weeks seems like a long time for some businesses, especially if you are depending on on them. And you still have to pay them a certain amount, which was no problem for me, but the length of time, that was a situation that, you know, we weathered it out.
“But some businesses might not be able to do that. You have other small businesses who cannot do that. [They have] one or two persons [they] are depending on, and sometimes both of them out on maternity leave. That’s a strain on some businesses. So if you’re going to increase it, I know it can be a challenge for other businesses - not only those withbsmall staff. So it’ll be good for us to know what the plan is, how much she’s increasing it to.”
Kenneth McKenzie, owner of Mckenzie’s Fresh Fish & Conch, who employs eight people, mostly
women, praised women for being hard workers and independent. He said four months is enough time for new mothers but he does not stand behind paternity leave. He said women “carry all the pain” and “do more hard work”.
“A man never supposed to get paternity leave,” Mr McKenzie said. “To do what? Smoke and drink all the other blocks? That’s something different altogether. That’s for a lady. That’s for the ladies who carry all the pain, and you know they do more hard work than the men these days and time.”
When asked about fathers who want to be active in their child’s life, Mr McKenzie added: “You got a handful of them. I see more women working these days and time now.
“I’m not going to put my ‘X’ on that. Now if it’s for the ladies, I wouldn’t put a triple ‘X’, because they working. Women run the whole world now. I’m a senior man in my 60s. Growing up, all I see is ladies. They’re looking for work. So I give them everything. If they give them four months… they deserve that.”
Patricia Chatti, owner of Cia Monet Organic Candles Soaps and Scents, on the other hand, supports
FREE DRUGS EXPANSION ‘AIN’T NO PIE IN THE SKY’
The Bahamas’ construction supplies because of its proximity and “convenience”, which means product arrives quicker and shipping costs are lower.
“It may cost a bit more than getting something from Venezuela,” the BCA chief said, “but we know it’s faster. If we go on the phone and a supplier in Miami or Georgia has 50 pallets of plywood, we will have it in Nassau within a week. I call up a supplier in Venezuela, it will take three to four weeks. It’s convenience. It’s not that we’re ignoring the cost.
“Contractors buy direct from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic now. What are you [the Government] helping us with? We do this now. What is so funny is that I spoke to Mr Griffin [the Trade Commission’s chairman]. He’s a nice young man, but they are just catching up with what the construction industry has been doing for 30-40 years.
“Contractors have been buying material from the Dominican Republic since the 1980s. I have contractors in my membership who go to the Dominican Republic four times’ a year and load up with supplies, stock up with supplies,” Mr Sands said.
paternity leave. However, she believes it should be limited to a few weeks versus an extended period of time.
“It’s a step in the right direction because, while women are the child bearers, fathers play a pivotal role in parenting as well, and I think they should also have the opportunity to be able to take time off to support the mother and to be there for the early days of the child,” Ms Chatti said.
“It’s an emotional time. It’s a time for bringing families together and spending that initial quality time. So I think fathers should… be able to have some time off as well. So I fully agree with the way forward for the labour laws of The Bahamas.
“For men who are active parents, while they may not be aware or accustomed to this, they would welcome it. And they would also agree that while ‘I may not need all that time off, maybe give me maybe give me a month, maybe give me three week’. Because there are things that a mother is going to need. And even in terms of the bonding side of it.
Ms Chatti continued:
“They don’t need to be married. Married or not, once you know you’re having [a baby], then you should be able to do it. Now, because
the material and contract the labour. Have they even thought about that? I’ve not heard anyone say it. I’ve not heard anyone say that. Then they could pass a significant amount of savings on to the home owner.”
“The Government is so insulated from the private sector that they think when they do something new it’s the next best thing. Entrepreneurs in the private sector found opportunities way before them. We’ve been doing this for a long time. It’s just now that this Trade Commission has discovered places like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
“It’s foolishness. They are talking about something we have already looked at, and the fact we don’t talk about it is because the practical application is where the client has a difficulty. I can get a door from Indonesia at one-tenth of the cost of a door in Florida, but the door takes six months to get here. A client is not going to wait six months for a door to get here. You buy the door that’s most convenient.
“These are the realities in the private sector that technocrats do not appreciate because they do not build homes for people,” Mr Sands added. “But I do think there’s value in the Government going to these places, structuring relationships and buying these materials in bulk and building 100 homes as cheap as they can and going for it.
“That’s what should be done. They would then only need to hire a contractor and labour. Buy all
Mr Griffin last week pledged that consumers can expect to see a 20-60 percent reduction in the cost of frequently-consumed food items by this summer.
Speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister’s weekly media briefing, he said Super Value’s much-touted egg price reduction is “only the beginning” and several other products will be sourced directly from suppliers in the Caribbean and Latin America.
He added that the National Trade Diversification Programme is working to connect Bahamian businesses with international suppliers of grocery items such as canned goods, meats and produce to reduce the cost of imports.
“Our goal is simply to slash the price of as many goods as possible over the short-term, and so what has happened with eggs is only the beginning. We are here to announce that we expect a 20 percent to 60 percent decrease of a new round of products over the shortterm,” said Mr Griffin.
“Everything from chicken and poultry, pork, beef, kidney beans, lima beans, limes; a whole slew of canned goods, such as tuna, sardines, corned beef, rice, all things that we are currently getting from various suppliers, mostly in the United States. But when we
we only could have a child every nine months, dudes can have children every six weeks. So they may have to put a cap on it for them. You have to put a cap on their leave because while we only could have one child every nine months, a man could have a child every day.
“And so they may have to put a cap on the paternal leave for men so they could choose how they want to do it. Once you use up your three months per year, if you decide you want to have two children that year, four children, then you have to divvy it up. Maybe two weeks at a time, three weeks at a time. But you can be afforded the same amount per child, because, as you know, we procreate differently.”
Mrs Glover-Rolle’s announcement that the Government is “aligning local labour policies with international workers’ rights” lines up with the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association’s (BNBA) call for extended maternity leave and local pastors’ announcement of support for paternity leave.
go directly to the sources in Latin America and the Caribbean, we’re able to bring these goods at a much cheaper rate.”
Mr Griffin said the private sector is a key partner in the initiative, and participants only have to ensure they pass their savings on to the consumer.
“The only thing we ask of our partners in this initiative is to make sure that those cost savings are passed on to Bahamians,” he added.
“Just as you’ve seen with the eggs, where eggs in some places went from $15 and $16 to $3 and $4, our plan is to work very closely with industry to make this happen. This programme is a government-supported and government-facilitated programme, but the private sector is really the driver of this. We’re working with our private sector partners to make this happen.”
Mr Griffin said consumers can expect to see price reductions by summer following a trade mission to Panama and Ecuador in April, which will allow Bahamian retailers and wholesalers to visit and inspect factories and goods before placing orders.
CONTRACTOR CHIEF: WE DON’T NEED GOV’T HELP IN SOURCING MATERIALS
The Bahamas’ construction supplies because of its proximity and “convenience”, which means product arrives quicker and shipping costs are lower.
“It may cost a bit more than getting something from Venezuela,” the BCA chief said, “but we know it’s faster. If we go on the phone and a supplier in Miami or Georgia has 50 pallets of plywood, we will have it in Nassau within a week. I call up a supplier in Venezuela, it will take three to four weeks. It’s convenience. It’s not that we’re ignoring the cost.
“Contractors buy direct from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic now. What are you [the Government] helping us with?
We do this now. What is so funny is that I spoke to Mr Griffin [the Trade Commission’s chairman]. He’s a nice young man, but they are
just catching up with what the construction industry has been doing for 30-40 years.
“Contractors have been buying material from the Dominican Republic since the 1980s. I have contractors in my membership who go to the Dominican Republic four times’ a year and load up with supplies, stock up with supplies,” Mr Sands said.
“The Government is so insulated from the private sector that they think when they do something new it’s the next best thing. Entrepreneurs in the private sector found opportunities way before them. We’ve been doing this for a long time. It’s just now that this Trade Commission has discovered places like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
“It’s foolishness. They are talking about something we have already looked at, and the fact we don’t talk about
it is because the practical application is where the client has a difficulty. I can get a door from Indonesia at one-tenth of the cost of a door in Florida, but the door takes six months to get here. A client is not going to wait six months for a door to get here. You buy the door that’s most convenient.
“These are the realities in the private sector that technocrats do not appreciate because they do not build homes for people,” Mr Sands added. “But I do think there’s value in the Government going to these places, structuring relationships and buying these materials in bulk and building 100 homes as cheap as they can and going for it.
“That’s what should be done. They would then only need to hire a contractor and labour. Buy all the material and contract the labour. Have they even thought about that? I’ve
not heard anyone say it. I’ve not heard anyone say that. Then they could pass a significant amount of savings on to the home owner.”
Mr Griffin last week pledged that consumers can expect to see a 20-60 percent reduction in the cost of frequently-consumed food items by this summer.
Speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister’s weekly media briefing, he said Super Value’s much-touted egg price reduction is “only the beginning” and several other products will be sourced directly from suppliers in the Caribbean and Latin America.
He added that the National Trade Diversification Programme is working to connect Bahamian businesses with international suppliers of grocery items such as canned goods, meats and produce to reduce the cost of imports.
“Our goal is simply to slash the price of as many
goods as possible over the short-term, and so what has happened with eggs is only the beginning. We are here to announce that we expect a 20 percent to 60 percent decrease of a new round of products over the shortterm,” said Mr Griffin.
“Everything from chicken and poultry, pork, beef, kidney beans, lima beans, limes; a whole slew of canned goods, such as tuna, sardines, corned beef, rice, all things that we are currently getting from various suppliers, mostly in the United States. But when we go directly to the sources in Latin America and the Caribbean, we’re able to bring these goods at a much cheaper rate.”
Mr Griffin said the private sector is a key partner in the initiative, and participants only have to ensure they pass their savings on to the consumer. “The only thing we ask of our partners in this initiative is to make
Opposition: Does Hutchison port exit also involve DEvCO?
about the sale of CK
Holdings, which involves the Hutchinson Port in Freeport. It may involve the Freeport Harbour Company as well as the Container Port, and to an American company,” said Mr Thompson. “We would like some indication as to whether this does involve the properties in Grand Bahama. How does it involve the properties in Grand Bahama, and whether it involves not just the Container Port and the Harbour Company, but
does it involve GB DevCO’s property as well.” Mr Thompson said DevCO is a “significant investment” in Grand Bahama and the change of ownership would have an impact on the island. He questioned if the Davis administration has been notified of a change, or any changes, in the ownership of those companies and what impact that will have on the island.
“It is a significant investment in Grand Bahama, and so the change of ownership in that significant investment, either way, will
STOCKS’ SELL-OFF WORSENS AS WALL STREET WONDERS HOW MUCH PAIN TRUMP WILL ACCEPT FOR THE ECONOMY
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
THE U.S. stock mar-
ket's sell-off cut deeper on Monday as Wall Street questioned how much pain President Donald Trump will let the economy endure through tariffs and other policies in order to get what he wants.
The S&P 500 dropped 2.7% to drag it close to 9% below its all-time high, which was set just last month. At one point, the S&P 500 was down 3.6% and on track for its worst day since 2022. That's when the highest inflation in generations was shredding budgets and raising worries
about a possible recession that ultimately never came. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 890 points, or 2.1%, after paring an earlier loss of more than 1,100, while the Nasdaq composite skidded by 4%.
It was the worst day yet in a scary stretch where the S&P 500 has swung more than 1%, up or down, seven times in eight days because of Trump's on -and- off -again tariffs. The worry is that the whipsaw moves will either hurt the economy directly or create enough uncertainty to drive U.S. companies and consumers into an economy-freezing paralysis.
The economy has already given some signals of
have a significant impact in Grand Bahama so we would like to understand what is the situation,” said Mr Thompson. “Has the government been notified of any change in ownership or any potential change in ownership, and whether the Government can indicate what potential impacts that may have>”
Prime Minister Philip Davis KC was present for the proceedings but neither he, nor any other members, provided a response.
Hutchison’s exit from all non-China port operations, which has only been
agreed ‘in principle’ and has yet to be translated into a binding deal or closed, is likely to have at least been accelerated and influenced by newly-elected US president, Donald Trump’s, hostility to its port operations in the Panama canal zone. Both are included in the proposed sale.
Also included are another “43 ports comprising 199 berths in 23 countries, together with all Hutchison Port Holdings’ management resources, operations, terminal operating systems, IT and other systems, and other assets
weakening, mostly through surveys showing increased pessimism. And a widely followed collection of realtime indicators compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta suggests the U.S. economy may already be shrinking.
Asked over the weekend whether he was expecting a recession in 2025, Trump told Fox News Channel: "I
hate to predict things like that. There is a period of transition because what we're doing is very big. We're bringing wealth back to America. That's a big thing." He then added, "It takes a little time. It takes a little time."
Trump says he wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, among other reasons he's given for tariffs. His Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has also said the economy may go through a "detox" period as it weans off an addiction to spending by the government. The White House is trying to limit federal spending, while also cutting the federal workforce and increasing deportations, which could hinder the job market.
The U.S. job market is still showing stable hiring at the moment, to be sure, and the economy ended last year running at a solid rate. But economists are marking down their forecasts for how the economy will perform this year.
appertaining to control and operations of those ports”. Subtracting $5bn in existing debt from the $22.8bn gross purchase price delivers the net value of $17.165bn. The deal is supposed to close by April 2.
With operations in China and Hong Kong not included in the deal, subtracting these from all the ports listed on Hutchison Port Holdings’ website leaves the same number of facilities and countries as detailed in the statement announcing the deal. To reach the 43 ports and 23
sure that those cost savings are passed on to Bahamians,” he added.
“Just as you’ve seen with the eggs, where eggs in some places went from $15 and $16 to $3 and $4, our plan is to work very closely with industry to make this happen. This programme is a government-supported and government-facilitated programme, but the private sector is really the driver of this. We’re working with our private sector partners to make this happen.”
Mr Griffin said consumers can expect to see price reductions by summer following a trade mission to Panama and Ecuador in April, which will allow Bahamian retailers and wholesalers to visit and inspect factories and goods before placing orders.
countries number, the Freeport Container Port would have to be included in the sale but this has yet to be confirmed.
The Hutchison Port Holdings’ website also denoted Freeport Harbour Company as being part of its Bahamian port operations, implying that this is also included in the sale. Freeport Harbour Company, though, is a 50/50 joint venture between Port Group Ltd, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) affiliate, and Hutchison in which the latter has Board and management control.
PM challenges Opposition over economy’s recovery
FROM PAGE B1
“So to answer the Prime Minister, yes, once an economy reopens, you expect an increase, but we have now gone back, according to the Prime Minister’s number to 1.7 percent expected growth rate. So we’re going to hover over this year, next year, between 1.7 percent according to his numbers, and possibly 1.1 percent. If that satisfies you, despite what our people are feeling, carry on.”
Mr Davis questioned if he accepted that The Bahamas has attracted investment, has record low unemployment and placed fiscal spending under control. He said the Opposition will “never accept” the growth in the economy and noted that vehicle traffic has increased significantly.
“So the economy has recovered. He accepts. Now, would you accept that we have attracted investment? Would you accept that unemployment has fallen to the lowest level in 20 years? Would you accept that? Would you accept on the record that spending is under control? Would you accept that our revenue has not collapsed,” said Mr Davis.
“The question for the Bahamian people really is this. Do we believe the reality we can see, the progress we can feel and the opportunities that are growing every day, or do we accept the fiction that the Opposition is so desperately
wanting us to believe? But I’ll tell you one thing, try to leave downtown and get to Cable Beach. See how long that will take you today at any hour of the day.
“They never accept that the economy is growing but the Bahamian people feel that. They now complaining about the traffic on the road. We gonna have to address that soon, too. But traffic on the road because there’s activities, things are happening.”
Mr Pintard accused Mr Davis of “shadow boxing”, and argued that traffic in Nassau has been congested for decades, prompting the former Ingraham administration to undertake extensive roadworks. He said the traffic congestion “does not prove the case of any economic bonanza for this Prime Minister”.
Mr Davis said his administration is not asking for “blind faith” or applause, and reaffirmed his “unshakable confidence” in the Bahamian economy.
“This government, we don’t ask for blind faith. We’re not asking anyone to have blind faith. We only ask that the facts be recognised and acknowledged; that numbers, for example, be acknowledged and that the progress be seen for what it is: Proof that when a government puts the people first, when it makes smart, strategic choices, The Bahamas succeeds and we will continue to do,” said Mr Davis
“This administration, we’re not looking for applause. We’re not here to pat ourselves on the back, nor are we content to rest on our achievements or our laurels. We are here to reaffirm our confidence, our absolute, unshakable confidence in the Bahamian economy and the people who drive it forward.”
As Mr Davis concluded his contribution, Mr Pintard questioned if he would accept that he busted his 2023-2024 budget, a question asked by the Opposition during Parliament last week.
“The member for Cat Island had indicated, prior to the wrap-up, that he intended to answer the question relative to whether or not he accepted that he had busted the Budget, and again, to address the deficit question,” said Mr Pintard. Mr Davis responded: “No, not today. Next week.”
FINANCIAL news is displayed as people work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Photo:Seth Wenig/AP
high-paying stopover visitors that inject $5bn in annual spending into the Bahamian economy. He warned that taxation/ fee policy appeared to be “going back to the same well, and at some point in time this well is going to run dry”.
Both Mr Hamilton and Mr Fountain spoke out after Tribune Business revealed how multiple carriers were last Thursday hit with BANSA’s retroactive billings. Western Air, which said it has already paid the Authority $1.1m in air navigation services charges for that May 2021-July 2024 period, revealed it has now received a $2.4m-plus bill for the same timeframe - a $1.3m or 118 percent increase.
Meanwhile, Trans-Island Airways disclosed that its air navigation services fee bill has almost tripled, rising retroactively by a six-figure sum. “You and I have discussed continually that there’s a need for a major overhaul of management of the Bahamian aviation industry, and that’s primarily for this reason,” Mr Hamilton said of the BANSA situation.
“There’s a lot of mismanagement of the industry. It’s not just retroactive fees, but fees at large are a challenge for the industry. We need to be talking. Everybody needs to sit at the table.. if we are going to fix it. That’s my only recommendation: To come to the table and fix it. To have fees pit in retroactively, there’s something wrong.
“The system is broken. There’s no question about it. With regard to the fee situation, we keep putting a band aid on something that needs surgery. It truly needs surgery.” Pointing out that BANSA is demanding extra fees for services already rendered to flights that took place as far back as almost four years ago, Mr Hamilton said it was impossible for operators to go back and demand those passengers now pay extra.
“From my financial background there’s some red flags that arise in connection with this,” he added. “If payments were made and you have these
retroactive billings, something is definitely wrong. If payments were being made, why were proper reconciliations not taking place to advise” carriers there were outstanding sums owed.
“It’s almost akin to sabotaging the industry,” Mr Hamilton blasted of BANSA’s demands. “Already, in the industry the margins are slim. What are you trying to do? The operator has to eat it. You cannot go back to the customer and demand payment when you have already delivered the service.
“This means that ticket prices will take a hop in order for operators to stay in business. They’ll have to pass the cost on... It’ll be foolhardy not to revisit this. The likelihood is that legal consultations will have to be sought by operators because many operators will not be in a position to meet the demands being made. They’re going to have to seek legal redress in connection with it. It’ll be foolhardy for it to remain as is.
“We have to think of the future,” Mr Hamilton added. “When we think of young aviators coming into this industry it’s very discouraging, and for people already operating in the industry to encounter such hardship, it doesn’t make sense for new people to come in. We need to fix it for future generations.
“What this is shaping up to be right now is displacement of domestic operators, which means this nation will have to go outside to find airlift, which will further diminish domestic providers in the industry. It’s not a pretty picture and we are capable of doing better.
“The buck stops with leadership. The leadership right now is failing us... We are an archipelagic nation, and airlift is integral just to maintain and build the economy. We have our work cut out for us.” Mr Hamilton said he had already reached out to BANSA over the matter and planned to do so again yesterday afternoon.
Mr Fountain, meanwhile, said Silver Airways had “shared” it, too, has joined Western Air in being hit with a $1m-plus retroactive fee increase. “It is baffling,”
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that THERRY ORVIL of Harbour Island, Eleuthera applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of March, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby
he told Tribune Business “I don’t understand, and I’m not knocking anybody. I’m not knocking BANSA, and I’m not knocking the Government, but I don’t understand why a move like this dates back to 2021.
“And how we can retroactively, without any warning - and I’m assuming there was no heads up - how a company or agency can issue to an airline a bill for this amount with no heads-up. It’s not as if, as an airline, you saw it coming and at least budgeted for it and to pay for it. Going back to 2021 and billing someone a $1m-plus bill is crazy.”
Mr Fountain voiced particular concern over the potential knock-on negative consequences for tourism, especially in the Family Islands. “The visitor that is leaving the most money in our economy, that is flying over to use our industry, staying in one of our hotels for five nights, and spending $28,000 a stay, injecting $5bn-plus a year into our economy, I don’t understand why we are constantly taxing that visitor,” he said.
“Instead of exploring or examining how we level the playing field by taxing the nine to ten million cruise passengers that are leaving the biggest footprint, environmentally speaking, in our jurisdiction. And those same cruise passengers are spending the least amount of money. To me, that’s baffling.
“In this regard, we are adding to the cost of getting to the destination. We are adding to the cost of air fare which, as you know, especially with the taxes, are high. The Government has a prerogative to exercise ways to increase the revenue streams but, at the same time, every silo in the Government is not connected because we keep going back to the same well and, at some point in time, this well is going to run dry.”
The fees at the heart of this latest aviation drama are those levied under the fledgling air navigation services regime overseen by BANSA. These fees are split into two types - origin/ destination charges, which are levied on planes that take-off and land in The
Bahamas, and then overflight fees. The latter are levies paid almost entirely by international carriers that fly through Bahamian air space without stopping in this nation.
BANSA is restructuring its air navigation services fee regime in a way that shifts the financial burden of these fees on to takeoff/landing fees, and away from overflight fees. Tribune Business previously revealed how these changes will potentially impose six-fold and greater fee increases over the next four fiscal years through 20282029 on carriers that are Bahamian-owned or service this nation.
However, what was not known at that time was the extent to which BANSA planned to impose this new structure - together with the associated fee rebalancing and hikes - retroactively for the period between May 2021 and July 2024. That only emerged with the arrival of last Thursday’s billings, which followed a consultation meeting with aviation industry stakeholders on the reforms on Wednesday, March 5.
BANSA’s February 2025 consultation paper on the air navigation services fee proposals, using heavily-guarded and technical language, did give a hint of what was coming. It referred to the over and under-recovery of fees during the May 2021-July 2024 period, and said these would be adjusted for “the difference between the actual costs for the provision of services as allocated to overflights and origin/ destination respectively”.
And, with fee income set to be reallocated according the cost incurred in providing these two separate services, the BANSA paper said airline operators and carriers would either receive a “credit” if they had paid more than their fair share or a “debit” demanding they pay extra to cover their under-billing. Those carriers receiving a “credit” would have this applied against their fees moving forward.
With the burden being re-directed towards takeoff and landing fees, their retroactive imposition will largely fall on
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ST.HILAIRE PHILIPPE of Carmicheal Road, New Providence, Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of March, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that WILDA JEAN of Soldier Road, Red Land Acres, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of March, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
OR of Wellington Avenue, off Saint Vincent Street Nassau Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of March, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Bahamian-owned carriers and others that service this nation.
And, given that the overflight fees component is being substantially reduced in the air navigation services regime restructuring, those carriers likely to be the recipients of The Bahamas’ “credits” are the US and foreign-owned commercial passenger and cargo traffic that flies over this nation without stopping here. In effect, the restructuring represents a wealth transfer from Bahamian to US and foreign-owned airlines.
Tribune Business previously reported aviation industry sources as asserting that the jump in BANSA’s origin/destination charges, and simultaneous reduction in overflight fee rates, appeared designed to appease the US government and foreign airlines.
The US Department of Transportation previously voiced “serious concerns” about the level of the fees and whether they are excessive when compared to the actual expenses The Bahamas incurs for providing air navigation services.
And it also challenged whether the level of charges is compliant with the Air Transport Agreement treaty agreed between The Bahamas and US, sparking discussions at the diplomatic level between the two countries over revising the BANSA fee structure. However, Article 28 of the Chicago Convention in International Civil Aviation does appear to give sovereign states such as The Bahamas the right to set their air space fees.
The US Department of Transportation’s concerns over whether The Bahamas’ fees are excessive likely stem from the fact that this nation, in 2021, agreed a 10-year deal where the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue managing Bahamian air space above 6,000 feet. The FAA also agreed to waive the cost of air navigation services it was providing and accept a mere $80,000 fee per annum. As a result, both the US government and members of the Airlines4America consortium - the likes of American Airlines, Jet
Blue, FedEx, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and the United Parcel Service - are arguing that The Bahamas was offering very little in services for the money it is taking in.
Asserting that the fees should only cover the cost of providing the service, they allege here was no justification for “the tens of millions of dollars” that The Bahamas is collecting given that it is just paying, at most, $80,000-$100,000 to the FAA - sum equivalent to 1 percent of the charges. They claim this “runs afoul” of global best practice and agreements, plus the US International Air Transport Fair Competitive Practices Act 1974.
The commercial passenger and cargo airlines, especially, have been using regulatory challenges and other aggressive lobbying/pressure tactics to force The Bahamas to back down. And it is they who stand to benefit most from the proposed cut in the rates for transiting Bahamian air space as they constantly have flights moving between the North and South America continents.
The Bahamas, though, will argue that it needs the air navigation services revenue to build the human, financial and physical resources necessary to eventually take over management of its entire air space from the FAA. And the monies raised are also designed to ensure its civil aviation regulatory regime - Civil Aviation, BANSA etc - no longer has to be financed and subsidised by Bahamian taxpayers via the Budget.
Civil Aviation, for example, is due to receive an $8m subsidy during the current 2024-2025 financial year.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that WILMANE MICHEL of #18 Beneby Road, New Providence, Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of March, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that JOVAN O O of #45 Brighton drive, Freeport Grand Bahama applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of March, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
I A E O RE of Gunhill Road, Off Bernard Road, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send
Trump administration halts funding for two cybersecurity efforts, including one for elections
By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY Associated Press
THE Trump administration has cut millions of dollars in federal funding from two cybersecurity initiatives, including one dedicated to helping state and local election officials.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA, has ended about $10 million in annual funding to the nonprofit Center for Internet Security, a CISA spokesperson said in an email Monday.
It's the latest move by Trump administration officials to rein in the federal government's role in election security, which has prompted concerns about an erosion of guardrails to prevent foreign meddling in U.S. elections.
CISA announced a few weeks ago that it was conducting a review of its election-related work, and
more than a dozen staffers who have worked on elections were placed on administrative leave. That followed an administration move to disband an FBI task force focused on investigating foreign influence operations, including those that target U.S. elections. "I have grave concern for state and local election officials and for the security of our elections going forward," said Larry Norden, an election security expert at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU's School of Law. In recent years, CISA has faced sustained criticism from Republicans over past efforts to counter misinformation about the 2020 presidential election and the coronavirus pandemic. Previous CISA leadership had said the agency never engaged in censorship and only worked with states to help them notify social media companies about
misinformation spreading on their platforms.
When asked Monday if the review of CISA's election work was complete and if the agency could share a copy of the report, an agency spokesperson said it was an internal review to "help inform how the agency moves forward to best support critical infrastructure" and was not planned for public release.
The two cybersecurity initiatives facing cuts are the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which included state and local election officials along with representatives of voting system manufacturers, and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which has benefited state, local and tribal government offices.
Both have been organized within a nonprofit, the Center for Internet Security.
The activities no longer being funded include cyber threat intelligence, cyber incident response and engaging with state and local government officials. In a statement, the agency said ending the funding will help "focus CISA's work on mission critical areas, and eliminate redundancies."
Following CISA's decision, the Center for Internet Security posted a notice online that it was no longer supporting the election-specific initiative. A spokesperson for the Center for Internet Security did not respond to questions sent by email about the effects of the cuts.
The National Association of Secretaries of State, comprised of top state election officials from across the country, was seeking information from CISA about the move and its recent election-specific review, said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a
Democrat who is president of the bipartisan group. Simon said he was waiting for more information before drawing conclusions. He said the group's executive board recently sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging CISA to continue services to state and local election officials, including support for the election information sharing center.
"We got a lot out of it," Simon said Monday.
CISA falls under the Department of Homeland Security, although it has its own Senate-confirmed director. President Donald Trump has yet to nominate someone as CISA director. The agency was formed in 2018 during the first Trump administration and is charged with protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, from dams and nuclear power plants to banks and voting systems.
A spokesperson for the National Association of
Musk eyes Social Security and benefit programmes for cuts while claiming widespread fraud
By CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press
ELON Musk pushed debunked theories about Social Security on Monday while describing federal benefit programs as rife with fraud, suggesting they will be a primary target in his crusade to reduce government spending.
The billionaire entrepreneur, who is advising President Donald Trump, suggested that $500 billion to $700 billion in waste needed to be cut.
"Most of the federal spending is entitlements," Musk told the Fox Business Network. "That's the big one to eliminate."
The comments on the popular program and other benefits provided
State Election Directors said the group was hoping to learn more from the Center for Internet Security about the effect of the federal cuts on its operations.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who served as chair of the executive committee for the election information sharing initiative, said it provided crucial support during last year's presidential election. Election officials were reporting malicious cyberattacks and sharing important details in real time, which she said allowed Maine to preemptively block those attempting to target her state's networks.
"We will find a way to protect our elections," said Bellows, a Democrat. "But given the sophistication of these threats, the elimination of the (information sharing initiative) is both inefficient and extremely dangerous."
support, we couldn't make any progress here."
to Americans could rattle politicians on both sides of the aisle as Musk works to downsize the federal government, especially as he already faces blowback for his chainsaw-wielding approach to laying off workers and slashing programs.
Musk's estimate for the level of fraud in entitlements far outpaces figures from watchdogs like Social Security's inspector general, who previously said there was $71.8 billion in improper payments from fiscal years 2015 through 2022. That's less than 1% of benefits paid out during that time period.
Musk also said there were "20 million people who are definitely dead marked as alive in the Social Security database." However, the leader of the agency has rejected claims about widespread payments to dead people.
"These individuals are not necessarily receiving benefits," said Lee Dudek, Social Security's acting commissioner.
Trump has publicly backed Musk and given him extraordinary influence over the federal government. However, the Republican president has indicated a shift in approach, saying that Musk's team would use a "scalpel" rather than a "hatchet."
Musk has not often spoken publicly since joining the administration, preferring instead to present a stream of consciousness on X, his social media platform. On Monday, he accused Democrats of attacking Tesla dealerships; bragged about X being "the top source for news on Earth;" and accused Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former fighter pilot and astronaut, of being a traitor for visiting Ukraine over the weekend.
Musk's sitdown with Kudlow was his third interview since joining Trump's administration, and he hasn't strayed from his ideological safe space. He previously did a joint interview with the president and Sean Hannity of Fox News, and he sat down with Joe Rogan, a podcaster who
“The American people are sick of the swamp. They’re sick of waste, fraud and abuse. For the first time ever, we finally have the tools to affect it. So I think the voters are going to reward us.”
Rep. Richard Hudson
endorsed Trump last year.
The interview with Fox Business was a reminder of Musk's deep skepticism and even hostility toward the program, which provides monthly benefits to retirees and some children. Trump has promised to defend Social Security from cuts, but Musk has described it as "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time," and the administration is shutting down some of the agency's offices.
Musk said Monday that federal entitlements are "a mechanism by which the Democrats attract and retain illegal immigrants by essentially paying them to come here and then turning them into voters." The allegation echoed the "great replacement" theory, which claims that politicians are trying to expand their power by reshaping the country's racial demographics. The interview was conducted in the White House complex by Larry Kudlow, who served as an economic adviser to Trump during his first term. During the conversation, Musk seemed to acknowledge the unusual nature of his role in the administration.
"Frankly, I can't believe I'm here doing this," Musk said. "It's kind of bizarre."
Musk is the world's richest person and still runs his private enterprises as he advises the president on ways to overhaul the federal government.
He also thanked Trump for his confidence, saying, "Without the president's
Republicans have spent decades trying to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and many have cheered Musk's work.
"The American people are sick of the swamp. They're sick of waste, fraud and abuse," said Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who leads the National Republican Congressional Committee. "For the first time ever, we finally have the tools to affect it. So I think the voters are going to reward us."
But there are signs of backlash and skepticism. Some Republicans have even boasted of blocking budget cuts.
Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole issued a statement saying three federal offices in his state — the National Weather Center in Norman, the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City — would stay open.
"I am thrilled to announce that common sense has prevailed," he said. Cole added that "all three of these places provide vital and valuable services to Oklahomans and I am so proud to have advocated for them." About half of Americans said it's "a bad thing" that Trump has given Musk a prominent role in his administration, according to a mid-February CNN/SSRS poll. Only a third saw it as "a good thing."
ELON Musk flashes his t-shirt that reads “DOGE” to the media as he walks on South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, Sunday, March 9, 2025. Photo:Jose Luis Magana/AP
