By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN businesses “feel under siege” from the Government’s tax enforcers treating legitimate operators as if they are common criminals, private sector leaders have blasted.
Dionisio D’Aguilar, Superwash’s principal and a former Cabinet minister, told Tribune Business that senior revenue and tax officials “must get the mindset that every business is dishonest out of their head” as he slammed the participation of heavily-armed officers in tax compliance checks as “complete overkill”.
Speaking on the controversy sparked by machine gun-toting police and Defence Force officers accompanying tax officials on visits to CBS Bahamas and other firms, the ex-tourism and aviation minister said the entire business community was “shocked and appalled at the seemingly aggressive way” that the Maritime Revenue Enhancement Task Force is operating.
Asserting that “90-95 percent” of Bahamian companies are likely compliant with their tax and fee obligations, Mr D’Aguilar suggested that “most of those who aren’t” were likely unaware they were in arrears
• Businesses: Tax Task Force treating us like criminals
• One says: ‘It makes you wonder why I’m in business’
• Marinas chief: ‘Think about the optics’ for our tourists
due to the multiple changes to tax laws and regulations in recent years that have left the private sector struggling to keep up.
Pointing to this year’s Business Licence fee payments, which he said required companies to pay for both 2023 and 2024, the Superwash chief said the anticipated introduction of corporate income tax is now “looming over us”.
Ben Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president, voiced similar sentiments as he told this newspaper that several
Pilots ‘blindsided’ over Customs fee increase
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
PRIVATE aviation was yesterday said to have been “blindsided” by Customs fee increases due to take effect today that will result in the sector paying more than a Boeing commercial jet airliner.
Rick Gardner, a Bahamas Flying Ambassador and director of CST Flight Services, which provides flight co-ordination and trip support services to the private aviation industry, told Tribune Business that himself,
other private pilots and the wider tourism industry appeared to be “the last to know” of the changes to fees set out in the Customs regulations. The Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which come into effect today to coincide with the Budget’s passage and start of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, change the aircraft inbound and outbound fee structure such that it appears a private plane with more than four seats will pay three
Briland resort demanding $913k from horse venture
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A TOP Briland resort is demanding that a Bahamian-owned horse riding business pay it $912,500 within ten days or face the threat of legal action as their long-simmering dispute reignites.
Pink Sands, which employs a 70-strong staff, issued the legal demand to Byron Bullard, principal of B&B Horseback Riding, at the weekend while claiming it has lost revenue “in the region of $1m” because guests cannot use its highend cottages with his stables “not even 20 feet away”.
Mr Bullard, whose horses have been described as “iconic” and a major attraction for visitors and day-trippers, yesterday told Tribune Business that the resort appeared determined
to force him and his business off the beach through aggressive legal tactics.
“They don’t want me on the beach, period. That’s what they’re trying to do,” he said. Asked how he planned to respond, Mr Bullard told this newspaper: “I’ll wait to see what my lawyer says tomorrow. I’ll wait on him. I’ll let him lead the flock and see what happens.”
Documents seen by Tribune Business show Pink Sands is demanding the $912,500, calculated at the rate of $500 per day, as compensation for Mr Bullard and his business having allegedly “unlawfully occupied” the south-east corner of the resort’s property until they moved to Crown Land immediately adjacent to their former location.
Chamber slams ‘Robin Hood approach’ on revenue reform
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) has hit out at a “Robin Hood approach” to tax and revenue reform that it says will ultimately hurt local consumers.
The private sector advocacy group, in an analysis released to coincide with the 2024-2025 Budget debate’s completion, argued that the Government’s focus on raising fees levied on larger companies perceived as more wealthy will still impose extra costs that are likely to be passed on to Bahamian consumers via higher prices.
“The BCCEC and its members lament the ‘Robin Hood’ approach to revenue reform being presented by the Budget as it seeks to attempt to balance the Budget by increasing related fees for perceived wealthier companies, which will still ultimately impact the consumer as these increases will inevitably find themselves on the backs of
smaller companies and consumers who rely on these larger companies for goods and services,” the Chamber said.
“We encourage a more strategic approach to revenue increases with input from organisations like the Chamber, which often provides viable alternatives as recommended by its members and financial experts.”
Lack of consultation was a theme that featured throughout the Chamber’s Budget assessment.
“The BCCEC notes the expanded duty concessions and reduced rates but questions the assumptive process used to arrive at these specific measures. Were there business community surveys or feasibility studies conducted? Was there consultation with organisations like the BCCEC and SBDC (Small Business Development Centre) that have ear of the business community daily?” it added.
“Additionally, while we note that there are no new taxes introduced, the Government proffered that there have been increases made to fees on governmental services where the
cost of providing that service has increased.
“Well, one such increase is the fee from $750 to $1,000 on Customs entries over $750,000, which leaves our members wondering what increased level of service is being realised using the same system requirements and entry specifications as those that fall below this category?”
As for the Budget itself, the Chamber argued that government revenue increases - both previous and forecast - represented disguised costs to business “masquerading as fiscal prudence”. It added:
“The Budget debate also revealed an increase in tax revenue for the July 2023 to March 2024 period with little mention of the direct meaningful impact this has had on the business community.
“Additionally, despite disguising the increased cost of doing business, masqueraded as fiscal prudence, which is meant to increase the 2024-2025 revenue trajectory to $3.4bn, we are hard-pressed to understand why the expenditure still topples the same at
$3.61bn - a feat surely met with more questions than answers.
“Perhaps the Government can benefit from more consultative fiscal reforms that limit expenditure rather than burdening an already-challenged electorate for increased revenue squeezed from its coffers.”
The Chamber also voiced concern that the Budget “does not provide an adequate plan” to address The Bahamas’ inflation and cost of living crisis.
“The new Budget was touted as a tax-free vehicle, yet the six-month delayed Business Licence fee conundrum has only exacerbated the alreadyconfusing system overhaul at the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR),such that there appears to be more encouragement for unregulated businesses than provisions for compliance,” the private sector group added.
“Additionally, the introduction of Cloud Bahamas in January 2025 with the intent to standardise compliance is commendable but we hope that there will be public training or
stakeholder involvement to ensure we do not have a repeat of DIR’s dilemma.
The BCCEC welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the Government to ensure that the voice of the business community is considered in such changes.”
The Chamber, requesting that it gain a seat on both the Public Sector Audit Committee and Fiscal Responsibility Council to represent the private sectors interests, said: “One bold assertion was the insistence on employers to live up to obligations of ensuring adequate training and appointment of Bahamian talent with the approval of work permits for projects where the talent does not exist locally.
“However, there was no prevailing determination of recourse revealed for those who will police this measure. Are there routine
reports, follow-ups and engagements with organisations like the BCCEC, ORG (Organisation for Responsible Governance), training and vocational institutes to conduct secret shopper missions, and is there a whistle-blowing policy in place to report organisations that are not compliant?
“Additionally, what is the ratio of foreign direct labour versus Bahamian labour for these capital infrastructure projects often dictated by the terms of the loan agreements which have yet to be tabled? We note the signing of 27 labour agreements in 30 months, which equates to nearly an agreement each month, but are concerned about the benefit the same has yielded for the business community.”
Ex-Chamber chair says COVID ‘taught us a lot’
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s immediate past chairman has urged the private sector to focus on constant innovation as the best way to adapt to the changing business climate.
Krystle Rutherford-Ferguson, speaking at CIBC’s inaugural Ignite Leadership Conference, said many of the companies that “survived” COVID-19 had to find new ways to adapt to the challenges faced by their operations.
She added that many have retained the e-commerce and delivery service platforms launched during the pandemic as a part of their offerings, enhancing their industry and displaying “innovation and adaptability” at work.
Mrs Rutherford-Ferguson said: “Many of the businesses that survived the financial hardships retained delivery services and now thrive because of e-commerce aspects of their business, which didn’t exist before. Many have made extensive changes to business continuity plans also. This is a fine example of innovation and adaptability. We have certainly learnt a lot through our experiences over the last four to five years.”
She encouraged the private sector to continue innovating and creating solutions to current and unexpected challenges.
“We must embrace innovation and adaptability,” said Mrs Rutherford-Ferguson.
“The world is ever-changing, and leadership requires a willingness to adapt, to explore new ideas and to ignite creative solutions. In
times of uncertainty, it is the innovative leader who lights the way, turning challenges into opportunities and obstacles into stepping stones.”
Anthony Ferguson, president and co-founder of CFAL (Colina Financial Advisors), said innovative leadership is “leading the changes” not just keeping up with them. “I believe innovative leadership is about being visionary, taking risks, acting swiftly. It’s not just about keeping up with the changes; it’s about leading the changes,” he added.
“Leadership is not about title. A lot of us think that leadership is about being called something and, no, it’s not. Leadership is about action, about example, and about mentoring”
Mr Ferguson explained that leaders are responsible for fostering an innovative work culture among staff and ensuring the ideas developed will make a positive impact on society.
“As leaders, it is our responsibility to foster a culture, because innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It is a collective effort, and a result of different minds working together towards a common goal. And, I must tell you, we do disagree a lot, but family disagree and the end of the day, when we go out, we are one unified, unbending team, and we do what we got to do,” said Mr Ferguson
“But, at its core, the true measure of innovation is in its impact. It is not enough to come up with a new and novel idea. We must make sure that our innovations make a meaningful difference, have a purpose and a positive impact on one’s life and the society as a whole.”
Executive Chef
Hopes rise for swift Western Air resumption to New Bight
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
HOPES were rising last night that Western Air could announce a resumption of scheduled flights to Cat Island’s New Bight airport as early as today amid ongoing concern over the state of Family Island airports.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity, because they were not authorised to talk publicly, said the Bahamian carrier was supposed to yesterday send a flight - carrying less than a full load of passengers -to New Bight and, if it went well and the airline was satisfied with the runway’s condition and repairs, it will today announce an end to its temporary suspension.
Representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) and the Airport Authority made a site visit to New Bight airport on Friday to assess the repairs after Western Air announced on Thursday that flights to the destination were suspended due to the “hazardous state” of a runway that has previously damaged aircraft and prevented a scheduled take-off.
Dr Kenneth Romer, the Government’s director of aviation, said runway repair work took place at the airport on Friday to address the issued raised by the Bahamian carrier.
He said: “A joint site visit was conducted by CAAB and The Airport Authority to assess the ongoing airside works. Efforts were mobilized to address and remedy the issues raised by Westernair. I am advised that works were completed today [Friday].
“It was anticipated that regular operations woukd resume on Sunday. The
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relevant aviation authorities remain in contact with Western Air, a valuable partner.” Sunday may have been a slightly premature target but Peter Rutherford, the Airport Authority’s managing director, confirmed that a team arrived in Cat Island on Sunday morning and work is ongoing.
A Cat Island hotelier yesterday said supplies and personnel arrived to Cat Island to assess the runway conditions and begin repairs. He added that the construction team at the airport was “agile and nimble”, and he was confident the matter will be resolved in “short order”.
Western Air, in a widelycirculated notice posted to its Facebook page, on Thursday said New Bight’s runway has “deteriorated” to such an extent that it is no longer safe for jet aircraft because multiple pieces of broken asphalt are in danger of being “ingested” by their engines.
The move, which comes amid a planned $18m overhaul of New Bight’s airport that includes runway upgrades, temporarily at least threatened to undermine the flow of tourists, commerce and freight to Prime Minister Philip Davis KC’s constituency as well as impact travel for residents. It is unclear if any other airlines are set to follow Western Air’s lead, but the destination has previously struggled to attract major airlift.
In a notice to passengers, headlined “Cat Island flight service suspended due to unsafe runway conditions,
Western Air wrote that its Flight 401 - which was due to take-off from New Bight yesterday with passengerswas prevented from doing so by a runway that now features “large potholes, severely uneven surfaces and loose debris”. The Bahamian carrier said: “Due to unsafe runway conditions, flights to and from New Bight, Cat Island have been temporarily suspended until adequate repair on the runway has been completed. While our flight crews have carefully navigated the rough conditions of the New Bight runway for years, in recent days the New Bight runway has deteriorated to a hazardous state with large potholes, severely uneven surfaces and loose debris which can be ingested by jet engines.
“The runway in its current state is no longer suitable for the operation of jet aircrafts, such as the ERJ 145 which we operate, mainly due to the broken pieces of asphalt scattered on the runway. These conditions have already resulted in previous damage to an aircraft earlier this month and prevented the departure of today’s Flight 401 from Cat Island with passengers.”
Western Air’s decision to suspend flights to New Bight, and the concerns over Andros runways, highlight why the Government is urgently moving to upgrade, overhaul and transform airports throughout The Bahamas using private capital and partners. It simply does not have the means to finance itself the $263m
needs of just 14 of the 29 airports it holds via the Airport Authority.
Dr Romer in May 2023 pledged that Cat Island was “going to get the whole hog” when it comes to airport, roads and utilities upgrades and investments. He added that the New Bight International Airport’s runway will be moved further south and extended in an $18m overhaul as part of the 14 Family Island airport private-public partnerships (PPPs).
Revealing that the proposed 12,000 square foot terminal facility will also get a new control tower, fire station and maintenance facilities, as well as a 102-space parking lot, he reiterated previous assertions that New Bight will become “the regional model and trend setter when it comes to sustainable airports”.
Dr Romer said: “Cat Island, you’re going to get, like mama says, you’re going to get the whole hog in Cat Island. It’s coming sooner rather than later. As we like to say in The Bahamas, it’s coming soon directly...... It’s for the future generations. Cat Island, for a long time, has been crying for airport infrastructure in Arthur’s Town and New Bight.” However, he also acknowledged the poor condition of the existing runway. “We landed yesterday and I prayed for the plane,” Dr Romer revealed, adding that the improvements to both airports will address “the risk of breaking up those planes every time they land”.
Family firm presents Gov’t with 12,000 sq feet in office space
A BAHAMIAN family
business has handed over 12,000 square feet of newly-renovated downtown Freeport office space to two government departments as part of a $12m development.
Milo B. Butler & Sons Investment Company held a ceremony to officially present space in the Winn Building, which will house Grand Bahama’s Parliamentary Registration Department and the Public Service Training Department, to the Government.
Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, joined Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, at the handover.
“I’d like to thank Milo Butler Investments for another successfully executed public-private partnership (PPP). Through this fruitful partnership, we now have a modern, fully upgraded building for our public service team here in Grand Bahama,” Mrs Glover-Rolle said.
Mrs Moxey said the relocation to The Winn
Building marks another step in the Government’s efforts to reshape downtown Freeport and enable it to come alive.
“Moving into this modern, state-of-the-art facility, in the heart of the town centre not only brings essential services closer to the people, but also injects a vibrant energy into downtown Freeport through the increased foot traffic to and from these offices,” she added.
Damian Butler, chairman and managing director of Milo Butler Investments, said: “As developers, Milo Butler Investments was able to deliver a turnkey facility for our tenants. This project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals and teams.
“We thank our construction teams, led by contractor Craig Kemp of Select Design & Construction, our architects, engineers and project managers, whose expertise turned concepts into reality.
“We would also like to extend special thanks to Ginger Moxey for her continued support throughout the duration of this project, our key partners at the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and to Timothy Johnson and his team at the Ministry of Works for their support and co-operation throughout the construction process,” Mr Butler said.
“As we hand over this office space today, we do so with immense pride and satisfaction for the ability to contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Downtown Freeport through strong partnerships with both public and private sector entities.”
The Winn Building was designed for sustainability with energy-efficient systems and hurricane impact windows and doors. The facility is equipped with security systems to ensure the safety of its occupants, featuring surveillance and access control measures.
The building offers modern workspaces
Vacancy Announcement
A service-oriented individual is being sought to work in the private residence of a highranking diplomatic official for the following position:
RESIDENTIAL CHEF
designed to foster productivity and collaboration, including open-plan office areas and conference rooms equipped with smart boards for communication.
Renovation of the 32,000 square foot Winn Building was part of a $12m total investment by Milo Butler Investments in
Who will be responsible for:
- Planning, preparing and executing formal dining events using the highest standards of food safety.
- Coordinating, ordering and purchasing supplies related to household operations for private and official events.
- Ensuring that funds are accounted for food and beverage purchases for official and private events.
- Maintaining accurate and separate inventories of official and private food, beverages, flatware, dishware, cookware, appliances, and crockery.
- Planning, preparing and presenting daily meal plans for the household.
The successful candidate for this position will possess/demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, attributes, certifications, and/or qualifications:
-A high school diploma is required.
- Must have completed training & certification in culinary arts or equivalent.
- Must have current Public Health Certificate for food handling.
- Must have three years' experience as a residential or commercial Chef.
- Basic computer skills (for drafting and emailing menus).
- Time management skills with the ability to work under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
- Workplace management skills i.e. ability to maintain a sterile environment.
- Flexibility, adaptability, dependability, decorum, and discretion.
- Willingness to perform duties in multiple residential, recreational, and/or commercial locations as directed.
- Willingness to work a highly irregular schedule including variety of shifts and many weekends and holidays.
- An ability to collaboratively work with a diverse workforce.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must have own transportation suitable for the transport of food items
- Language: Excellent working knowledge of spoken and written English (Level IV).
Applicants must be a Bahamian citizen or foreign resident who is otherwise eligible for employment in the Bahamas.
Please submit resume and three references via e-mail to NassauORE@state.gov addressed to the Human Resources Office no later than (July 5, 2024). Telephone calls will not be accepted in reference to this advertisement.
in Grand
the
At Carmichael and Tuscan Shores subdivision in New Providence.
downtown Freeport. Other works included extensive upgrades to the 22,000 square foot Grand Union Building completed late last year. Milo Butler Investments focuses on commercial and residential real estate projects in The Bahamas, and also manages a portfolio of investment securities. In addition to its downtown Freeport project, the company owns and operates the Lucayan Shopping
Plaza
Bahama,
Shops
PICTURED L to R: Carlos Hepburn, TDG Architects; Senator Kirk Russell; D. Martin Butler, Board member, Milo Butler Investments; Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service; Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama; Damian Butler, chairman and managing director, Milo Butler Investments; Fred Bowe, Board Member, Milo Butler Investments; Cecile Greene, chief financial officer, Milo Butler Investments; and Senator James Turner.
OFFICE space in
The Winn Building, now the new home on Grand Bahama for government offices
EUROPE ON THE BRINK
By Ricardo Evangelista ActivTrades
Back in April, Emanuel Macron ominously said that Europe (referring to the European Union (EU) was mortal and could die. What the French president meant by this was that the EU, and its free circulation of goods, capital and citizens, was not guaranteed to last forever and requires nurturing.
The European project rests on several pillars, including varying degrees of economic, political and defence integration that, in turn, require trust and a levelled playing field between the various member countries. This integration between past rivals has allowed, since its inception, almost eight decades of prosperity and peace in a part of the world that has seen some of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
Since his April statement, Mr Macron has done his best to go against his own advice. Disappointed by the results of the EU parliamentary poll in France, which gave a resounding victory to the nationalistic RN party, and with the president’s own political force losing on a large scale, Mr Macron played an allor-nothing move by calling a general election. At the time of writing this article, the first round of the vote was approaching, with polls pointing to an RN victory, with the left-wing alliance coming second. Both these forces are euro-sceptic and, in good populistic fashion, promise to increase public spending while cutting taxes.
If predictions are right and the RN wins the election, France could be on a collision course with the financial markets, the European institutions and the other major nation in the block, which is Germany. Running a budget deficit of 5.5 per cent and public
debt-to-GDP ratio of 110 percent, France is already in breach of the EU’s fiscal discipline rules. The proposed measures from the poll favourites, RN, entail increasing public spending even more while tax revenues could end up falling. This is a scenario likely to trigger a fiscal crisis. Financial markets have already sounded the alarm, anticipating what threatens to be a new crisis at the heart of Europe. In the aftermath of the election announcement, the euro devalued against other major currencies, European stocks fell and the interest rate on French public debt increased considerably. The institutions in Brussels are also likely to react negatively to a fiscally delinquent French state. The problem here is that France is not Greece. In the last eurozone crisis, Greece was forced by the EU to meet fiscal targets by adopting painful austerity measures under threat of being kicked out of the euro. France being expelled from the euro
club is unthinkable. Such a scenario would almost certainly dictate the end of the single currency and, possibly, of the European Union - at least in its current form.
Finally, a France governed by Eurosceptics could empower similar movements elsewhere, further destabilising the EU’s balance and ability to act as a bridge and aggregator for the continent. Not to mention the likelihood of increasing the friction between Paris and Berlin. Opening up this geopolitical window could reawaken tensions between two nations that have not always been the best of friends.
In any case, Emmanuel Macron has played his gambit. All that can be done now is to await the results of a two-round election whose impact is likely to be felt beyond the nation’s borders, hoping that France and the EU avoid, or find - as they have done in the past - the way out of a crisis that would not be good for anybody interested in global peace and prosperity.
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EMANUEL MACRON
Pilots ‘blindsided’ over Customs fee increase
times’ what a regularly scheduled commercial jet does. Under the new fee structure, commercial jets will have to pay a $50 “inbound” and $50 “outbound” fee for a total of $100. However, a private plane with four seats or less “including all seats in the cabin” is now faced with paying $75 each way for a total of $150. That is slightly more than the $100 fee for a commercial jet, but private aircraft with more than four seats “including all seats in the cabin” now face having to pay $150 “inbound” and “outbound” fees to Customs for a total $300.
So-called “recreational” flights will only pay $150 “inbound”, but cargo flights will see a $150 fee levied on both “inbound” and
“outbound” trips involving The Bahamas. Mr Gardner explained that, for private planes and private aviation, the fee increases represent a threefold and six-fold increase, respectively, on the previous Customs fee structure which was $50 “inbound” and zero “outbound”.
Besides being taken unaware by the fee increases, he added that uncertainty surrounds how they will be applied because no “guidance” notes have been released.
“Nobody seems to know,” he told this newspaper. “There was no guidance given on how this is going to be applied. There’s no real guidance on how they’re going to define these categories, both Customs and the new fees at Bimini airport. They’re vague.
“At this point, I don’t know what to tell you. A Boeing 737 with 180 passengers is going to pay $50 in and $50 out. How do you explain that to a guy with a six-seater plane who is going to pay triple what a Boeing 737 or Boeing 787, what any commercial jet, any airline, is going to pay?”
The inbound/outbound fee increases associated with aircraft declarations tie-in with the Government’s Budget position that certain fees were to be increased to cover the costs associated with providing public services. They also align with the Davis administration’s policy, unveiled in the 2023-2024 Budget, of seeking to increase fees on foreign visitors to The Bahamas while minimising those on Bahamians.
The Government likely perceives the private pilot/ aviation industry as having deep pockets, viewing private plane ownership and use as a sign of wealth, and able to easily absorb the fee increases laid out in the Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations 2024. They also include a $2,500 fee that will be levied if an aircraft declaration is submitted less than one hour before the plane arrives in The Bahamas.
However, Mr Gardner described the private aviation market as “fickle”. He warned that, if pilots and their guests feel The Bahamas is trying to take advantage of or exploit them with fee increases, they have the ability to fly to other Caribbean destinations based on “the principle not the monetary value”.
“When you raise the bar on complexity and fees, fewer people are willing to jump over it,” he told Tribune Business. “Me personally, I think it’s going to have a negative effect, and the biggest losers will be the people who earn a living from tourism.
“It’s not only the monetary value. It’s when they feel they are being taken advantage of. They are fickle. It’s the principle. All I can tell you is that when you increase the complexity, you increase the fees in any industry, it’s never good.
“Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Make it easy for the goose to come and lay more eggs. Every time you increase complexity and cost, nothing good comes of it. We have to look beyond the airport. We cannot be myopic. We have to look at the whole picture,” Mr Gardner continued.
“It’s the ripple effect when a plane lands at a destination. You inhibit that. You inhibit the distribution of money.” That, he added, has a negative impact throughout the tourism industry value chain on hotels., restaurants, ground transportation providers, tour operators and others involved in the sector.
Mr Gardner said some private pilots would opt to incur greater fuel costs by flying to destinations such as the Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos if they feel The Bahamas is targeting them simply because they are perceived
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as wealthy or taking advantage of them.
Revealing that he is due to give a presentation on the benefits and attractions of flying to The Bahamas at Air Venture Oshkosh, a major aviation show that will be held towards the end of this month and attracts around 650,000 people, he added that “we’re going to have to be upfront and say this is what’s going on” with the fees to land and take-off in this nation.
Affirming that much depends on how Customs interprets and assesses the fees, especially how it applies the recreational definition, Mr Gardner said: “I cannot in good conscience look a fellow pilot in the eye. The airlines are going to pay $50 in, $50 out, and in the best of cases you are going to pay $150 total. How do I look someone in the eye and say that?”
“I don’t know how many times we’ve been blindsided like this.. if we keep being the very last ones to find out. It is what it is. We do this [Flying Ambassador] for free, and what’s at stake is our reputation. I will have to behave accordingly.
“If we had notice, if we had discussions three months ago, I could talk about it and develop a strategy for presenting it to the industry. You do it in a collaborative manner where you are all on the same side of the table. Here it is; we’re not going to get blindsided by it,” he added.
“I cannot really tell them [private pilots] what it’s going to cost. We know what the least of the options are, and we know what the worst of the options are. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. This is like the third, the fourth, the fifth time [of being blindsided]. It is what it is.”
Kerry Fountain, the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board’s executive director, yesterday agreed that the Customs fee increases for private aviation “is a concern” said he needed to do more research on the likely impact before commenting further.
NOTICE OF PETITION
2024/FAM/div/No.00142
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS IN THE SUPREME COURT Family Division
TO: MARIATHA THOMAS
Address Unknown
TAKE NOTICE that a Petition has been presented to the Supreme Court by TRAVIS MCKYVER JOSEPH
If you do not intend to answer the charges, nor wish to be heard on the other claims made in the Petition, and if you do not wish to make any application on your account, you need not do anything. The Court may then, without further notice to you, proceed to hear the petition and produce judgment, notwithstanding your absence.
RAQUEL K. S. HUYLER 2 Farrington Rd & Gregory St Nassau, Bahamas
Attorneys for the Petitioner
IN THE ESTATE of ELLA ELVA ROBERTS late of the Settlement of Resort Area of Treasure Cay on the Island of Abaco, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.
Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demands against the above named Estate are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of the same duly certified in writing to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of July A.D., 2024, and if required, prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; after the above date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the proved debts or claims of which the Executor shall then have had Notice.
And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.
MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO., Attorneys for the Executor Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas
BRILAND RESORT DEMANDING
FROM HORSE VENTURE
This newspaper can also reveal that the resort, in a bid to seemingly intensify the pressure on Mr Bullard, has also written to Prime Minister Philip Davis KC urging that the Government and its regulatory authorities take action over Business Licence and other claimed infractions - all of which have been vehemently rejected and denied by the B&B Horseback Riding principal.
Martin Lundy, the Bahamian attorney for Pink Sands, in a June 28, 2024, legal notice that was served on Mr Bullard at the weekend, wrote: “You are aware of the previous complaints made by the resort concerning your construction and operation of a fence and horse stable on the Crown Land abutting the southeast portion of the resort’s property.
“As you are aware, the resort recently constructed two cottages on the southeast portion of its property.
The cottages offer a unique vantage point with private pools overlooking the public Pink Sands beach. However, the staging area for your horses, which includes a shed and a fence, is not even 20 feet away from the resort’s property.
“The resort is aggrieved by your operation of the horse riding business on the land abutting its property in the following ways.” Mr Lundy’s letter cited several concerns and grievances, including the noise from the horses, equipment and stable activities “disrupting the serene environment that the resort’s guests expect” as well as the smell.
Pink Sands also voiced issues with “air and water quality”, and the impact of the stables on its guest experience, and the loss of “uninterrupted sight of the sea” which was described as “a crucial element of the unique ambiance that sets the resort apart”.
“Unfortunately, the construction and placement of your horse stable adjacent to the resort have significantly impeded the panoramic views of the sea that the resort’s guests have come to expect,” Mr Lundy wrote to Mr Bullard.
“Your operation of the horse stable in such proximity to the resort has caused - and continues to cause - severe disruption to the resort’s business, thereby interfering with the resort’s peaceful enjoyment of its property. The net result is that the resort is unable to offer the cottages to its guests given their proximity
Independent auditors’ report
to your horse shed and fence.
To date, the resort approximates its loss of revenue to be in the region of $1m.”
However, Harbour Island sources consulted by Tribune Business said Mr Bullard, his business and stables were at the location first before Pink Sands constructed its high-end cottages. And this newspaper has obtained a copy of the New Year’s Eve 2021 letter from North Eleuthera’s district administrator giving Mr Bullard permission to proceed with the construction of his stables.
Gilbert Kemp, the administrator, wrote: “I refer to your building permit application to construct a horse shed on Pink Sands Beach. Please be advised that, at a meeting of the Town Planning Authority held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, your application was reconsidered and approved.”
And, on November 28, 2022, Stephen Wilson, administrator for the North Eleuthera district, told Mr Bullard: “Please be advised that Andres Ioannou, managing partner of Pink Sands resort, was informed that he does not have the authority to demolish or remove your horse shed located on Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, according to the Town Planning Act.
“However, due to the nature of this matter all communications have been forwarded to the Department of Lands and Survey for their review and necessary action.” Local
To the Shareholders of Fidelity Bank & Trust International Limited Report on the audit of the consolidated financial information
Our opinion In our opinion, the consolidated financial information of Fidelity Bank & Trust International Limited (the Bank) and its subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’) as at 31 December 2023, is prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the basis of preparation as set out in Note 2 to the consolidated financial information.
What we have audited
The Group’s consolidated financial information comprises: ● the consolidated statement of financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2023 Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial information section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence We are independent of the Group in accordance with International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA Code). We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IESBA Code.
Emphasis of Matter - Basis of preparation
We draw attention to Note 2 to the consolidated financial information, which describes the basis of preparation. The consolidated financial information is prepared to comply with the requirements of the Group’s regulator. As a result, the consolidated financial information may not be suitable for another purpose. The consolidated financial information does not comprise a full set of consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the consolidated financial information Management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial information in accordance with the basis of preparation as set out in Note 2 to the consolidated financial information and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial information that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
government authorities are responsible for Town Planning on many Family Islands.
However, Pink Sands’ demand that Mr Bullard pay it $912,500 in compensation is rooted in its claim that B&B Horseback Riding was allegedly “unlawfully occupying” the south-eastern portion of the resort’s property prior to the present owner, PS Ltd, acquiring it in 2014.
“We understand that PS Ltd advised you in or around 2015 that they intend to develop the resort and required the use of the south-eastern portion of the resort’s property,” Mr Lundy wrote. He asserted that Mr Bullard and his business, though, did not move to the adjacent Crown Land until 2022, resulting in Pink Sands sustaining “significant loss and damage.
The resort has likely limited its claim to the five-year period between 2018 and 2022 due to the Limitations Act, which prevents its claim from going back further. However, it also demanding that Mr Bullard “within the next ten days” remove the fence and horse stable and discontinue operating B&B Horseback Riding from its present location.
Otherwise, Pink Sands will initiate Supreme Court action seeking orders and injunctions to achieve these objectives, as well as a claim for “nuisance” and trespass damages. The brewing legal battle pits a major foreign investor and resort against a Bahamian businessman
and entrepreneur who is not without his sympathisers in Harbour Island. One Briland resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, argued that the situation required compromise rather than confrontation. They said of Mr Bullard: “He’s a Bahamian businessperson that’s providing a tourist experience. There’s got to be a way for him to be accommodated. There’s got to be a compromise out there where everyone wins. “The horses are iconic, and I support his right to operate there like the people renting the chairs and umbrellas, and selling the goombay smashes. This island is flooded every day with day trippers who come to see the iconic horses. He’s a nice guy. They’re looking after their hotel, and Byron’s looking after his interests and, unfortunately, they’re conflicted.”
The dispute also potentially sets central government against local government with respect to planning decisions. Mr Lundy, on Pink Sands’ behalf, wrote a June 16, 2024, letter to the Prime Minister urging the Government to “protect and defend” the Crown Land that Mr Bullard and his business presently occupy as it seeks to increase the pressure on him.
However, Mr Bullard’s case is that the horse riding business, which he has owned and operated since the late 1980s, has occupied its present site “for more
than 60 years” dating back to the 1950s when it was under other ownership. As a result, Mr Bullard is arguing thatthrough more than 36 years of “undisturbed possession” - he has met the 30-year legal minimum to be declared owner of the property.
The Ministry of Works has an active case against Mr Bullard in the magistrate’s court, arguing that the fence and stables for his business were constructed without a building permit despite the evidence suggesting this was granted by local government. However, in its letter to Mr Davis, Pink Sands made clear its frustration that the Ministry of Works case has been “incredulously slow to proceed and punctuated by unceremonious adjournments”. This has likely prompted it to make its own legal demands of Mr Bullard, with the resort also asserting that the administrator told him on March 21, 2022, to stop building a fence until he could provide a valid Crown Land lease.
“The resort’s significance in Harbour Island is undisputed - it being the largest employer on the island,” Mr Lundy wrote. “Aside from Mr Bullard’s construction of the shed and fence without a building permit, the resort is pained that no proceedings have been brought by or on behalf of the Crown against Mr Bullard for his continued trespass and occupation of the Crown Land abutting the resort’s property.”
In preparing the consolidated financial information, management is responsible for assessing the Group ’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless mana gement either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial information
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial information as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error a nd are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this consolidated financial information.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
● Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial information, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
● Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
● Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the G roup’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial information or, if such disclosures are ina dequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial information.
We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group aud it. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Other Matters
The Group has prepared a separate set of consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, on which we issued a separate auditors’ report to the Shareholders dated 27 June 2024. This
‘Under siege’
president, voiced similar sentiments as he told this newspaper that several members felt the tax authorities are treating the private sector “like drug dealers, not business people”.
“It’s the old saying: It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it,” he said, adding: “It’s things like that which make you wonder why I’m in business, why I’m doing this. It’s hard enough to make payroll, jump through the hoops that exist and the endless amounts of paperwork, time on the tax portals uploading documents and getting Tax Compliance Certificates (TCCs) and certificates of good standing.”
Marques Williams, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM), whose members were among the first to be visited by the Revenue Enhancement Task Force, said several operators were “stunned and startled” by the presence of heavilyarmed police and Defence Force officers in the teams conducting the tax compliance checks.
And, while visitors are used to encountering Customs and Immigration officers, he added that the sight of machine gun-wielding police and Defence Force officers had been “a bit alarming for the guests”, warning: “The optics of it caused concern.”
Amid near-universal condemnation from the private sector, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson late last week said the Davis administration will “review” the presence of heavily-armed officers in teams conducting these tax compliance checks. Mr D’Aguilar was among those calling for greater common sense to prevail among the Government and tax authorities.
“One hopes based on the negative response of the community at large about the overly-aggressive tactics employed by the tax collectors of the country that they
would be minded to tone down their visitation to businesses,” the Superwash chief blasted. “Everyone was shocked and appalled at the seemingly aggressive way they approached businesses in the South-West Plaza.”
Mr D’Aguilar praised Brent Burrows II, CBS Bahamas’ vice-president of retail and sales, for exposing how the Task Force approached the retailer, saying it had given others courage to speak out and “emboldened elements of the business community to first and foremost initiate their own complaints” about the resulting disruption.
“It just seemed in his [Mr Burrows] eyes an intimidation tactic, and that’s not the way we do business in The Bahamas,” Mr D’Aguilar added. “That’s completely, totally out of hand. They should not have used this tactic of approaching your business with armed officers toting machine guns.”
Commander Bertram Bowleg, chairman of the Government’s Maritime Revenue Enhancement Task Force, previously refuted suggestions that his officers have been “heavy handed” or “aggressive” in their approach. He pointed out that it was standard practice for law enforcement to carry weapons in the modern Bahamas, and said the presence of armed officers was necessary to protect tax officials given the possibility that some delinquent companies may react negatively to demands for payment.
Mr D’Aguilar, though, said “they have no evidence yet of businesses responding aggressively to their requests”, and argued that a solitary officer rather than a posse of police and Defence Force personnel was all that was needed to accompany revenue officials and ensure their safety.
“It’s complete overkill approaching businesses with machine gun-toting armed guards,” he told Tribune Business. “It’s
ridiculous. Hopefully exposure of this incident will cause them to pause and think rationally and understand the kind of community we have, and react accordingly...
“I think there’s a mindset by certain senior officers in the tax collecting departments that every business is dishonest and must be treated so. They must get this mindset out of their heads. I think 90-95 percent of businesses are compliant, and most of those who aren’t probably do not realise they are non-compliant.
“They’ve been changing the law, and they should use this as an education exercise. This is how you calculate Business Licence or VAT. The laws have changed considerably.. Business Licence, what is included in the definition of revenue and what isn’t. There are a number of changes that have been quite confusing to people,” Mr D’Aguilar said.
“There’s just no need for this seemingly aggressive and adversarial approach to businesses. Businesses are feeling under siege right now with all the changes in tax laws; the fact they’ve altered the way you calculate the Business Licence from one where you calculate it in arrears to one where you estimate future Business Licence fees.
“This year we had to pay the Business Licence fee for 2023 and estimate it for 2024, which was seen by many as very,very unfair. As they say in the vernacular: They just jook it down our throats, take it or leave it. A lot of businesses are feeling they are under siege, and the evidence is in the Budget book.”
Government income is forecast to rise from $3.537bn in the new 20242025 fiscal year to $4.078bn in 2026-2027, while its revenue as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) is set to jump from 20.3 percent in 2022-2023 to 23.2 percent in the coming fiscal year and then to 25 percent in 2025-2026.
Mr D’Aguilar said this
showed more money, in the form of taxes and fees, is being extracted from Bahamian businesses and consumers via taxes and fees to generate these revenue increases. “Businesses feel under attack, and no one is talking about it now, but they’re gearing up to introduce corporate income tax,” he added.
“You cannot grow your economy without growing the business community, and if you’re beating them up all the time and taxing them, they are not going to drive your economy.” Other private sector reaction has been equally negative.
Jak Hannaby-Cummins, Pam Cay’s managing director, last week slammed the Task Force as “barbaric, it’s mindless and completely archaic” in a TV interview. He added that it has visited the south-eastern New Providence community three times in the past three weeks - on June 3, June 6 and again last weekwith the final visit involving some 30 officers, not just 10-13.
Tribune Business has also seen another video, taken from surveillance cameras in what appears to be a small retail store, of a Task Force check-up. The proprietor, in a voice over commentary, says: “I had all my papers prepared and was ready for them. I think it was the National Insurance Board, it was Immigration, it was the police.”
Officers are seen entering and exiting the store, including some who are armed and at least one who was wearing a mask. “I trying to figure out why these people are terrorising me like this,” the proprietor says of his hour-long ordeal. “All police, NIB, Immigration, Defence Force. Come on man, you mean to tell me what I did was that big for this type of pressure? This type of pressure ain’t normal.”
The business owner said he was quizzed on how many employees he has, their Immigration status and if their papers are in order. “They were asking me questions before I could answer the previous one,” he said.
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) also entered the fray by arguing that the private sector’s contribution to The Bahamas’ post-COVID recovery has “been met with contempt rather than embrace” by the Government.
“The Budget debate lorded the increase in external reserves by $547m to $2.9bn due to net foreign currency inflows from the private sector rather than borrowing, and while we appreciate the letter of the law, we are concerned that this seemingly welcomed increase has instead been met with contempt for the business community rather than embrace, with invasive inspection strategies toward compliant businesses for documents easily obtained through portal access,” the Chamber said.
“Surely the use of armed forces and uniformed branches are better served to grapple with the impediment of increased crime rather than obstructing day to day operations of businesses and disrupting the ease of doing business for their clientele?”
Mr Albury, the BMDA’s president, told Tribune Business of the Task Force’s CBS Bahamas visit: “I think it was very disturbing. Speaking to a lot of our members, some of the reaction from some was they they felt businesses were being treated like drug dealers, not business people.
“It’s the scare tactics and intimidation tactics that are very concerning to businesses known to be compliant and that have never done anything compromising or out of line. The reaction from a lot of members is they have the impression that the Government knows a lot of businesses that are possibly non-compliant and doing things that are maybe unethical, and these efforts should be directed to those.”
Mr Albury joined Mr D’Aguilar in arguing that the Task Force would be better served to make appointments with businesses in advance, so that they latter can have ready the documents and records they are seeking, which would make the visits more productive. And they noted that the tax authorities likely already possess much of the information being sought in electronic form.
“It’s very unsettling to have armed officers come into your business,” the BMDA president said. “You’d expect that stuff if they have a search warrant or have come to apprehend someone suspected of committing a violent offence, not someone operating a legitimate business and trying to feed their family.
“I understand that the Government is trying to tighten down on everything and ensure compliance. It’s the old saying: It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it. I don’t think anyone is opposed to compliance
and satisfying any con-
cerns the Government may have. I hope this may have addressed some things; that this way may not have been the proper way to do things.
“Businesses are already under a lot of pressure to comply and jump through a lot of hoops setting up records. We understand they’re trying to get the revenue due to them, and most businesses I think want to be compliant and able to show that. I hope there’s some re-evaluation as to how they approach that,” Mr Albury continued.
“It was a very strong-arm tactic and I would hope there’s some lessons learnt. I don’t think it sheds a good light on the Government and what they are trying to accomplish. I think the general sentiment among all our members is if this could happen to CBS and others in the South-West Plaza it could happen to anybody but, in my heart, I don’t think it should happen again.
“The report that came into the BMDA was very unsettling. I would hate to have an experience like that. Not that I’m afraid they’ll find something out about me, but exposing my staff and customers. If people see armed officers going into your business it sets off alarms that something sinister is happening or more serious.”
Mr Williams, the ABM president, said of his members’ Task Force experience: “Some of the marinas were a bit stunned. They were startled by their arrival. It was a surprise and guests were startled. They typically see Immigration and Customs officers; it’s just that the police and Defence Force officers with the weapons were a bit alarming for the guests, that kind of thing - the optics of it.
“A couple of members raised concerns about it. It was alarming; they didn’t expect it. The optics of it caused concern, especially with the visitors, and what the reasons were for it. They are the ones on vacation. Nobody has seen this activity before. It was just eye-opening and caused everyone to get taken aback a bit.
“They just expected this to be more of a verification of the books. The weapons and military uniforms were a bit extreme for the purpose of verifying revenue. A bit extreme. Everyone was just a bit alarmed at the display. It’s a bit jarring. It just doesn’t happen here in The Bahamas,” Mr Williams added.
“It was just alarming to see the Task Force enter with heavy weaponry to check books. I’m sure they’re going to continue to do the pop-up inspections. They might want to consider how to proceed and how it is perceived by the public and industries like the marinas, which is a highly touristic environment. We want them to think how those optics look.”
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, WIDE WINGS INC. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 30th May, 2024 NOTICE
Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000 WIDE WINGS INC. (the “Company”)
Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of ACFC Investments Ltd. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 12th day of June, 2024.
Gustavo Dos Santos Vaz Liquidator
(In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General.
Dated this 28th day of June A.D. 2024.
International Business Companies Act (No.45 of 2000) In Voluntary Liquidation
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of WELBERTON PRIVATE EQUITY CORP has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 27th May, 2024.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that SONIC INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 6th day of June, 2024.
LPIA REACCREDITED FOR TOP PASSENGER SERVICE
LYNDEN Pindling International Airport (LPIA) says it has recently been reaccredited by Airports Council International (ACI) for exceptional customer experience.
The Bahamas’ major airport, in a statement, said it is one of 19 facilities in the Caribbean to gain this recognition for consistent delivery of outstanding service centred on the passenger experience. Having first received accreditation in 2019, LPIA is being reaccredited postCOVID to account for the change in guest needs and expectations.
To obtain reaccreditation, participating airports undergo an assessment of
airport services, facilities and overall guest satisfaction. Staff and stakeholders take part in a comprehensive review and training process focused on a complete picture of the guest experience management.
Vernice Walkine, president and chief executive at Nassau Airport Development Company, LPIA’s operator, said: “Our operations are passenger-centric and we strive to exceed expectations at every touchpoint. As the first and last impression of our destination, we want to treat all of our passengers as guests.
“We are pleased to receive this reaccreditation, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication
of our entire airport community. This certification reaffirms our commitment to creating a seamless and
enjoyable journey for everyone who passes through our airport.”
Jonathan Hanna, NAD’s vice-president of operations, added: “At LPIA, we continue to use tools to measure guest experience.
We have been using the globally recognised ASQ (Airport Service Quality) surveys for many years to better anticipate guest needs.
“Our goal is to build on this reaccreditation by implementing innovative solutions to further enhance the guest experience. We have an ambitious target of becoming a five-star facility, and we believe that we can get there by listening to our guests and meeting their needs at every step.”
NAD said LPIA has implemented several
initiatives aimed at improving guest satisfaction through investment in its people, technology and assets. These include hiring additional guest service team members to assist the travelling public; guest experience training for front line staff; investing in technology to provide real-time information to passengers; and a robust capital project plan aimed at making improvements to the facility.
LPIA is now seeking to further improve the passenger experience by expanding amenities and focusing on accessibility, sustainability and overall guest convenience.
Colina sales agents attend leading global conference
COLINA Insurance Company’s top sales representatives have returned from the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) conference, held from June 22-25, in Vancouver, Canada.
The event, attended by more than 11,000 individuals from across the world, is held annually and focuses on professional advancement through educational
sessions, sharing of best practices and networking.
Colina employees Dennis Britton, Janith Mullings, Lynette Thompson, Shakeilya Knowles, Alfreda Knowles, Bridgette Sands, Sandradee Henfield, Latarsha Cleare, Veoshe Johnson and Anthony Longley attended.
Elrod Outten, Colina’s sales director, said: “It’s genuinely inspiring to see our agents shine
internationally. They don’t just represent Colina; they embody the spirit and dedication that are at the core of our country’s success.
“Seeing them shine brings home the passion
and dedication they put into their work every day, not only elevating their personal careers but fundamentally strengthening our collective mission to serve with integrity and passion.”
NOTICE
International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000 APPALOOSA LIMITED (the “Company”)
Insurance sales representatives who gain the MDRT title are recognised as the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals. Its members maintain high
standards of excellence. The MDRT is a global, independent association of life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 700 companies in 80 nations and territories.
NOTICE
International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000 Santa Cruz Financial Ltd.
TOP row (L to R): Dennis Britton; Janith Mullings; Lynette Thompson; Shakeilya Knowles and Alfreda Knowles.
LPIA renews its airport customer experience accreditation.
