FNM accuses government of ‘failing small businesses’

THE FREE National Movement has accused the Davis administration of failing small businesses, saying its “illadvised” policies has made it difficult for business owners to operate.

The party spoke out hours after the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation criticised the government on its recent policy changes related to business licence renewals.

Last month, the Davis administration made policy changes mandating that all businesses provide the real property tax assessment number for the building from which the business operates, even if they are renting the space.

They are also requiring businesses that earn less than

$100,000 to submit proof of income at the time of applying for a business licence renewal, among other things.

Yesterday, the BCCEC said in a statement: “These decisions have added to the mounting frustration of the private sector, added delays, and continue to hinder the timelines in how businesses are able to operate and prepare for the future.”

“Businesses suffer and cannot properly plan when the GOB makes policy shifts that have a material impact on how they are to operate without providing a fair and adequate notice period for implementing new policies.”

The BCCEC also noted that in a recent survey, more than half of the respondents they surveyed indicated they were concerned about government regulations,