GOVT SPOKE WITH FUEL RETAILERS ON MARGINS

Pintard

wants PM to be “complete and frank” on the sudden change

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard has called on Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to give a full explanation for his about turn regarding the recent approval of Royal Caribbean International’s $110m beach club project on Paradise Island.

While in opposition, the Davis-Cooper administration was vocal and critical about the proposed project.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

MONEY owed by delinquent businesses will not save the National Insurance Board fund, Minister of State with responsibility for NIB Myles Laroda said yesterday, adding that many companies that are behind on contributions are small businesses.

He told reporters there is a “misconception” that many businesses that owe NIB money are mega

However, it was recently announced that the revised proposal was approved and developers are expected to break ground “almost immediately”.

Last week, press secretary Clint Watson defended Mr Davis’ change of heart, saying that all previous objections were resolved and that the proposal presented in 2020 was less favourable.

However, Mr Pintard believes Mr Davis and Deputy Prime Minister and companies.

“The reality is the board has been placing individuals before the courts for many years and those affected most are those who are mostly delinquent, small businesses or individuals who have people in their employ. It isn’t the megastructures,” he stated.

He said NIB has seen revenue increase recently, but added that its payouts to pensioners and other people collecting benefits

Journalism Giant Ed Bethel Dead At 82

VETERAN journalist Eldred “Ed” Bethel died yesterday at the age of 82.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis remembered Mr Bethel as “a giant in the field of journalism” and a distinguished diplomat.

“Mr Bethel was an exceptional journalist, a skilled broadcaster, and a respected diplomat who made significant contributions to our nation throughout his career,” Mr Davis said in a statement yesterday. “Mr Bethel’s contribution to journalism in The Bahamas cannot be overstated. He began his career at The Tribune under the tutelage of Sir Etienne Dupuch and Sir Arthur Foulkes, and went on to cover many of the major events in The Bahamas.”

Mr Bethel worked as coordinator of ZNS coverage of the 1973 Bahamas independence celebrations, along with Charles Carter and Carl Bethel.

He added that Mr Bethel represented the country on the international stage

THE government has agreed to “explore other avenues” with fuel retailers to help bring them some relief while not increasing the cost of gasoline at the pumps for consumers, the Office of the Prime Minister said yesterday.

In a statement, OPM said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and senior government officials met with representatives of the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association yesterday “to discuss the industry’s ongoing issues and challenges and the need to find a balance that sustains their businesses while not negatively impacting them and