05022025 BUSINESS

PM: New Budget

‘will not hurt’ the

business sector

Growing fears on Business Licence fee over-payment

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN companies are increasingly fearful they have overpaid their Business Licence fees for 2025 given predictions that sales will plunge due to the economic uncertainty unleashed by Donald Trump’s tariffs.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Prime Minister yesterday pledged that the upcoming 2025-2026 Budget will be proeconomic growth, and asserted that it “will not introduce measures that hurt the business community”.

Philip Davis KC, in a read-out of a meeting with senior private sector executives including bankers, real estate developers and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), said the new Budget - set to be presented on May 28 - will provide “targeted tax incentives” for businesses as well as attempt to further slash Customs duties on “essential goods”.

However, he reiterated his administration’s previously-unveiled policy position that foreign firms who profit financially from exploiting The Bahamas’ natural assetsnamely its ocean and land environment - “must pay their fair share” in taxes and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

Gowon Bowe, the Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, who was present at the breakfast meeting, told Tribune Business that no “speciﬁc announcements” or policy “directives” were unveiled by the Government as this was not the event’s purpose or focus.

Mark A Turnquest, founder of the 242 Small Business Association and Resource Centre, and a well-known consultant to the sector, told Tribune Business that many of his clients “are really concerned” that their Business Licence fee estimates and payments will be “incorrect” given the anticipated slowdown in global economic activity and consumer demand unleashed by the US president’s policies.

He asserted that top-line turnover, upon which Business Licence fees are based and calculated, will now “not

even be close” to estimates already submitted to the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) with many small businesses “scared as hell” about their prospects for the remainder of 2025.

Meanwhile Leonard Sands, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president, told this newspaper that his group and others in the private sector had already warned the Government and tax authorities that requiring companies to effectively pay Business Licence fees in

advance - based on estimated, rather than actual, turnoverwas “a terrible idea”.

Agreeing that these concerns are now being exacerbated by the fall-out from Mr Trump’s tariffs, he argued it was “a recipe for disaster” and may force some ﬁrms out of business because they are having to “pay out monies they’ve not even earned yet”.

The BCA chief, in a renewed plea for the Ministry of Finance and DIR to reverse course, asserted “it’s not good policy to

Business Licence ﬁlings and fee payments, companies with annual turnovers of $250,000 and above were required to cover any difference between their 2024 estimated and

BICA chief: ‘Bottlenecks’ remain but Business Licence smoother

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president yesterday said “a meaningful number” of $5m-plus turnover ﬁrms have sought Business Licence ﬁling extensions amid “notable” process improvements.

Pretino P. Albury, in written replies to Tribune Business questions, said the 2025 Business Licence ﬁling and payment process - now in its second year in the current format - had operated far more smoothly that last year due to better readiness

by accountants and their corporate clients, as well as enhanced collaboration with the Department of Inland Revenue.

However, he added that “a primary bottleneck” to completing either the full Business Licence auditor veriﬁcation check for ﬁrms with annual turnovers between $250,000 and $5m - remains those companies that did not prepare or failed to “engage their auditors in a timely manner”. Inadequate or unavailable information required for these processes is another obstacle.

And Mr Albury told this newspaper that increased

outreach by the Department of Inland Revenue will also be critical to addressing newlyemerged “complexities” caused by the introduction of the 15 percent corporate income tax for entities that are part of multinational groups with annual turnover exceeding 750m euros.

This, together with new reporting requirements and Business Licence Act reforms that treat corporate income tax as a credit to be applied against this fee, have already produced “some confusion and compliance pressure” for Bahamas-domiciled corporate entities - especially those

involved in cross-border structures.

Still,

$200m Exuma resort in planning approval

THE controversial $200m Rosewood Exuma resort was yesterday said by its developer to have received the necessary approvals to proceed from the Town Planning Committee.

Felipe MacLean, Yntegra Group’s chief executive, said the Sampson Cay development has received

approval for its master plan but is still waiting on environmental permissions from the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP).

“We just received the approval from Town Planning for our master plan. So, we’re very happy with that and looking forward to ﬁnalising the process with DEPP on our application,” said Mr MacLean. “It’s still

SEE PAGE B4

By NEIL HARTNELL

Competition Authority’s (URCA) authority to supervise Freeport-based utilities have “stalled” over bids to have the judge overseeing the cases step down. URCA, in unveiling its 2024 annual report yesterday, revealed that long-running challenges by both Grand Bahama Power Company and Cable Bahamas to its ability to regulate their Freeport operations are awaiting rulings on applications for the trial judge to “recuse”

themselves. No reason was given for this move and, while the judge was not identiﬁed, Tribune Business understands it is Justice Loren Klein.

“At the beginning of 2024, there were two preexisting litigation matters. Both of which are stalled awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court on a submission in limine surrounding the application requesting the recusal of the trial judge assigned to hear both matters,” URCA said.

Both GB Power and Cable Bahamas are contesting the Nassau-based regulator’s authority to

hailing the improved Business Licence processes, Mr Albury said: “From BICA’s perspective, the 2025

PRETINO P. ALBURY

LEONARD SANDS

PRIME Minister and other Cabinet ministers meet with private sector leaders yesterday.

BICA chief: ‘Bottlenecks’ remain but Business Licence smoother

Business Licence veri-

ﬁcation and audit cycle has demonstrated notable improvements in engagement and general preparedness compared to the prior year.

“We believe this is due in part to BICA’s measured and strategic response, including technical education initiatives and timely awareness campaigns delivered to our members.

By proactively educating practitioners and bringing visibility to changes in the legislation and its implementation, BICA has helped to strengthen the collective readiness of the profession to meet these growing demands.”

However, he was quick to acknowledge that issues remain. “While this year’s process showed improvement, challenges persist.

Client readiness, particularly the availability of accurate trial balances, support schedules, and reconciliations, remains a primary bottleneck,” the BICA president said.

“On the administrative side, the Department of Inland Revenue’s (DIR) taxpayer portal, though occasionally unstable, showed incremental improvements in functionality during the 2025 second quarter, especially around bulk uploads and attachment handling.

“One of the most signiﬁcant concerns again

$200m Exuma resort in planning approval

within the days that they review. We exchange different information with them, and we’re just letting the process run.”

He added that the project, which is expected to generate 400 jobs, already has a database of more than 100 Exuma residents who are interested in positions once the go-ahead to begin construction is received. “We have a database that has north of 100 people interested in the project. As soon as we get our CEC (certﬁcate of environmental clearance) from DEPP, we’re ready to start hiring people,” said Mr MacLean. He added that Exuma is the

Common Law and Equity Division

this year relates to turnover thresholds exceeding $5m, which require mandatory audited ﬁnancial statements. While BICA does not maintain ofﬁcial statistics on extension requests, we are aware that a meaningful number of entities have had to apply for extensions, particularly those that were not fully prepared or did not engage their auditors in a timely manner,” Mr Albury added. “The extension requests have generally centred around readiness of internal records, timing of trial balances, or delays in scheduling with practitioners due to high demand.”

The BICA president had previously argued that the Business Licence audit

“perfect ﬁt” for the luxury Rosewood resort and will employ the highest operational and environmental standards.

“I believe that the Exuma Cays is the destination that our project is the perfect ﬁt for. With Rosewood Exuma we’re bringing quality over quantity. We’re bringing the highest standards, not only from the operational point of view, but also on our sustainable and environmental efforts,” he added.

Responding to criticism of the project from the

IN THE MATTER OF all that parcel of land situate at “White Bluff” near the Settlement of Governor’s Harbour in the Island of Eleuthera of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and containing 4.591 acres more or less which said piece parcel or lot of land is bounded on the NORTH by land now or formerly the property of M. McDonald & Mary Sweeting and running thereon 435.06 feet, SOUTH by a public road and running thereon 445.11 feet, EAST by land now or formerly the property of James Burrows and David Sweeting and running thereon 514 04 feet, and WEST by land now or formerly the property of the estate of the late V B. Pyfrom and running thereon 403.35 feet, such portion of land having such shape size and dimensions as shown on the Survey Plan completed by Roland John Surveying Co. Limited to be recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys in accordance with s. 3 of the Land Surveys Act No. 1975 (the “Parcel A”)

IN THE MATTER OF all that parcel of land situate at “White Bluff” near the Settlement of Governor’s Harbour in the Island of Eleuthera of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and containing 12 987 acres more or less which said piece parcel or lot of land is bounded on the NORTH by a public road and running thereon 445.64 feet, SOUTH by the Sea and running thereon 481.86 feet, EAST by land now or formerly the property of the estate of the late V B. Pyfrom and running thereon 1,450.01 feet and WEST by land now or formally the property of U.S. Steel and running thereon 1,252.62 feet such portion of land having such shape size and dimensions as shown on the Survey Plan completed by Roland John Surveying Co. Limited to be recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys in accordance with s. 3 of the Land Surveys Act No. 1975 (the Parcel B”) AND IN THE MATTER OF the Quieting Titles Act (the Act). AND IN THE MATTER OF the Petition of Eleuthera Land Company Limited Petitioner

deadlines were “way too aggressive”, with endMarch initially targeted for this year, based on the experience of auditors and clients alike following the ﬁrst year.

However, he praised the improved collaboration received from the Department of Inland Revenue.

“We appreciate that the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) has maintained an open door policy in principle. Through our ongoing meetings and collaboration, BICA has been able to share industry feedback and advocate on behalf of our members and the business community,” Mr Albury said.

“While there is still room for improved

neighbouring Turtlegrass Resort, Mr MacLean said developers are “keeping our heads down and trying to get to the ﬁnish line”. He reiterated that the two projects can co-exist and, although there has been “misleading information” released, the community will “see through the lies”.

“We believe in co-existence, and I know that there has been some misleading information out there, but we’re staying close to the community to make sure that they know the facts, they know the truth and I’m sure that they see through those lies, considering the fact that we’re very close to them,” said Mr MacLean.

“We’re here every week and we’ve been coming here for four years. They’ve seen the efforts we’ve done with the community. They’ve seen that we deliver and we’re just keeping our heads down and trying to get to the ﬁnish line very soon to start the construction of the project.”

Mr MacLean said the economy of the Exuma Cays has grown signiﬁcantly over the years, as evident from the increase in businesses and boating activity.

“When I came here four years ago, there was a very limited offering. Now you

2025/CLE/QUI/00052

responsiveness, especially during peak periods, we acknowledge the efforts made by the DIR to reﬁne their processes and provide additional clarity through updated guidance notes and webinars.

“This is particularly pressing as we now face new complexities introduced by the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), implemented under the Multinational Entities Financial Reporting Act 2024, and the amendments to the Business Licence Act via the 2024 Amendment Bill,” Mr Albury said.

“These developments have created some confusion and compliance pressure for ﬁrms, especially those operating in

see more restaurants opening in Black Point, more businesses, more boat captains, more boats going to Black Point, leaving Black Point, more boats doing tours,” said Mr MacLean.

“You can see the progress, and that’s what Yntegra is about. Yntegra is about progress, and responsible progress, always. It makes me very, very happy to see what’s happening here in Black Point, Farmer’s Cay and in Staniel Cay.

I think that the Exuma Cays is the new best destination of the world and we’re starting to see, little by little, the progress they’re having and that makes me very, very happy.”

Rosewood Exuma submitted an application to the Department of Physical Planning for permission to construct 10 units, staff accommodation and facilities, food and beverage dispatch and storage, service utilities, a clubhouse, padel courts, wellness and ﬁtness centre, lounge and coffee bar, specialty restaurants, arrival docks, a beach club, pools, main road and service road.

The project has received backlash from the neighbouring Turtlegrass Resort and its principal, Bob Coughlin who has

Page 1 of 3

cross-border structures or dealing with deferred revenue recognition. So we hope to have that conversation very soon.

“Either way, BICA remains committed to supporting our members, fostering dialogue with the DIR, and offering regulatory clarity to all stakeholders. As we navigate this evolving compliance landscape, our focus remains on educating, guiding and advocating to ensure that both the business community and the accounting profession remain aligned with national development goals and international best practices.”

threatened to halt work on his $75m project and abandon his ambitions if he is ignored, together with Save Exuma Alliance (SEA), a coalition of local business owners and private island stakeholders.

SEA’s members, which include the owners of Hattie Cay, Over Yonder Cay, Wild Tamarind Cay, Mr Coughlin and Makers Air, launched a petition that has garnered over 1,700 signatures opposing the development.

The petition argues that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), released in July 2024, lacks a proper analysis of the seabed dredging required for the project. It states that Yntegra has failed to provide sufﬁcient detail on how dredging — estimated at 240,000 cubic yards — will affect marine ecosystems despite the EIA acknowledging that the activity will have a severe negative impact on the marine environment.

Environmentalists say the dredging will destroy seagrass beds, wetlands and marine habitats, potentially altering the underwater landscape of East Sampson Cay.

2025-04-08

COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS 2025 IN THE SUPREME COURT CLE/QUI/00052

Common Law and Equity Division IN THE MATTER OF all that parcel of land situate at “White Bluff” near the Settlement of Governor’s

Eleuthera Land Company Limited, the Petitioner, claim to be owner in fee simply absolute by virtue of their possessory and/or documentary title of and/or to the property namely: All that parcel of land situate at “White Bluff” near the Settlement of Governor’s Harbour in the Island of Eleuthera of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and containing 4.591 acres more or less which said piece parcel or lot of land is bounded on the NORTH by land now or formerly the property of M. McDonald & Mary Sweeting and running thereon 435.06 feet, SOUTH by a public road and running thereon 445.11 feet, EAST by land now or formerly the property of James Burrows and David Sweeting and running thereon 514.04 feet, and WEST by land now or formerly the property of the estate of the late V B. Pyfrom and running thereon 403.35 feet, such portion of land having such shape size and dimensions as shown on the Survey Plan completed by Roland John Surveying Co. Limited to be recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys in accordance with s. 3 of the Land Surveys Act No. 1975 (the “Parcel A”) AND All that parcel of land situate at “White Bluff” near the Settlement of Governor’s Harbour in the Island of Eleuthera of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and containing 12.987 acres more or less which said piece parcel or lot of land is bounded on the NORTH by a public road and running thereon 445.64 feet, SOUTH by the Sea and running thereon 481.86 feet, EAST by land now or formerly the property of the estate of the late V B. Pyfrom and running thereon 1,450.01 feet, and WEST by land now or formally the property of U.S. Steel and running thereon 1,252.62 feet, such portion of land having such shape size and dimensions as shown on the Survey Plan completed by Roland John Surveying Co. Limited to be recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys in accordance with s. 3 of the Land Surveys Act No. 1975 (the Parcel B”)

Copies of a diagram or plan showing the position boundaries and shape marks and dimensions of the said piece parcel and lot of land may be inspected during normal working hours at the following places:

1. The Registry of the Supreme Court located at the British American House Annex, Marlborough Street, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Page 3 of 5 2025/CLE/QUI/00126

2. RBO Advisors, No. 10 One West, Windsor Field Road, New Providence, The Bahamas and the Office of the Administrator of Great Exuma. NOTICE is hereby given that any person or persons having a right of Dower or an adverse claim not recognized in the Petition shall within thirty (30) days after the appearance of the Notice herein file in the Registry of The Supreme Court in the City of Nassau aforesaid and serve on the Petitioner or the undersigned a statement of his claim in the prescribed form, verified by an Affidavit to be filed therewith. Page 2 of 5

Failure of any such person to file and serve a statement of claim within thirty (30) days herein will operate as a bar to such claim.

DATED 8th day of April, A.D., 2025

RBO ADVISORS No. 10 One West Windsor Field Road New Providence, The Bahamas Attorneys for the Petitioner

the Department of Lands and Surveys in accordance with s. 3 of the Land Surveys Act No. 1975 (the “subject property”). AND

IN THE MATTER OF the Quieting Titles Act (the Act). AND

IN THE MATTER OF the Petition of Eleuthera Land Company Limited

Harbour in the Island of Eleuthera of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and containing Ten and five six (10.56) acres more or less which said piece parcel or lot of land is bounded on the NORTH by land now or formerly the property of the estate of the late Sir

Surveying Co. Limited to

in the Department of Lands and Surveys in accordance with s. 3 of the Land Surveys Act No. 1975 (the “subject property”).

2025/CLE/QUI/00052 2025-04-08

Providence, The Bahamas.

2. RBO Advisors, No. 10 One West, Windsor Field Road, New Providence, The Bahamas and the Office of the Administrator of Great Exuma.

NOTICE is hereby given that any person or persons having a right of Dower or an adverse claim not recognized in the Petition

Failure of any such person to file and serve a statement of claim within thirty (30) days herein will operate as a bar to such claim.

DATED 8th day of April, A.D., 2025 RBO ADVISORS No. 10 One West Windsor Field Road New Providence, The Bahamas Attorneys

the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands that the land descri bed in the

Schedule hereto is needed for a public purpose.

COMMONWEA L TH OF THE BAHAMAS GREAT ABACO

THE ACQUISITION OF LAND ACT (Chapter 252)

DECLARATION OF INTENDED ACQUISITION

WHEREAS it appears to the Prime Minister, the Minister responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands that the land descri bed in the Schedule hereto is needed for a public purpose.

NOW THEREFORE Notice is hereby given by the Promoter, the Minister responsi ble for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansi on of a public airport, constructi on of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thi rty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand -delivery or by post at P. O . Box CB -10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

The Survey Plan of the sai d land may be inspected at the Department of

responsi ble for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansi on of a public airport, constructi on of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

NOW THEREFORE Notice is hereby given by the Promoter, the Minister responsi ble for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansi on of a public airport, constructi on of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands that the land descri bed in the Schedule hereto is needed for a public purpose.

NOW THEREFORE Notice is hereby given by the Promoter, the Minister responsi ble for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansi on of a public airport, constructi on of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

NOW THEREFORE Notice is hereby given by the Promoter, the Minister responsi ble for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansi on of a public airport constructi on of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thi rty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand -delivery or by post at P. O . Box CB -10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thi rty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand -delivery or by post at P. O . Box -10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thi rty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand -delivery or by post at P. O . Box CB -10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

The Survey Plan of the sai d land may be inspected at the Department of Lands and Surveys situate at Bay and Armstrong Streets, New Providence between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thi rty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand -delivery or by post at P. O . Box CB -10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

The Survey Plan of the sai d land may be inspected at the Department of Lands and Surveys situate at Bay and Armstrong Streets, New Providence between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Dated the 22nd day of April A. D. 2025

The Survey Plan of the sai d land may be inspected at the Department of Lands and Surveys situate at Bay and Armstrong Streets, New Providence between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Dated the 22nd day of April A. D. 2025

Minister Responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands

Schedule (Annexed)

Minister Responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands

Schedule (Annexed)

Minister Responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands

Schedule (Annexed)

SCHEDULE

AREA = 1.84 ACRES

ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING BY ADMEASUREMENT ONE ACRE AND EIGHTY-FOUR HUNDREDTHS OF AN ACRE (1.84 ACRES) OR THEREABOUTS BEING THE LOT DESIGNATED PARCEL “A” (PROPERTY OF BLUESTONE ENTERPRISES LTD.) ON A PLAN ON RECORD IN THE DEPARTMENTOF LANDS AND SURVEYS AS PLAN NUMBERED 1942 OF ABACO SITUATE IN THE VICINITY OF THE LEONARD M. THOMPSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT THE SOUTHEAST JUNCTION OF THE GREAT ABACO HIGHWAY WITH THE MARSH HARBOUR ROUND-A-BOUT AND APPROXIMATELY TWO (2) MILES SOUTHWARD OF THE MARSH HARBOUR SETTLEMENT IN THE ISLAND OF ABACO IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS ABUTTING AND BOUNDING TOWARDS THE NORTH AND EAST ON CROWN LAND TOWARDS THE SOUTH ON CROWN LAND DESIGNATED AS PARCEL “B” AND TOWARDS THE WEST ON CROWN LAND OR HOWEVER ELSE THE SAME MAY ABUT AND BOUND WHICH SAID LOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND IS MORE PARTICULARLY DELINEATED AND SHOWN COLOURED PINK ON PLAN ATTACHED HERETO

appears ster, responsible

Schedule hereto is needed for a public purpose.

the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands that the land descri bed in the Schedule hereto is needed for a public purpose.

NOW THEREFORE Notice is hereby given by the Promoter, the Minister responsible for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansion of a public airport, construction of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thirty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand-delivery or by post at P. O Box CB-10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

COMMONWEA L TH OF THE BAHAMAS ELEUTHERA

THE ACQUISITION OF LAND ACT (Chapter 252)

DECLARATION OF INTENDED ACQU ISITION

WHEREAS it appears to the Prime Minister, the Minister responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands that the land descri bed in the Schedule hereto is needed for a public purpose.

NOW THEREFORE Notice is hereby given by the Promoter, the Minister responsible for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, that the said land is needed for a public purpose, namely, expansion of a public airport, construction of public buildings and for uses related thereto and that the said Promoter intends to acquire the said land for the said public purpose.

ALL PERSONS interested in the said land shall within thirty (30) days of the publication of this Notice in the Gazette or the posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter, whether by hand-delivery or by post at P. O Box CB-10980, Nassau, The Bahamas, the nature of their interests in the said land, the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests and provide the relevant documents (if any) supporting those interests.

The Survey Plan of the said land may be inspected at the Department of Lands and Surveys situate at Bay and Armstrong Streets, New Providence between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Dated the 22nd day of April A. D. 2025

Minister Responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands

Schedule (Annexed)

The Survey Plan of the said land may be inspected at the Department of Lands and Surveys situate at Bay and Armstrong Streets, New Providence between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Dated the 22nd day of April A. D. 2025

Minister Responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands

Schedule (Annexed)

Minister Responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands

Schedule (Annexed)

SCHEDULE

AREA = 628.532 ACRES

ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE PARCEL OF TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING BY ADMEASUREMENT SIX HUNDRED TWENTY -EIGHT AND FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO THOUSANDTHS (628.532) ACRES OR THEREABOUTS BEING A TRACT OF LAND (PORTION OF THE HARBOUR ISLAND COMMONAGE) ON A PLAN ON RECORD IN THE DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEYS AS PLAN NO. 1118 ELEUTHERA SITUATE ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF A FIFTY FEET WIDE ROAD RESERVATION (AIRPORT ROAD) EAST OF THE QUEENS HIGHWAY TO THE BLUFF SETTLEMENT AND NORTH OF THE GLASS WINDOW BRIDGE IN THE ISLAND OF ELEUTHERA IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS ABUTTING AND BOUNDING TOWARDS THE NORTH PARTLY ON A FIFTY (50) FEET WIDE ROAD RESERVATION AND PARTLY ON THE HARBOUR ISLAND COMMAGE TOWARDS THE EAST ON THE HARBOUR ISLAND COMMAGE TOWARDS THE SOUTH ON THE HARBOUR ISLAND COMMAGE AND TOWARDS THE WEST ON THE HARBOUR ISLAND COMMAGE OR HOWEVER ELSE THE SAME MAY ABUT AND BOUND WHICH SAID PIECE PARCEL OR TRACT OF LAND IS MORE PARTICULARLY DELINEATED AND SHOWN COLOURED PINK ON A PLAN ATTACHED HERETO

PM: New Budget ‘will not hurt’ the business sector

A similar meeting with the business community was held prior to the Budget two years ago, and Mr Bowe said there was a consensus that more frequent encounters between the Government and private sector to discuss economic matters - possibly even on an industry-by-industry basis - would be beneﬁcial to both sides.

Noting that while the Government’s economic “objectives may be noble, the road to hell is paved with good intentions”, he voiced hope that yesterday’s encounter could be “tone setting” in terms of fostering greater collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Mr Bowe told this newspaper The Bahamas has to move away from the oftrepeated situation where the Government unveils a new policy initiative, without warning to or consultation with the industry impacted, and then has to “reverse course” within days or weeks due to the public outcry that follows. He added that the end result is that the Government “loses credibility” from having to make such u-turns.

“It gave an opportunity, and I’ll leave it to the Government to say what was formally addressed, but there were several questions and recommendations that came from various business sectors that looked some of the topical issues,” the Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief said of yesterday’s meeting.

“The Prime Minister’s viewpoint was that the previous meetings at least

provided them with insight into some of the matters. The general sentiment is that it’s far better to have these meetings and do things collaboratively as opposed to where things are just announced and decided.”

Besides more frequent meetings and contacts between government policymakers and the Bahamian private sector, Mr Bowe said “more important is take the same concept and use it for better or, I should say, more informed decision-making...

“It’s far better to have these sessions where we ventilate matters as opposed to just taking decisions,” he added. “Far better to hear it than not to hear it. There was nothing ground-breaking or any announcements made in this forum, but collaboration is required to be more frequent and meaningful.

“My words not their’s: Collaboration is not dictating, telling me what you’re going to do, but getting feedback on the hurdles, pitfalls and challenges, and having more input on policy positions from all the sectors impacted and who feel they have contributed.”

Also present at yesterday’s meeting were Michael Pintard, the Opposition’s leader, and Shannendon Cartwright, its deputy leader. Mr Bowe said his “personal observation” is that Mr Davis is “a consensus builder, but his team does not follow his lead’, and the Government’s “execution team needs to embrace he same style” that was detailed yesterday.

“I think it’s important there is at least a powerful message that says

N O T I C E

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

SMARTOPIA PRINCIPAL LIMITED

Registration No. IBC 209313 B

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that SMARTOPIA PRINCIPAL LIMITED has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 22nd day of April, 2025.

Ltd. Liquidator

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YUTU HOLDINGS LTD.

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Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that YUTU HOLDINGS LTD. has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 18th day of February, 2025.

Galnom Ltd. Liquidator

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Moon Holdings limited is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 17th of April 2025 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Invigo Worldwide Limited, 3076 Sir Francis Drake’s Highway, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands.

Dated the 2nd day of May 2025.

H&J CORPORATE SERVICES LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

the substantive minister wants this input, and wants this collaboration and feedback,” he told Tribune Business. “Hopefully this is one of those tone-setting exercises.

“The Prime Minister was very explicit that he wants the feedback, positive or negative, and prefers to have a dialogue before persons agitate against it. Hopefully that’s a message head and embraced by those carrying out his policies.”

Suggesting that The Bahamas needs to emulate what happened with VAT’s 2015 implementation, when what started out as a “dictatorship from the Ministry of Finance” ended in collaboration with the private sector, Mr Bowe said: “It’s far better to hear criticism upfront than address things

at the end and having to reverse course.

“We’ve seen too much of that as a country. An announcement is made, we see it reversed in days or weeks. We lose credibility with that rather than ventilating the issues properly, having feedback, the issues are known, and we address them upfront.”

Mr Bowe also argued that The Bahamas has reached “a point in its maturity where it can follow the lead established by the US, UK and other major economies, and provide the likes of the Fiscal Responsibility Council, think-tanks and accounting ﬁrms with details of the annual Budget in advance so that they can analyse and publish research papers on the impact the same day it is released. Those provided with such

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that VICKY ADDLY of Alice Town, Bimini, 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 2nd day of May, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that

AALIYAH CHIN of #58 McKinney Avenue, Stapledon Gardens, New Providence, 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 2nd day of May, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

information would have to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

Mr Davis, who shared an economic and ﬁscal update at yesterday’s meeting, was reported to have said of the upcoming 2025-2026 Budget: “This Budget will not introduce measures that hurt the business community. Instead, we are focused on expanding opportunity, delivering targeted tax incentives, cutting Customs duties on essential goods, and investing in digital modernisation and public infrastructure.”

Reiterating his administration’s policy position, he added: “Those who come into our country and use our natural resources must pay their fair share. We’re creating a system that supports our local businesses while ensuring that international

ﬁrms also contribute to the nation’s development.”

Touting the Government’s progress in reducing the

ﬁscal deﬁcit, debt-to-GDP ratio and energy reforms, the Prime Minister said:

“The progress we’ve made was far from inevitable. The magnitude of the challenges we faced required innovative, strategic and disciplined policy choices....

“These are not just numbers on a page. They represent our national comeback — built on tough choices, clear priorities and a willingness to confront what others ignored.” As for energy reform, Mr Davis added: “Our own electricity sector has been a drag on Bahamian businesses for too long.

“But we couldn’t build a 21st century economy on a 20th century grid, so we’ve worked hard to create a wide-ranging package of reforms that are already delivering results.”

NOTICE is hereby given that CARL-FEDINE DUROSIER of Buccaneer Point, Bimini, 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 2nd day of May, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that AINSLEY ROBINSON of Newbold Street, 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 2nd day of May 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Galnom

Vicky Addly.jpeg

JADDAEM MYKAYAH

Vicky Addly.jpeg

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