Boater backlash on fee increases plus ID install confusion
• Marina chief: ‘We’re nickel and dime-ing everyone to pieces’
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
MARINAS in the northern Bahamas have been hit with multiple cancellations due to a combination of boating industry uproar over new and increased fees plus confusion over planned legal reforms.
Peter Maury, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president, yesterday confirmed to Tribune Business that members have been calling him to report yacht charters are cancelling their bookings and reservations as far out as the 2025-2026 winter season over uncertainty and concerns relating to the revised cruising and fishing permit moves and associated fees.
Asserting that The Bahamas is now “nickel and dime-ing everyone to
pieces”, he added that the legal and regulatory provisions accompanying the Budget now require visiting boats and yachts to deal with multiple government agencies for anchorage fees if not staying in a marina, their cruising permit and now a separate fishing permit.
Mr Maury, speaking to this newspaper after
Opposition fears Bill revives controversial Moorings deal
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Opposition voted against the Maritime Revenue Unit Bill over fears it will revive the previouslyabandoned Bahamas Moorings deal under the guise of statute legislation.
Adrian White, the St Anne’s MP, confirmed to Tribune Business that the Free National Movement (FNM) has “many concerns” over legislation designed to provide legal standing to the already-established Maritime Revenue Enhancement Unit because some of the powers given to it appear eerily similar to what what Bahamas Moorings was attempting to do.
The Bill, which has been reviewed by this newspaper, seeks to give the Unit “the power to provide mooring services for a fee”, as well as install moorings, “set a fee structure” for boats who use them, and conduct “safety inspections of moorings”. Mr White said the aborted Bahamas Moorings deal, and the sudden emergence of this Bill alongside the Budget, were “too close for comfort” for the Opposition.
Many of the principals involved in the Bahamas Moorings deal had close ties to government insiders, especially in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Mr White confirmed that - during Thursday night’s 2025-2026
• Votes against Maritime Revenue Unit legislation
• Bill gives unit powers to install, levy mooring fee
• MP: ‘Too close for comfort’ after deal abandoned
Budget wrap-up - the Opposition voted against both the Maritime Revenue Unit Bill as well as the VAT (Amendment) Bill 2025 on several grounds.
“There are a number of responsibilities that are being imposed that could be handled in the private sector,” the St Anne’s MP argued of the Maritime Revenue Bill. “The primary concerns are they are requiring the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force to have responsibility for the collection of waste from vessels as well as monitor fishing.
“They will otherwise carry out services Bahamian businesses in the private sector, especially in the Family Islands, could be attracted to as commercial opportunities to participate in themselves.” It is unclear why the Bill’s section five empowers a unit, otherwise tasked with law and revenue enforcement, to engage in commercial activities - moorings and waste disposal - that could be left to the private sector.
However, Mr White added that the Opposition’s other main worry was that the Maritime Revenue Unit Bill
‘Huge relief’ as the Gov’t drops ‘void’ coveyances
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEYS have branded the Government’s abandoning of legal reforms that would have treated unrecorded real estate deals as “void” as “a huge relief”.
Wayne Munroe, leader of government business in the House of Assembly, told Tribune Business that instead of pursuing such changes to the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act it had elected to amend the VAT Act to crack down on the evasion/avoidance
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Opposition yesterday pledged to slash a yacht charter tax rate, which the industry has branded “the highest in the CaribbeanAtlantic region”, by more than 70 percent in percentage terms if elected.
Shanendon Cartwright, the FNM’s deputy leader, promised to reverse a VAT levy - imposed by the Davis administration on foreign yacht charters in the 2022-2023 Budget - that he asserts is responsible for
of $100m on real estate transactions.
He also confirmed that the compliance burden, and duty to ensure all due VAT is paid within the stipulated 180-day target timeline, is being spread among all parties involved in property and land transactions - the buyer and seller, their respective attorneys, and any realtors who are involved.
The Government, though, has retained the amendment requiring realtors to notify the Department of Inland Revenue of all transactions,
causing “nearly half our market share” to disappear. And his stance has been backed by a group of charter yacht owners and managers who, in a recent position paper submitted to the Government, revealed that the morethan-tripling of the tax rate - from 4 percent to 14 percent - via VAT’s imposition has “driven many vessels elsewhere, shrinking a once-growing tourism and marine services sector”.
The Bahamas Charter Yacht Owners and
PETER MAURY
ADRIAN WHITE
MINISTER DEFENDS $2.25M SUNKEN VESSEL ALLOCATION
By ANNELIA NIXON
A CABINET minister has defended the Government’s decision to allocate $2.25m in the 2025-2026 Budget to the removal of sunken vessels from Potter’s Cay and elsewhere in The Bahamas.
JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of transport and energy, said the Davis administration has been removing derelict vessels and wrecks throughout its term in office as she faced questioning from Long Island MP, Adrian Gibson, over whether the $2.25m
was solely for use in cleaning up Potter’s Cay.
“For many years we’ve been having the unfortunate incident of persons leaving and not removing the sunken vessels throughout New Providence, and also on our Family Islands,”
Mrs Coleby-Davis said.
“However, we’re able to remove those sunken vessels and do away with them in various areas. We will utilise the funds to do so. And we’ve been doing that for some time throughout this term.”
Mr Gibson, referencing abandoned vessels outside of Potter’s Cay Dock as well, added that some have been “a hazard” for years
and inquired what would be done with them.
“They’re just taking up space,” Mr Gibson said. “They are a hazard as well, and it’s a real safety concern for the other operators and persons out there. I’m wondering if there’s going to be an effort also, because they may not have sunk in the sense of the word sinking, but is there going to be an effort to a remove those off of the dock, maybe sink them somewhere, or, I don’t know, put some fine or something on the owners?”
Mrs Coleby-Davis said her ministry has been talking to vessel owners and “are working through the process with the Office of the Attorney General so
that we can address it in the right way”. Adrian White, the St Anne’s MP, queried the removal of “vessels that were removed last year, that cost the public purse $3.406m”. He requested that the Budget allocate funds for the removal of two vessels in Abaco.
“There’s currently a tugboat and barge sunken on the protected reefs near Fowl Cay in Abaco,” Mr White said. “Can the budget for the upcoming year of $2.25m be applied to removing those two vessels that are damaging our environment . And can you tell us where are any of the vessels that were removed last year that cost the public purse $3.406m.”
Mrs Coleby-Davis said her ministry is working with the Office of the Attorney General and that the vessels in Abaco are the subject of a Supreme Court dispute.
“To your first question, that matter is presently in the court between the two authorities, the two companies, and we are working with the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance,” she said. “We actually just had a meeting on that yesterday, because we’re still working on the best possible way to remove that barge that is sunken. And to your next question, we had removals throughout the harbour and also on the Family Islands in Andros and Abaco.
When asked to identify vessels that have been removed Mrs Coleby-Davis responded, “It would have been really good if, when your government was in power, you removed many of the vessels that you are now complaining about, because we were left to do the job.
“And, no, I don’t have the names of the vessels. Many were removed, and there’s still many more, because when you were in government, you didn’t remove them.” Michael Pintard,
leader of the Opposition, inquired if the Davis administration sought to enforce
“what we believe, by regulation, is the responsibility of the vessel owners”.
“For example, around Potter’s Cay, there are a number of vessels that have sunk, and the owners have taken no responsibility,” he said. “Are they sharing in the cost? Are you passing the cost on? And do you have a schedule that the public could see so we could know that these individuals are being held accountable for their sunken vessels? “
Mrs Coleby-Davis added: “There is a process.
One is to try and locate the owner, and in those instances where they are located, they are requested to remove the vessels. For safety reasons, if they are unable to, then that process is dealt with through the Office of the Attorney General to access those funds that would have been spent by the Government.
“It is a process, but however, for safety reasons... the Government does remove those vessels and go after the persons through the Office of the Attorney General.”
JOBETH COLEBY-DAVIS
ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO FILL 150 PI POSTS BY SUMMER’S END
By FAY SIMMONS
ROYAL Caribbean’s top Bahamas executive says the cruise line is targeting summer’s end to fill 150 posts at its Paradise Island beach club with the second round of recruitment currently underway.
Philip Simon, president of Royal Caribbean (Bahamas) and its Royal Beach Club project, said the 150person recruitment target involves persons who will be directly employed by the cruise line for the project and is not a figure that includes staff who will be hired by third-party vendors.
“We’re in the second wave of our recruitment process. We’re now moving
on to some management, manager and supervisor positions,” said Mr Simon “I’m hoping at the end of the summer we would have had engaged the target number of about 150 Bahamians in terms of direct employment under the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Of course, this does not include the numbers that will come as a part of the partnerships, vendors and third-party services.”
Mr Simon said Bahamian vendors have given a “tremendous” response to Royal Caribbean’s request for proposals (RFPs) seeking service providers who will operate at the Royal Beach Club site as well as provide services to the project.
“We’ve been so encouraged by what we’ve seen from all of the different
Cultivation centres close to completion
By ANNELIA NIXON
Business
CULTIVATION centres in New Providence and Eleuthera are in the final stages of development with Eleuthera’s Hatchet Bay location set to be completed by the end of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Jomo Campbell, agriculture and marine resources minister, said the New Providence cultivation site is about 95 percent complete, and Opposition leader, Michael Pintard, can expect an invitation to the opening given that he was part of the project.
He added that the centre in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, which is about 75 percent complete, was originally earmarked for Grand Bahama. “As it relates to food security, capital development, the construction of two cultivation centres has exhausted the lump sum of those funds,” Mr Campbell said.
“There’s one cultivation centre that is presently being completed at GRAC, the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre. And that is approximately 95 percent completed. And with all fun
and jokes aside, it’s a building that we’re going to be pleased to open, and the member for Marco City will be invited...
“The reason being is that was a project that the member for Marco City was a part of, the cultivation site where you went for the processing unit. It has been renamed. It’s the same project. And so I’m saying, an invitation will be extended for the opening. We are 95 percent complete and, in addition to that, there is also a cultivation centre of the very same nature that is now in Hatchet Bay,” Mr Campbell added.
“One was previously earmarked for Grand Bahama, but that was moved now to Hatchet Bay. And those two sites have exhausted the lump sum, the lion’s share of that. I know the final figure for the one in Hatchet Bay was just shy of $635,000. So those, those two structures are in the final stages.
“The one in Nassau, the one here in New Providence at the Gladstone Road site, more so than the one in Hatchet Bay, but we’re working on that one. We’re about 65 to 75 percent completed for the one in Hatchet Bay, which
RFPs that were listed on our website. We are outsourcing as much of the third-party service operations as possible to third party vendors. And so, there’s a plethora of
was previously earmarked on another island,” he continued.
“But the one here for GRAC is 95 percent complete. For the one in Hatchet Bay, we’re estimating completion by the end of fiscal year, 2025-2026. The one in Nassau, we estimating completion... I’ll check, I’ll confirm that day for you.”
Mr Campbell also explained that under the advice of Mr Pintard, he has increased processing and production. The Government is currently constructing a food processing kitchen, while some funding will go towards the animal control unit and “the new Arawak Cay of the South in Golden Gates”.
Mr Campbell’s comments came in response to inquiries by Adrian Gibson, the Long Island MP, about an allocation “increase from
Our company has been around gaming for over 30 years and pride ourselves on quality service and customer relationships. We are moving forward in the market and such are looking for qualified, dedicated, people friendly customer services representatives. Jarol Investments Limited is seeking to fill the following position:
ACCOUNTS SUPERVISOR (FREEPORT)
Key Responsibilities:
• Support the CFO in executing strategic and day-to-day accounting functions.
• Supervise accounting staff, including conducting regular performance reviews and identifying areas for improvement.
• Ensure all department tasks are completed accurately and within set deadlines.
• Review and analyze accounting data to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Prepare and submit monthly reconciliation reports.
• Oversee accounts payable processes, including maintenance Vendor
• Manage timely and organized filing of payables and related reports.
• Train and develop the accounting team members to enhance department-wide financial knowledge and compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the CFO.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Advanced skills in financial analysis, reconciliation, and report review.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to train, supervise, and guide staff performance.
Education & Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) is essential.
• Prior experience in a supervisory or senior accounting role is strongly preferred.
• Experience in financial reporting, reconciliations, and AP/AR processes is a plus.
Interested persons should email their resume to careers@chancesgames.com. Subject: Accounts Clerk – Your Name or visit our Head Office on Lodwood Road across from ($2 Dollar Store) between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
different items we’ve seen,” said Mr Simon “Just to highlight one of them, in particular, the Artist Discovery Programme has been just amazing. The amount of submissions we’ve had from
talented and creative Bahamians straight across The Bahamas, and we hope to be making decisions on that particular programme over the next month or so.
“But again, all of the other vendors, and whether it’s medical, F&B (food and beverage), landscaping, pool maintenance, it goes on and on, we’re making a hustle to really engage those companies as soon as possible.”
The Royal Beach Club is forecast to generate a $1bn economic impact over its first ten years in operation from a combination of factors such as visitor spending and government taxes.
Some 1 percent of the gross profits generated by the project are designated for a tourism levy, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, that will finance improvements
to tourism attractions and experiences.
Mr Simon said the Beach Club’s construction is now more than 50 percent complete, and Royal Caribbean is moving “1,000 miles an hour” to complete the project by December.
“Obviously, we endeavour to be open in December of this year,” he added. “A couple of weeks ago, at the Chamber luncheon, we said we’re about 50 percent completed. We’re a little north now of 50 percent. I can’t give a precise number, but we are really turning the wheels as fast as we can to achieve our goal.”
When asked if Royal Caribbean is on target for the December 2025 opening, he responded: “We’re not looking for any other month. We’re certainly not looking to 2026.”
Health moving to address GB medical waste issues
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Health is in negotiations to address the potential dangers caused by the transport of hazardous medical waste through the purchase of an incinerator.
Dr Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness, defended the decrease in his ministry’s risk and hazard allowance as the Budget debate came to a close after Adrian White, the St Anne’s MP, said the Opposition “continue to see waste uncollected at the facilities in Grand Bahama”.
“It’s being decreased by $76,400 give or take,” Mr White said. “Why is that being decreased when we continue to see waste uncollected at the facilities in Grand Bahama? Is the risk not increasing on that mere fact alone, and then you also have the issue of water not being on in parts of PMH (Princess Margaret Hospital) recently? Is that not at further risk? Why has the hazard and risk allowance been decreased?”
Dr Darville clarified that the risk allowance deals with staff. He recalled photos that circulated on social media months prior regarding waste at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama. He added that while medical waste disposal is the responsibility of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), his ministry is in negotiations with Sanitation Services and a new incinerator will be purchased.
“As far as risk allowance, it has to do with staff. It does not have to do with the function of the hospital itself,” Dr Darville said. “I know you made reference to some pictures that were on social media at the Rand Memorial Hospita, where
the incinerator at the Rand Memorial Hospital does not meet the environmental standards.
“We have been in negotiations with Grand Bahama, I think it’s the Freeport landfill. They are under Sanitation Services... They are in the process of purchasing an incinerator. Under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, medical waste, as well as other waste, is the responsibility of the Grand Bahama Port Authority. So my ministry is in negotiations with Sanitation.
“They’re going to purchase an incinerator, and we would sub those services out to Sanitation. What’s happening now is because of the incineration and the environmental impact from the smoke, we are exporting medical waste from Grand Bahama to New Providence. And the pictures indicated some of the bags that were picked up at the various clinics before they are containerised for export,” he added.
“And so if you were to look back at the pictures, you will see that someone who wanted to create mischief took it while they were there and did not
Our company has been around gaming for over 30 years and pride ourselves on quality service and customer relationships. We are moving forward in the market and such are looking for qualified, dedicated, people friendly customer services representatives.
Jarol Investments Limited is seeking
Accounts Clerk (Freeport)
Key Responsibilities:
• Maintain accurate accounting records by organizing and filing financial documents.
• Count cash and reconcile daily totals with reports.
• Enter financial data into the general ledger system.
• Prepare and verify daily bank deposits.
• Support inventory tracking and control efforts.
• Compile and review financial and theoretical reports as needed.
• Prepare the daily cash collection report.
• Ensure confidentiality of financial information and company data.
• Participate in relevant training or professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to departmental goals and organizational mission through timely and accurate work.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the CFO.
Education & Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) is essential.
• Must be a dependable and collaborative team player.
ROYAL BEACH CLUB RENDERING
JOMO CAMPBELL
DR MICHAEL DARVILLE
New president named at LJM Maritime Academy
The LJM Maritime Academy has named Dr Richard Wiefelspuett as its secondever president to replace Dr Brendamae Cleare, who is set to retire on June 30, 2025.
Dr Wiefelspuett, who is set to take over on July 1, is an accomplished maritime industry specialist whose career blends scientific research, engineering and technical operations with executive leadership in academia, industry and the not-for-profit sector.
He has more than 30 years of international experience from appointments in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean. Dr Wiefelspuett’s early career in shipbuilding and naval architecture evolved into senior leadership roles with international companies such as Wärtsilä and Hamworthy, where he oversaw manufacturing, automation and after-sales operations across continents.
He later transitioned into academic leadership as associate dean of the marine campus at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Dr Wiefelspuett also served as the inaugural executive director of the Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping in Canada.
His final appointment before joining the LJM Maritime Academy was as executive director of the Ladysmith Maritime Society in British Columbia, where he led initiatives focused on maritime heritage, waterfront access and community engagement.
As incoming president of the LJM Maritime Academy, Dr Wiefelspuett will continue to advance
its vision and mission to make maritime education locally available and affordable in The Bahamas, while maintaining international standards of excellence.
He will draw from the executive experiences which have shaped his perspective on maritime innovation, sustainability, academia and workforce development, as well as use his expertise in lean methodologies; safety and sustainability; performance optimisation; mergers and acquisitions; corporate governance; stakeholder engagement; organisational leadership; change management; capital projects; fundraising and grants; profit and loss and budget management, and customer service to propel the Academy on to greater prominence in maritime education locally and in the international community.
Dr Wiefelspuett earned his doctorate degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany, and his master’s degree in mechanical, shipbuilding and offshore engineering also from Aachen University.
Scotiabank’s mortgage seminar brings major industries together
SCOTIABANK (Bahamas) recently assembled realtors, attorneys and industry partners for an exclusive mortgage seminar that was designed to share insights and deepen crosssector collaboration.
The event featured discussions that explored key elements of the home ownership journey, including Scotiabank’s mortgage offerings, financing solutions and its commitment to service excellence. The contributions that realtors, attorneys and industry partners make to the bank’s referral programme were recognised.
This initiative has not only helped Bahamians realise their home ownership goals, with up to 95 percent financing available,
DEMETRI MACKEY, Scotiabank’s Carmichael Road branch manager, Jarissa Russell, Scotiabank East Street and Soldier Road branch manager, and guest presenter Wence Martin, attorney, were among the panellists at the evening’s event.
but has also proven to be a valuable tool for industry partners to earn. Some realtors and brokers have referred up to $50m in mortgage loans through the programme. During the evening, awards were presented to top-performing agents
and brokers who consistently referred clients to Scotiabank.
“We are proud to recognise and celebrate the professionals who play such a vital role in helping people achieve the dream of home ownership,” said Na-amah Barker, director
of retail banking and small business, Scotiabank (Bahamas). “Their trust in Scotiabank, paired with their commitment to their clients, is what makes our mortgage referral programme so impactful.
“Our network of referral partners is more than just a channel; it’s a community. By working together, we’re creating a stronger, more supportive real estate ecosystem that’s centred on helping Bahamians build generational wealth through property ownership.”
LINDSEY CANCINO, Bahamas Realty, which was rewarded as top referral partner, with Na-amah Barker, Scotiabank’s director of retail banking and small businesses.
DR RICHARD WIEFELSPUETT
BAIC HOSTS LECTURE ON AI AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) hosted its second lecture on artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP) at the University of The Bahamas (UoB) last Thursday.
The event, held as part of BAIC’s ‘Business empowerment for entrepreneurs’ lecture series, was attended by Troy Sampson, its general manager; Deirdre Laroda, human resources manager; and Lester Stuart, its assistant manager, who also served as moderator.
The presenters included Garret Ritchie, the Synergy co-founder and director of Redstone, who discussed how AI can help entrepreneurs improve their ventures and businesses by enhancing customer service,
market trends, quality control and budgeting.
Darell Taylor, an attorney and the second presenter, discussed the importance of using The Bahamas’ copyright, trademark and patent laws to protect intellectual property, creativity and innovation. She highlighted
practical steps that businesses can take to protect their individual works. The next lecture will be held on Thursday, June 26.
Health moving to address GB medical waste issues
FROM PAGE B3
follow up to make sure that the pictures correspond with what was placed in the containers. That problem will be resolved shortly, and all medical waste at clinics, private and public, will eventually be the responsibility of Sanitation Services with a new incinerator that they’re purchasing.”
Kwasi Thompson, the east Grand Bahama MP, noted an increase in the the allocation for the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA). However, he said a meeting with PHA senior management informed the Opposition that the agency was “severely underfunded”.
“There was an increase in the allocation for this when we met with the senior management of the PHA. We meaning the Public Accounts Committee. Their evidence to us was that they were severely underfunded, and that they needed a great deal more resources,”
Mr Thompson said.
“Is the $247m, is that sufficient? And sort of, how far is that from what they really need to be able to cover all of the needs that is required? How far off is that figure?” Opposition leader Michael Pintard added: “The reason the
member for East Grand Bahama was asking is we certainly stand with you in terms of the scarcity of resources.
“But we know that every year, the team at PHA, they project a particular number, and then they look at the gap between that particular number and what is actually allocated. And then in that space, obviously, we know there are some things that you just won’t be able to get done this year, and so you’ll have to prioritise.
“All we were trying to do is get a sense. I think it is beneficial for the public to appreciate that we don’t have infinite resources. So we’re just trying to get a sense of what is that gap between the ideal as put forward by your team, and what you are actually able to do given the size of this Budget. And then, how are you prioritising, if you will, that gap?”
Dr Darville said the PHA will “work with” what it was given, but added: “When it comes to health, if there’s a challenge we can always go back to the Ministry of Finance.”
“Health care is an expensive business,” Dr Darville added. “I think every minister here has wishful thinking to get
more money. The Ministry of Finance has given us an additional increase of $22m. We’re going to have to work with that. But I can say this much, that when it comes to health, if there’s a challenge we can always go back to the Ministry of Finance, because there’s sometimes unforeseen circumstances. But we have a $22m increase, and we’re satisfied with what we have gotten.
“...We go to the Ministry of Finance every year with a projected Budget of what we feel is necessary to run the Public Hospitals Authority. I’m pleased to report that the projected increase of $22m appears to be satisfactory. But there’s always unforeseen circumstances in health. There are illnesses that people get that you can’t really project for, and you have to be able to make the difference.
“But I want to make it very clear that we’re satisfied with the $22m increase. I believe that when we look at our shortfalls every year, I think it falls within the parameters where we fall short. And so we’re going to try to make it work. And we are following the philosophies to try to do more with less.”
The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.
DARELL TAYLOR, an attorney, speaking on intellectual property rights.
BAIC general manager, Troy Sampson, was in attendance as the agency held a lecture on AI and intellectual property at the Franklyn Wilson Centre at the University of The Bahamas.
‘Huge relief’ as the Gov’t drops ‘void’ coveyances
FROM PAGE B1
and changes in ownership, within 30 days of completion. This had sparked concerns and complaints from the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) and its members, who had argued it was unfair to place this burden on them when they are not responsible for closings.
“There were changes to both of those Bills,” Mr Munroe told this newspaper of the VAT (Amendment) Bill and Conveyancing and Law of Property Bill. “The import of it is that you have to get an invoice from the VAT 30 days before you come to close and then, when you close, you have 180 days to pay and everybody has an obligation to see it’s paid.
“The 180 days also means that the concern people had about it being retroactive is no longer an issue.” The Conveyancing and Law of Property Bill, in its original form, had been made retroactive to July 1, 2022, meaning that all unrecorded conveyances not lodged in the Registry of Records over the past three years would have become “void” after July 1, 2025.
Andrew O’Brien, the Glinton, Sweeting & O’Brien attorney and partner, told Tribune Business that the Government’s lastminute changes to the Bill were “a huge relief”, and added: “It would have left a big question as to how you cure a ‘void’ conveyance. Is it cured once it’s recorded?
“That, I’m sure, was the assumption of the Government, but the Bill left that up in the air for you to assume. At a minimum, it would also have created this gap period where someone paid for a property, but does not own it until it is recorded, which takes from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
“I’m sure it would be very odd for a bank to lend money when they don’t have any security, and have that exposure for that time period, as well as I don’t think an insurance company
would issue a policy to someone who did not own the property,” Mr O’Brien added.
“What would happen if a hurricane struck in that gap period, and the bank has a loan or purchaser has put his life savings into the home, and it’s gone. That’s some of the mischief this would have caused, but I think everyone supports the premise that taxes should be paid in a reasonably timely manner.”
The “voiding” of conveyances was designed to force purchasers and their attorneys to pay the VAT due on real estate transactions in full, and a timely manner, as otherwise they could not have the conveyance recorded in the Registry of Records.
Mr Munroe, who is also minister of national security, also explained that it was important for the Government to have removed the retroactive element in the Bill. “You might say the value on this is $200,000 when you submit it in, and they [the Department of Inland Revenue] does the valuation and it’s at $500,000,” he explained.
“That changes the VAT, and if you’ve completed the transaction and money has been disbursed, there’s no guarantee that the purchaser will have the money [to pay the extra VAT]. It just makes sense.
“In private practice, I’ve been involved in at least one matter when this happened when you close, give the vendor the balance of the purchase price and, if it’s a mortgage transaction, you send the conveyance to the Department of Inland Revenue to take the value of that and they say it’s more than this,” Mr Munroe said.
“Regardless of whether it’s an arm’s length sale, you owe more VAT and that puts you in a quandry. If the vendor is supposed to pay half of the VAT, and they’ve got their money and gone, good luck in getting it.”
Adrian White, the Opposition MP for St Anne’s, and an attorney and conveyancing specialist, told Tribune
Business that realtors will still be required to give the Department of Inland Revenue notice of all transactions within 30 days of closing.
“The realtors are still responsible and obligated to the Department of Inland Revenue,” he said.
“Their mode of operating has changed. Then there is also an obligation on them to ensure that the VAT is paid within 180 days of the execution of the conveyance. They’re going to have to make follow-ups with either their client or attorneys representing them to ensure the VAT gets paid on time.
“There are penalties, not only a surcharge, but on the individual that have not been in place before. If the document is stamped so that the VAT is paid on it within 180 days of the execution of the conveyance, then the parties, the attorneys and the realtors will have responsibility for ensuring the tax is paid in time.
“You also have a process where the banks, lenders and purchasers cannot release the money to close a transaction until the invoice is obtained from the Department of Inland Revenue identifying and stating with certainty what amount of VAT is due on the transaction,” he added.
“Instead of the conveyance being declared ‘void’ if it is not stamped or recorded, it gives a 180-day period from execution [of the conveyance], which is different from within 180 days of the issuance of an invoice. That’s a bit more of a workable timeline because it’s six months.
“It has not changed from what it previously was. You should be able to get a post-closing certificate of registration from the Bahamas Investment Authority. All parties have to ensure tax is paid, and the realtor has to ensure that notice of change in ownership is filed with the Department of Inland Revenue in 30 days.” Mr White, though, reiterated that the Department of Inland Revenue is likely to challenge any sales or transaction prices presented to it which “are not in line” with the property valuations generated for its real property tax assessments.
Boater backlash on fee increases plus ID install confusion
multiple yacht and boating forums exploded with concern and push-back over the altered regulations and fee structure, said the uncertainty could not have come at a worse time with the Budget-related changes - set to take effect from July 1 - coming just three days before the US Independence Day holiday which is traditionally a key period for boating business.
And, with confusion swirling over whether all boats coming to The Bahamas will need an automated identification system (AIS) that is fully functional and turned on at all times, the ABM chief argued that this nation has yet again not given an industry sufficient time to adjust to the changes and take too long to “disseminate the message” about what is actually happening.
Wayne Munroe, leader of government business in the House of Assembly, told Tribune Business on Friday that the AIS requirement was amended the night before to mandate that only vessels 55 feet and over are required to possess such a system.
“I know that there were changes to at least six of the Bills substantively, but I cannot recall all the details,” the minister of national security said. “I know there was a change to that requirement for the vessels to have AIS installed and activated. It was limited to vessels 55 feet and over.
“The Defence Force says that’s very useful when they get lost to help find them. We do pay attention to what people say and consider it.” The change came after maritime industry executives, at a Port Department meeting the Friday before last, warned the AIS measure could prove a deterrent to small boats/yachts and drive them away from visiting The Bahamas.
However, Mr Maury said the 55-feet limit still did not align with US Coastguard and international requirements that only require vessels 65 feet or longer to be equipped with an AIS. And, besides the ongoing uncertainty and confusion on this issue, boaters are now also threatening not to come to The Bahamas over the revised cruising and fishing permit fees.]
One of Tribune Business’s regular Bimini contacts on Friday messaged “plenty cancellations”, adding: “No way a single tripper, which is 90 percent of Bimini visitors, are paying $800 before they leave the dock.”
The revised Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations 2025 introduce a frequent digital cruising card (FDCC) for pleasure vessels that
frequent The Bahamas, offering a permit to facilitate “unlimited visits for a period not exceeding two years”. This is conditioned on the vessel obtaining clearance to enter from Customs, and the linking of its registration number to the FDCC.
The permit fees are tied to the yacht or boat’s length. Those 34 feet or less will have to pay $1,500 for an FDCC, while those greater than 34 feet but less than 100 feet will have to pay $2.500, and those exceeding 100 feet, $8,000.
Meanwhile, the fees for a temporary cruising permit are also tied to the same lengths. A vessel that is 34 feet or less will have to pay $500 “for a period not exceeding 12 months”, while the fees for those greater than 34 feet and less than 100 feet, and over 100 feet, are being set at $1,000 and $3,000, respectively for the same period. They will also cover Customs and Immigration attendance costs.
Mr Maury said the current cruising permit for a vessel less than 34 feet in length is $300, so that is set to increase by two-thirds or 67 percent come July 1, while the present $500 levy for boats between 34 feet to 100 feet is now about to double.
The temporary cruising permit will allow a “pleasure vessel” to enter The Bahamas’ twice within 30 days. And, if a pleasure vessel carries more than three passengers, every additional one above the age of six - and who is a non-resident of The Bahamas - will be subject to a $30 per head tax under the Passenger Tax.
The Government, in splitting out the fishing permit fee into a separate levy, and not incorporating it with the cruise permit fee, has set this at $100 and $300 for vessels not exceeding, and exceeding, 34 feet respectively.
Finally, the new anchorage fees for vessels not mooring at a marina are pegged at $200 for a vessel not exceeding 34 feet; $350 for those between 34 feet and 100 feet; and $1,500 for those over 100 feet. The boating and yachting industry consensus appears, like private aviation, to be that the FDCC will only benefit vessels which make multiple, regular annual visits to The Bahamas.
One boater, posting on thehulltruth.com, said: “There is a new chapter on fees as well. Looks like we will be paying $1,400 for our cruising permit and fishing permit now for a week.” Another replied: “So nobody will go”, and added: “Will be temporary like previous follies.”
Another said: “I see both
sides to this ha ha. More fish for me to miss, more money to pay.”
Others, though, said: “The way I read this: For a cruising permit and fishing permit would be $600 for 34 feet and under, $1,300 for 35 feet and up to $100. This is definitely good for the back and forth crowd, but the one time a year guys are getting hammered - a $1,000 increase for most.”
One poster asserted: “I just spoke with someone who checked in this morning, and that is what he was told. Fee going up on July 1 to $1,000 plus $300 for fishing permit. One return within 30 days or you pay again. If that’s the case, I’ve probably made my last Bahamas trip.”
“Thirteen hundred dollars is crazy,” another boater argued. “I take my boat over every summer and leave it there for two to three months so it provides no benefit to me since I am not going back and forth. This might make sense for Bimini, and even West End and Freeport, but makes no sense since the majority of boaters to the Abacos are not making multiple trips.
“It’s usually over for a week or two then headed home. I can see this severely cutting down on the number of boaters visiting the Abacos.” However, there was some praise for the FDCC. “This is great stuff for recreational boaters who are back and forth frequently,” one posted. “Sure, there is a $150 increase for the one-time boater, but for the folks who go several times a year it’s a huge savings.”
Boating industry contacts spoken to by Tribune Business said that, while not opposed to ensuring that visiting boats and yachts pay their fair share in taxes, any increases in fees/levies must be reasonable and proportionate in scale, with the industry properly consulted in advance and informed of changes in sufficient time so that they can adjust.
Mr Maury told Tribune Business of the current situation: “I’ve had marinas calling me that charters are cancelling reservations for 2026 because of the fees
Share your news
The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 3221986 and share your story.
coming from July 1. I’ve had several boats telling me they’re cancelling for Abaco and Bimini because it’s so confusing and the additional fees.
“It’s like everything else. We don’t give enough time and are waiting too long to disseminate the message.... The ones that will suffer the most are the closest marinas [to the US]. It’s not the bigger marinas further into The Bahamas that are going to see the decline because we get the bigger boats, but it’s the weekenders.
“Instead of the cruise permit, they will have to do the separate anchorage fees and separate fishing permit fee, and higher cruising permit. There was no fishing fee; it was included in the cruising permit. You’ve now got to go to all these different entities instead of having one entry process,”
Mr Maury added.
“If they’d just increased the fees it wouldn’t be as bad, but now you have anchorage fees as well as your cruising permit and fishing permit. We’re now nickel and dime-ing everyone to pieces. It’s affecting everybody. A lot of boats think they have to get AIS
and don’t want to install it. They haven’t taken time to properly disseminate the message.”
Mr Maury added that the upcoming July 4 US independence holiday weekend, which comes just days after the fee changes take effect, is “huge historically for marinas” but they are already receiving booking and reservation cancellations.
“I’ve had two marinas call me, and they are losing bookings for the 20252026 season, which is from November 2025 to May 2026,” the ABM president explained. “The fact the laws keep changing, the fees are changing again, brokers are having to re-negotiate [charter] contracts and those contracts are booked a year in advance. The fees keep changing, the contracts have to change.
“People are instead saying book us into the Caribbean, BVI, St Thomas. People don’t want to take a chance. They’re changing their reservations right now. It’s causing great confusion.” Rather than give two weeks for the entire industry to understand what is happening, Mr Maury said the Government should have tabled a Bill to take effect for 2026-2027 to give brokers, yacht owners and central agents time time to provide feedback.
“I’ve already had sev-
eral marinas call me saying they’ve had bookings and reservations change, which means those boats will not be in the country,” he added. “It hurts all of us; taxi drivers and food stores. They will change their reservations right now if they think fees for their clients are going up. Some of them have taken deposits as far our as February 2026. They cannot take a chance.
“Everybody’s panicking. There’s been no official word out yet for brokers and captains. We need to see it in writing from the Government. We need to see these amendments. I read a lot of these boater forums and do do my peers in the industry. They’re still talking as if everyone has to have an AIS transponder.
“It’s the weekend boats that are going to come over in July. That’s going to hurt Bimini and West End. I’m not saying it won’t hurt the central Bahamas and Nassau. We’ll probably lose some boats, too, because the message has not clearly gone out..... I can’t put a dollar value on it, but it’s on every single forum - The Bahamas’ cruisers forum, the captain’s forum, the fishing forum.
“It’s just a bad way to conduct business, but what can we do about it? These guys don’t want to listen. It’s unfortunate.”
FNM to slash yacht tax rate ‘highest in Caribbean-Atlantic’
FROM PAGE B1
Managers Association, in a paper seen by Tribune Business, told the Davis administration: “In 2022, the Government added a 10 percent VAT to charters, on top of the existing 4 percent Port Department charter tax, raising the total levy to 14 percent —the highest in the Caribbean-Atlantic region.
“The roll-out provided no clear path for foreignflagged yachts to obtain a Bahamian VAT number. Opaque registration steps, complex filing requirements and limited departmental support have driven many vessels elsewhere, shrinking a once-growing tourism and marine services sector.....
“The Port Department’s online ‘Foreign Charter contractual form’ already lets vessels pay the 4 percent Port tax and links each payment to Click2Clear. Given the lack of a practical VAT registration process -and the resulting revenue losses for marinas, yacht-service providers, hospitality businesses and the Bahamian government - we urge the Government to repeal the charter VAT, fold that revenue into a revised port tax, and set a
rate (10-12 percent) that restores The Bahamas’ competitiveness among Caribbean-Atlantic charter destinations.”
Two of those steps - eliminating VAT and rolling the levy into one - are being acted on by the Government, but there has been no cut in the effective tax rate although such a move is being considered for foreign-flagged vessels that switch to registering with The Bahamas’ yacht registry.
VAT and the 4 percent Port Department fee are set to be consolidated into one, all-encompassing 14 percent levy payable to the latter from July 1, 2025. This means foreign yachts no longer will have to pay VAT and deal with the Department of Inland Revenue, although questions remain about the de-registration process.
Mr Cartwright, though, was unmoved. In a statement, he blasted: “Since the Davis administration hiked the VAT on yacht charters from 4 percent to 10 percent, nearly half of our market share has vanished and rerouted to competitors like Turks and Caicos and St Maarten. What the
Cultivation centres close to completion
$112,000 for 2024-2025 to $700,000” for construction of buildings.
“Actually, what this is,is, I don’t know if you recall, in our mid-term Budget exercise I was advised to ensure that we increase
processing. If you’re familiar with the presentation of your leader for Marco City [Mr Pintard], he had advised me that we should look to increase processing and production after my response - when I gave my mid-term Budget - as advice to me, which I took.
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL
The Public is hereby advised that I,DAREN CAMPBELL NEWBOLD of #18 Flamingo Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to DEHRYN INZLEY CAMPBELL NEWBOLD. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that CELISSA PHILIPPE of Fowler Street, 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 23rd day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that LORNISE EMILE of Pride Estates #3, 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 23rd day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
PLP calls ‘growth’ is actually a mass exodus.
“While they boast about numbers on paper, small Bahamian businesses are bleeding, our economy is suffering and our neighbours are booming off our bad policy. This government is gas-lighting the public with selective statistics while ignoring the real, devastating impact their decision has had on our maritime sector.”
The Opposition’s deputy leader continued: “We’ve met with the captains. We’ve met with the charter companies. We’ve met with Bahamian taxi drivers, rental car agents, yacht engineers, cleaning crews and every other professional connected to this industry.
“They are all saying the same thing: Business has collapsed. This 10 percent tax didn’t just hurt foreign yacht owners; it hurt Bahamian livelihoods. From Grand Bahama to Abaco to Exuma, Bahamianowned support businesses have seen fewer bookings, less traffic and shrinking income.”
“What makes it worse is that the Prime Minister, deputy prime minister and
“... And in following advice, in order to facilitate the processing, what we are now doing is we are in the process of building a food processing kitchen, something that was in one of those black folders. I saw the notations. We are in the process of building the food processing kitchen, and it will be built based on an international code of practice for principles of good general hygiene. And that will go towards the facilitation of processing value-added by-products, the jams that I spoke about.
“You know, jam processing is now also a part of the educational curriculum for the BGCSE and the family life examinations. We did an exercise with the students from Donald Davis to assist them in that. And so this is what we are doing. We take advice for the betterment of the
minister of transport were fully briefed on this issue. They heard the warnings. They saw the data. And they chose to push forward anyway with a poorly conceived tax policy that is now gutting a once-thriving sector. They had every opportunity to reverse course but, instead, they made it worse.”
Mr Cartwright pledged that an FNM administration “will reverse the 10 percent tax on yacht charters and re-engage stakeholders across the industry to reignite maritime tourism, especially in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. By collaborating with travel professionals, we aim to reverse negative trends and better navigate global uncertainty.
“Our strategy includes investing in targeted advertising, securing stronger airlift in key markets, expanding outreach to new regions such as Europe, Latin America and Asia, and accelerating the completion of Family Island airports and resort developments to improve accessibility and boost visitor appeal. This isn’t just about yachts; it’s about vision.”
Apart from eliminating 10 percentage points from the yacht charter tax rate, much of what was suggested is already underway under the current administration.
Bahamian people, regardless of where it comes from, Long Island,” Mr Campbell added.
“And in addition to that, $250,000 - a quarter million - also goes towards the renovation of the animal control unit which, again, if you had consulted with the leader, he could tell you the state that that was in by the Botanical Gardens because it’s nothing new to me. It’s nothing new to this administration.
“But we have to be about the business of fixing things. So we’re going to fix that to the tune of $250,000... Additionally, the balance of those funds will go towards the construction of the restrooms, the manager’s office, and any other building that is necessary for the building and establishment of the new Arawak Cay of the South in Golden Gates.”
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ANMORINE GETTENB of Lumumba Road, Fox Hill 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 16th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that CHELEX JOSEPH of Family Street off Soldier Road, 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 23rd day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
However, a recent town hall meeting featuring maritime and marina industry representatives estimated that the sector has lost $130m worth of business due to the fee hike and associated red tape and bureaucracy. And a previous study revealed that more thantripling the effective tax rate cost this nation $90m through a 40 percent slump in foreign yacht charters.
‘Yachting in The Bahamas’, written by Marcel Amann, founder of Yacht Services Bahamas, reiterated that tax hikes and regulatory interventions “have dampened activity” in a sector estimated to generate half a billion dollars annually for this country’s economy.
Citing recent data from Yachting Magazine, he singled out the imposition of 10 percent VAT on foreign yacht charter fees as especially harmful for The Bahamas’ competitiveness given that it tripled the overall tax rate to 14 percent when added to the already-existing 4 percent Port Department levy.
Asserting that this taxation burden was much higher than Caribbean rivals, although no comparative figures were provided, the report said the ease and convenience of conducting business in The Bahamas has also been made more costly, time-consuming and bureaucratic for visiting
boaters through the introduction of requirements such as obtaining a VAT taxpayer identification (TIN) number.
“The yachting sector contributes about $500m annually to The Bahamas’ economy, though recent tax measures have dampened activity,” the industry position paper said. “The evolving regulatory landscape in The Bahamas has introduced both opportunities and challenges for the yachting industry.
“The implementation of a 10 percent VAT on yacht charters in 2022, and a 4 percent Port fee that was already previously implemented, aimed to boost government revenue but has led to concerns over its high 14 percent combined tax rate, especially compared to competitors like the Cayman Islands and US Virgin Islands.
“This policy shift contributed to a 40 percent decline in yacht charters, resulting in a reported $90m revenue loss and affecting related sectors like provisioning and hospitality. Additionally, administrative requirements, such as obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for VAT compliance, have complicated operations, pushing some yachts to consider alternative destinations like Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic.”
Man whose parents were kidnapped after $245M Bitcoin theft has pleaded guilty to federal charges
By DAVE COLLINS Associated Press
A CONNECTICUT man whose parents were kidnapped after he took part in a $245 million Bitcoin theft has pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges and has agreed to testify against his co-defendants, according to court documents that were unsealed this week.
Veer Chetal, 19, from Danbury, Connecticut, was one of three men charged with stealing 4,100 Bitcoins from a victim in Washington, D.C., in an elaborate online scam last August.
The trio lived large after the heist, spending millions of dollars on cars, jewelry,
rental mansions and nightclub parties, prosecutors say.
A week after the theft, Chetal's parents were assaulted and kidnapped briefly in Danbury in a failed ransom plot aimed at Chetal, who the attackers believed had a large amount of cryptocurrency, authorities said. Chetal's criminal case was unsealed on Monday in federal court in Washington, revealing his guilty pleas in November and his agreement to cooperate with federal authorities investigating the Bitcoin theft. It also revealed new allegations that he was involved in about 50 similar thefts that raked in another $3 million between November 2023 and September 2024.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that WILLIAM SARPONG of P.O. Box SP 6123 West Ridge, Cable Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 16th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ROSITA AKIUS of 3rd Street Grove, 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 23rd day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
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 16th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that NADINE SAMANTHA ALBURY of CB-13355 #18 Bishop Way, Windsor Place 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 16th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Opposition fears Bill revives controversial Moorings deal
appeared to be an attempt to give the activities planned by Bahamas Moorings Ltd a legal, statutory footing without explicitly saying so.
“The second major concern was this looked as if it was a Bill to get around the public outcry over the controversial Bahamas Moorings lease deal and get it under government control and operations,” he told Tribune Business “They, in a very short time, bring this policy action, which was undoubtedly contrary to the public interest before, back into the picture with legislation.
“That’s the major concern. That it’s too close to the cancellation. The cancellation and legislation are too close to one another for the Opposition to be comfortable not to see the conflict [with it] being legislated under the same administration.
“You can drive through the Exuma cays now. Not only can you see moorings put in place by the previous group [Bahamas Moorings], but there have been more put down since that
deal was cancelled. There is two acres of land in Black Point, Exuma, being occupied by the entity whose lease was cancelled. While that deal was cancelled, all other aspects appear to be ongoing.”
The Opposition’s stance was yesterday backed by Peter Maury, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president, who challenged why responsibility for oversight of the Maritime Revenue Unit was being placed under the Ministry of Finance, and more particularly Simon Wilson, the financial secretary, rather than the Port Department. Revealing that himself, and many in the maritime industry, view the Bill as giving legal standing to the same business plan proposed by Bahamas Moorings, he added: “It’s insane that it’s all under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. When did the Ministry of Finance take over the duties of the Port Department...
“Everyone’s saying the same thing. We all know what happened in the Moorings deal. I agree with the FNM. It [the Bill]
N O T I C E
EXXONMOBIL INDIA LNG LIMITED
Creditors having debts or claims against the abovenamed Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 17th day of July A.D., 2025. In default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.
Dated the 23rd day of June, A.D., 2025.
D.A. Bates Liquidator
22777 Springwoods Village Parkway Spring, Texas 77389 U.S.A.
should be thrown out. We presented the same thing to the Ministry of Tourism a couple of years ago for expansion and the promotion of other kinds of maritime business and industry for The Bahamas.
“They’ve basically taken over what they thought was a good idea for themselves. To be honest, I don’t think it’s for the good of the Bahamian people. This Bill should be cancelled and the Ministry of Finance should have no say over anything maritime unless it comes from the Port Department because it is good at collaborating with the private sector.”
Asserting that the Ministry of Finance is unfamiliar with the maritime industry, how it operates and what its needs are, and has never directly consulted it, Mr Maury added: “For them to get involved in this business is not right and, to be frank, doesn’t make sense. Everybody’s saying the same thing. Something’s afoot. It’s causing a lot of trust with all the legislation being proposed.”
Other Bills accompanying the Budget also touch on activities that would
have been conducted by Bahamas Moorings. For example, the Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill gives the responsible minister, the minister of transport, the power “to establish and regulate the use of anchorage zones” plus “implement and manage marine traffic services for the safe and efficient navigation of boats and watercrafts throughout port areas”.
Mr White, affirming that the Opposition had “many concerns” and did not agree with both the Maritime Revenue Unit Bill and VAT (Amendment) Bill 2025, said the Government “understood what the issues” were during discussions between the two sides at the House committee stage and during the process of passing the Budget on Thursday night.
However, no changes were made that night, and it is understood the Opposition will be watching carefully to see if the amendments it is seeking will be made in the Senate when the Budget reaches parliament’s upper house today.
The Maritime Revenue Unit Bill, in its ‘objects
N O T I C E
EXXONMOBIL INDIA LNG LIMITED
N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:
(a) EXXONMOBIL INDIA LNG LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.
(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 18th day of June 2025 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.
(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is D.A. Bates, of 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring, Texas 77389, U.S.A.
Dated the 23rd day of June, 2025.
HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company
and reasons’ section, states: “This Bill seeks to establish the Maritime Revenue Unit. This unit will provide an integrated approach to management and law enforcement of the maritime activities in The Bahamas by bringing together officers from a number of different agencies operate together as co-ordinated unit. This unit hopes to bring greater effectiveness and efficiency to the work of all of the agencies involved.”
Bahamas Moorings, as part of its now-aborted lease deal with the Government, committed to installing 250 moorings at 49 locations in the Exumas via an investment worth $2.5m. In return for leasing a total 4,615 acres from the Government for 21 years, with effect from February 1, 2025, it had agreed to pay an annual rent equal to 3 percent of gross revenue collected from boaters plus 10 percent VAT. The company had proposed to charge fees ranging from $25 to $135 per day depending on vessel length, plus fees of between $170 and $250 per day for “super yachts” mooring at its ‘taper buoys again depending on length.
Anchorage fees ranged from 55 cents per foot per day to $1.10 per foot per day, again depending on boat length.
Bahamas Moorings argued that its mooring/anchorage plan would bring order to the present chaos on Bahamian waters by giving boats and yachts designated points where they can tie up, thus preventing damage to the seabed, coral reefs and other ecosystems from anchors dragging.
However, the Bahamas Moorings deal was abandoned within two days, with both the company and the Government agreeing to walk away, after it was publicly exposed. It also emerged that Sandra Kemp, deputy director of communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, witnessed the 21-year lease’s signing on behalf of a company in which her husband was one of the principals, even though she is an employee of the Government which is a counterparty in the deal. The Prime Minister’s Office, in announcing that both sides had “mutually agreed” that the Bahamas Moorings deal would not proceed, said Mrs Kemp’s role in witnessing the lease’s signing is “under review”. It also quickly announced it plans to develop a national moorings strategy and undertake an inventory of existing moorings - moves likely to be an effort to
distract from Bahamas Moorings itself. Philip Davis KC, though, subsequently declined to comment any further on the Bahamas Moorings deal, and Mrs Kemp remains employed in his office in the same position. No results of any “review” have been released publicly. Tribune Business previously revealed that many of those involved in the Bahamas Moorings Company deal have close links to the Office of the Prime Minister and senior persons who work in it. The two principals named in the lease, in particular, both have longstanding ties to Jerome Fitzgerald, the Prime Minister’s senior policy adviser. Philip A. Kemp II is a long-time business associate of Mr Fitzgerald, the two having been part of the failed BK Foods attempt to acquire the now-defunct City Markets supermarket chain. They later participated in the Trans-Island Traders deal that acquired the same business just prior to its collapse, with Mr Kemp becoming its chief financial officer. A City Markets-related e-mail, sent to Tribune Business at that time, was also copied to Philip A. Kemp II. And Raymond Christian Knowles, better known by his middle name, is a boat captain with the ‘Pieces of 8’ tour boat and charter operator, where he is described as “a 30-year veteran on the open waters” who has worked as a commercial fisherman. Mr Fitzgerald, in a 2021 interview with Tribune Business neither confirmed nor denied when asked whether he had an ownership interest in the company. There are also further connections involving Bahamas Moorings’ address. This newspaper’s own records, plus a VAT registrants list from 2016, reveal that 138 Wulff Road was also once the home of Bahamas Cargo & Logistics (BCL), a company owned by Mr Fitzgerald’s family.
Tribune Business previously reported yesterday how a bill of lading, detailing Bahamas Moorings’ importation of anchors and link chains from China, gives the company’s address as Suite No.5, 138 Wulff Road. That is now the address of Cubix Bahamas which, like Bahamas Cargo & Logistics, is also a shipping company and freight forwarder. And Mrs Kemp states on her Linkedin page that she has served as “head of marketing communications” for Cubix Bahamas from March 2018 to the “present”.
N O T I C E
EXXONMOBIL GAS VENTURES KOREA LIMITED
Creditors having debts or claims against the abovenamed Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 17th day of July A.D., 2025. In default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.
Dated the 23rd day of June, A.D., 2025. D.A. Bates Liquidator 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway Spring, Texas 77389 U.S.A.
N O T I C E
EXXONMOBIL GAS VENTURES KOREA LIMITED
N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:
(a) EXXONMOBIL GAS VENTURES KOREA LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.
(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 18th day of June 2025 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.
(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is D.A. Bates, of 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring, Texas 77389, U.S.A.
Dated the 23rd day of June, 2025.
HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company
Surging travel in Europe spikes concerns over tourism’s drawbacks
By SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press
SUITCASES rattle against cobblestones. Selfie-snappers jostle for the same shot. Ice cream shops are everywhere.
Europe has been called the world's museum, but its record numbers of visitors have also made it ground zero for concerns about overtourism.
Last year, 747 million international travelers visited the continent, far outnumbering any other region in the world, according to the U.N.'s World Tourism Barometer. Southern and Western Europe welcomed more than 70% of them.
As the growing tide of travelers strains housing, water and the most Instagrammable hotspots in the region, protests and measures to lessen the effects of overtourism have proliferated.
Here's a look at the issue in some of Europe's most visited destinations.
What's causing overtourism
Among factors driving the record numbers are cheap flights, social media, the ease of travel planning using artificial intelligence and what U.N. tourism officials call a strong economic outlook for many rich countries that send tourists despite some geopolitical and economic tensions.
Citizens of countries like the U.S., Japan, China
and the U.K. generate the most international trips, especially to popular destinations, such as Barcelona in Spain and Venice in Italy. They swarm these places seasonally, creating uneven demand for housing and resources such as water.
Despite popular backlash against the crowds, some tourism officials believe they can be managed with the right infrastructure in place.
Italy's Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè said she thinks tourism flows at crowded sites such Florence's Uffizi Galleries that house some of the world's most famous artworks could be better managed with AI, with tourists able to buy their tickets when they book their travel, even months in advance, to prevent surges.
She pushed back against the idea that Italy — which like all of its Southern European neighbors, welcomed more international visitors in 2024 than its entire population — has a problem with too many tourists, adding that most visits are within just 4% of the country's territory.
"It's a phenomenon that can absolutely be managed," Santanchè told The Associated Press in an interview in her office on Friday. "Tourism must be an opportunity, not a threat — even for local communities. That's why we are focusing on organizing flows."
Where overtourism is most intense
Countries on the Mediterranean are at the forefront. Olympics-host France, the biggest international destination, last year received 100 million international visitors, while second-place Spain received almost 94 million — nearly double its own population.
Protests have erupted across Spain over the past two years. In Barcelona, the water gun has become a symbol of the city's antitourism movement after marching protests have spritzed unsuspecting tourists while carrying signs saying: "One more tourist, one less resident!"
The pressure on infrastructure has been particularly acute on Spain's Canary and Balearic Islands, which have a combined population of less than 5 million people. Each archipelago saw upwards of 15 million visitors last year.
Elsewhere in Europe, tourism overcrowding has vexed Italy's most popular sites including Venice, Rome, Capri and Verona, where Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was set. On the popular Amalfi Coast, ride-hailing app Uber offers private helicopter and boat rides in the summer to beat the crowds.
Greece, which saw nearly four times as many tourists as its own population last year, has struggled with the strain on water, housing and energy in the summer months, especially on
Purdue Pharma's $7B opioid settlement is set for votes from victims and cities
By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press
OXYCONTIN maker
Purdue Pharma 's $7 billionplus plan to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids will be sent to local governments, people who became addicted to the drug and other impacted groups after a judge's ruling Friday. The nationwide settlement advanced by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane was hammered out in negotiations between the company, groups that have sued and representatives of members of the Sackler family who own the company.
Lane did not accept the plan itself on Friday — just that the information to be provided to the voters is adequate enough for them to decide, along with the voting procedures. Government entities, emergency room doctors, insurers, families of children born into withdrawal from the powerful prescription painkiller, individual victims and their families and others will have until Sept. 30 to vote on whether to accept the deal. The settlement is a way to avoid trials with claims from states alone that total more than $2 trillion in damages.
This month, 49 states announced they had signed on to the proposal. Only Oklahoma, which has a separate settlement with the company, is not involved. If approved, the settlement would be among the largest in a wave of lawsuits over the past decade as governments and others sought to hold drugmakers, wholesalers and pharmacies accountable for the opioid epidemic that started rising in the years after OxyContin hit the market in 1996. The other settlements together are worth about $50 billion, and most of the money is to be used to combat the crisis.
popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and others. The impact of overtourism
In Spain, anti-tourism activists, academics, and the government say that overtourism is driving up housing costs in city centers and other popular locations due to the proliferation of short-term rentals that cater to visitors.
Others bemoan changes to the very character of city neighborhoods that drew tourists in the first place.
In Barcelona and elsewhere, activists and academics have said that neighborhoods popular with tourists have seen local shops replaced with souvenir vendors, international chains and trendy eateries.
On some of Greece's most-visited islands, tourism has overlapped with water scarcity as drought grips the Mediterranean country of 10.4 million.
In France, the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, shut down this week when its staff went on strike warning that the facility was crumbling beneath the weight of overtourism, stranding thousands
of ticketed visitors lined up under the baking sun.
Angelos Varvarousis, a Barcelona- and Athensbased academic and urban planner who studies the industry, said overtourism risks imposing a "monoculture" on many of Europe's hotspots.
"It is combined with the gradual loss and displacement of other social and economic activities," Varvarousis said.
What authorities are doing to cope
Spain's government wants to tackle what officials call the country's biggest governance challenge: its housing crunch.
Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to take down almost 66,000 properties it said had violated local rules — while Barcelona announced a plan last year to phase out all of the 10,000 apartments licensed in the city as short-term rentals by 2028.
Officials said the measure was to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents.
Elsewhere, authorities have tried to regulate
In the early 2000s, most opioid deaths were linked to prescription drugs, including OxyContin. Since then, heroin and then illicitly produced fentanyl became the biggest killers. In some years, the class of drugs was linked to more than 80,000 deaths, but that number dropped sharply last year.
Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a version of Purdue's proposed settlement. The court found it was improper to protect members of the Sackler family from lawsuits over opioids, even though they themselves were not filing for bankruptcy protection.
tourist flows by cracking down on overnight stays or imposing fees for those visiting via cruises.
In Greece, starting July 1, a cruise tax will be levied on island visitors at 20 euros ($23) for popular destinations like Mykonos and 5 euros ($5.70) for less-visited islands like Samos.
The government has also encouraged visitors to seek quieter locations.
To alleviate water problems, water tankers from mainland Greece have helped parched islands, and the islands have also used desalination technology, which separates salts from ocean water to make it drinkable, to boost their drinking water.
Other measures have included staggered visiting hours at the Acropolis.
Meanwhile, Venice brought back an entry fee this year that was piloted last year on day-trippers who will have to pay between 5 and 10 euros (roughly $6 to $12) to enter the city during the peak season.
In the new version, groups that don't opt in to the settlement would still have the right to sue members of the wealthy family whose name once adorned museum galleries around the world and programs at several prestigious U.S. universities. Under the plan, the Sackler family members would give up ownership of Purdue. They resigned from the company's board and stopped receiving distributions from its funds before the company's initial bankruptcy filing in 2019. The remaining entity would get a new name and its profits would be dedicated to battling the epidemic.
DEMONSTRATORS march shouting slogans against the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival in downtown Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, during residents protest against mass tourism.
Photo:Emilio Morenatti/AP
PILLS spill in an arrangement photo of prescription Oxycodone in New York.
