By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s president yesterday branded new and increased boater fees as “a botch” that needs to “be rescinded immediately” amid ongoing visitor “uproar”.
Emanuel “Manny” Alexiou, also the Abaco Beach Resort’s proprietor, told Tribune Business the fall-out from hiked cruising permits, plus the new fishing permit and anchorage fees, was “horrid, horrid, horrid” for a Family Island tourism and marina industry that “needs more people, not less” to drive occupancy rates
• ‘Never seen such uproar’ over Budget’s changes
• 45-year Bimini visitor: ‘Punitive’ fees like ‘gouging’
• Rivals ‘laughing’ at Bahamas ‘highest fees on Earth’
higher than the prevailing 50 percent average.
He voiced particular concern that The Bahamas has combined temporary cruising permit fee
increases of between 67 percent and 100 percent with a two-thirds reduction in the time this is valid, cutting it from the present 90 days to the same “pleasure vessel” being allowed to enter this nation twice within 30 days, resulting in a significant value for money loss for tourists.
Other tourism officials confirmed to this newspaper that “phones are blowing up” over the outcry from visiting boaters, plus the concerns of Bahamian private sector operators whose businesses are reliant on this market, due to the fee and other reforms accompanying the 2025-2026 Budget. Mr Alexiou added that it was creating “so much bad publicity that
Union leader urges PM: Be ‘man of your word’ on pensions reform
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A TRADE union leader is urging the Prime Minister to “be a man of his word” and ensure proper consultation over public sector pension reforms with all stakeholders before legislation goes to Parliament.
Belinda Wilson, the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president, said the recently-published Fiscal Strategy Report had sparked concerns over whether the Government will fully consult over legal changes designed to prevent a $4.1bn ‘hole’
emerging in the public finances.
However, she added that it appears as if the Davis administration has “pulled back” from the timeline laid out in that report. Both the “tabling of the ‘white paper’” on
public sector pension reform, and the “expected tabling” of the Bill itself, did not occur during the recent 2025-2026 Budget debate in the House of Assembly - contrary to what was detailed in the Fiscal Strategy Report.
“payday lenders” offering loans at predatory interest rates, a Cabinet minister disclosed yesterday.
“The Government has asked them to look at the area of these non-bank money lenders and come back to us with some suggestions,” disclosed Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, in leading-off the 20252026 Budget debate in the Senate.
“Many years ago, those payday lenders in the US, [we] didn’t have them here. Now [they] might go by a different name, but essentially they’re payday lenders, and unfortunately, many Bahamians fell into that net where they’re borrowing at extremely high interest rates with very, very little prospect of ever coming out,” said Mr Halkitis.
“We are working with the Securities Commission to be exploring the implementation of a centralised, one-stop shop to streamline approvals and improve co-ordination across our financial services regulatory agencies.
“And so the idea is that individuals who want to
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we don’t need about The Bahamas right now”.
One veteran visitor to Bimini, who has been visiting the island for more than 45 years, warned in an e-mail sent to Tribune Business that his regular trips “are over” due to “the recent spike in fees across the board”, which he argued “feels not only excessive, but punitive” and almost akin to being “gouged”.
Jorge Recarey, in an open letter to Ministry of Tourism and Customs officials, said: “I’m writing to express my deep concern over the recent changes in boating and fishing regulations in The Bahamas - particularly the dramatic increase in fees that now make it
Fiscal Strategy Report ‘Bill tabling’ did not happen
• BUT chief: PM promised new Bill and consultation
• No Gov’t reply to its 11 questions, 22 suggestions
Tribune Business spoke to Latrae Rahming, the Prime Minister’s communications director, to try and clarify the Government’s plans and timeline for addressing unfunded public sector pension liabilities which were described by Simon
come, set up a financial services company in The Bahamas, should have a one-stop shop where they can be introduced to service providers, products, licensing and, as well, the approval process, and to identify opportunities for improvement and streamlining.”
Mr Halkitis added that while the initiative is “ambitious”, the goal is for investors to get approvals quickly due to the collaboration between regulators.
“It’s a very ambitious programme, but the idea is to have this one-stop shop set up where they
increasingly difficult and frustrating for visitors to return.
“I have been travelling to Bimini since the late 1970s. What began as a family tradition turned into a lifelong connection to the island - one strong enough that I eventually purchased a condo there and became a part of the local community.
“Over the decades, I’ve spent countless weekends and holidays supporting the island’s businesses, paying Customs and fishing fees, fuelling up, dining out, and bringing friends and family to experience the beauty of Bimini. But unfortunately, those days are over.”
He continued: “The recent spike in fees across the board, from Customs to fishing permits to every day services - feels not only excessive, but punitive. It sends a message that long-time supporters of the island are no longer welcome unless they are willing to be gouged. As a result, I’ve decided to stop travelling to Bimini and have put my condo up for sale.
“And I’m not alone. Many of my fellow neighbours and boaters
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE near-$1.9m in total damages awarded to five former Gaming Board employees was yesterday overturned by the Court of Appeal which branded their payouts as “excessive sums”.
Appeal justice Gregory Smith, in a unanimous verdict, ruled that no damages for wrongful dismissal were due to any of Kayla Ward, Georgette Johnson, Latoya Knowles, Dwaynel Archer and Hope Miller because they had already received their lawful compensation in accordance with the Employment Act’s section 29.
And, in also determining that none of the five were due any special damages, the Court of Appeal also rejected “basic awards” for unfair dismissal for four of five. The only such award upheld was $52,873 for Georgette Johnson, while just the issue of “compensatory damages” for unfair
dismissal was sent back to the Supreme Court for fresh determination by another registrar.
And the Court of Appeal gave specific instructions as to how the “compensatory damages” should be calculated by the Supreme Court as it largely overturned the June 6, 2024, award by Edmund Turner, the deputy registrar, who found the five were entitled to a combined $1.895m as compensation for the loss and damages they had suffered, with that figure also including interest on the sums awarded.
The five were among 24 former Gaming Board employees who then-senior justice Indra Charles ruled were wrongfully and unfairly dismissed between October 2017 and February 2018 following the Minnis administration’s election to office.
Mr Turner had awarded Ms Ward some $442,363 in damages plus just over $150,000 in interest for a total payout of $593,784.
Gov’t eyes completion of tax residency certificate
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
THE Government is targeting completion of the tax residency certificate product that will allow expatriate residents to prove to home jurisdictions they are domiciled in The Bahamas and compliant. Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, told the Senate in leadingoff the 2025-2026 Budget debate that an inter-ministerial committee has been set up to complete the tax residency certificate’s implementation.
“We continue to pursue implementation of our tax residency certificate. We have set up an interministerial committee consisting of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Department of Immigration, Department of Inland Revenue, lawyers from the Attorney General’s Office working together to serve clients and strengthen our jurisdiction, and we are looking to bring this initiative to completion,” said Mr Halkitis. The initiative has been in the works for some time. Elsworth Johnson, minister of financial services
BAHAMAS INCURS $1BN TRADE DEFICIT FOR 2025 FIRST QUARTER
THE Bahamas incurred a $1bn trade deficit for the first three months of 2025 despite exports more than doubling year-over-year, it was revealed yesterday.
Data unveiled by the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI) revealed that this nation imported $1.196bn worth of physical goods commodities during the 2025 first quarter, representing a 16 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Goods exports, including those both produced in The Bahamas and re-exported
after being received from other jurisdictions, totalled $191m which was a 101 percent increase compared to the 2024 fourth quarter.
However, this could not prevent The Bahamas from running a $1.005bn trade deficit for the three months to end-March 2025.
The Government, as it has previously, will likely argue that the trade deficit’s size - and increase in imports - is a sign of a healthy economy that is continuing to strengthen due to rising consumer spending. And the trade
Freeport AC provider in Nassau expansion
A FREEPORT air conditioning and refrigeration provider has completed its expansion to New Providence with the opening of its outlet at the One West Plaza.
Absolute Comfort A/C & Refrigeration’s move was supported by its longstanding partnership with Comfort Star. Comfort Star representative, Leandro Armas, travelled to The Bahamas to attend the opening and help to showcase the HVAC systems now available through Absolute Comfort’s Nassau branch.
“We’ve been working alongside Absolute Comfort for 20 years, and we’re proud to see them expanding into the west side of Nassau,” said Mr Armas. “Our partnership is even stronger now, as both of
our commitments are to keep customers cool and comfortable.”
The event was attended by community members, customers, and Bahamian professionals. “We’re proud to open our doors here in Nassau,” said Absolute Comfort’s president, Craig Bethel. “This location reflects our goal to meet growing demand while offering world class HVAC systems and support tailored for the Bahamian market.”
After more than two decades serving Grand Bahama, Absolute Comfort is aiming to build strong community and industry ties in New Providence. The Nassau expansion positions the company to better serve residential and commercial clients throughout the country.
CIBC and JetBlue team up over third credit card
CIBC Caribbean and MasterCard have unveiled a third credit card targeted at business clients in The Bahamas and three other Caribbean markets where JetBlue operates.
The two companies, in a statement, said the JetBlue Business Card offers exclusive rewards, valuable travel benefits and enhanced opportunities to earn and redeem TrueBlue points.
“We are thrilled to expand our card offerings with the addition of the JetBlue Business Card by CIBC Caribbean, which will offer a truly enhanced travel experience for the business traveller,” said Jennifer Fuller, CIBC’s director of enterprise payments, cards and merchant services.
“As a leading airline in the Caribbean, JetBlue takes great pride in our continued commitment to delivering innovative programmes and products to our loyal customers throughout the region,” said Edward Pouthier, Jet Blue’s vicepresident of loyalty and personalisation.
“We’re excited to strengthen our partnership
with CIBC Caribbean through the launch of the new JetBlue Business Card, an offering designed specifically for our business customers. This new card provides exclusive rewards and benefits, allowing card members to earn and redeem TrueBlue points across JetBlue’s network of more than 100 destinations and partner airlines, bringing them one swipe closer to their next journey.” The companies said the new business card will allow holders in The Bahamas, Barbados, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica to enjoy Group A priority boarding on select flights; have the first checked bag free for up to three eligible travel companions in the same reservation; earn 4X points on eligible JetBlue purchases; and get 10,000 TrueBlue points annually. The new JetBlue Business Credit Card is the latest offering following the launch of the JetBlue Mastercard and JetBlue Select Mastercard by CIBC Caribbean, which were introduced in November 2023 in The Bahamas, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
deficit only tracks physical goods, meaning it does not capture the economic impact and output from The Bahamas’ services exports - primarily tourism and financial services. However, these same services exports - and the foreign currency earnings they generate - are what finances The Bahamas’ ever-growing trade deficits. As a result, the latter is placing increasing pressure on this nation’s most important industries to finance constantly-growing
consumption in an importdependent economy.
“Estimates on commodities imported into The Bahamas totaled some $1.196bn, resulting in an increase of 16 percent when compared with the same period last year,” the Bahamas National Statistical Institute said.
“‘Machinery and transport equipment’, the largest contributor to imports, totalled $272m or 23 percent of all imports. This was followed by the category of ‘Food and live
animals’, which accounted for 17 percent or $209m.
“Other categories that contributed significantly to total imports were ‘manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials’, ‘mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials’, and ‘miscellaneous manufactured articles’ with a combined total of $504m (42 percent of total imports).”
As for exports, the Bahamas National Statistical Institute said: “Total exports (domestic and reexports) for the 2025 first quarter totalled $191m,
resulting in an increase of 101 percent when compared to the same period last year.
“The major categories of exports consisted mainly of ‘manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials’ totaling $54m (28 percent of total exports), ‘food and live animals’ totalling $36m (18 percent of total exports) and ‘machinery and transport equipment’ totalling $28m (15 percent of total export).”
THE Bahamas is seek-
ing to drive an increase in Canadian visitors by hosting key trade and media events in Montreal and Toronto.
The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and
Aviation, in a statement, said it its latest promotional and marketing mission is designed to deepen partnerships and capitalise on growing interest from Canadian travellers seeking fresh, accessible and
authentic vacations beyond traditional markets.
Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, will lead meetings with airline partners, tour operators, travel advisors and media. The delegation also includes Latia Duncombe, director-general of tourism, and other senior officials.
“Canadian travellers are changing their travel habits, and with expanded airlift and improved accessibility, The Bahamas is well-positioned to capture this demand. This mission is focused on growing our visitor numbers and strengthening partnerships that deliver real economic benefits for our tourism industry,” said Mr Cooper.
“Airline partners like Air Canada and Sunwing are responding to strong Canadian demand with expanded services. These improvements in accessibility directly enhance our ability to grow tourism business, bring new visitors and create economic opportunities across The Bahamas.” Central to this growth strategy is expanding air
connectivity with Canada. The Ministry of Tourism said there has been a significant increase in flights from major Canadian cities to The Bahamas already this year. New non-stop services from Ottawa and Halifax to Nassau will launch this winter, while existing routes from Toronto and Montreal to Nassau and Grand Bahama have been extended or made yearround. These increased flight options make The Bahamas more accessible, supporting year round travel to its 16 island destinations.
“Canada remains a key source market for The Bahamas, and we are committed to showcasing the diversity of experiences that each of our 16 islands has to offer,” said Mrs Duncombe. “These trade and media engagements allow us to share our story and highlight that The Bahamas is more than a destinationit’s a collection of vibrant, accessible island experiences tailored to today’s Canadian traveller.”
TRADE COMMISSION RESTRUCTURE ‘USHERS IN NEW ECONOMIC ERA’
By FAY SIMMONS
THE Bahamas Trade Commission is “ushering in a new economic era”, aided by a restructuring that has created 12 different committees, as it focuses on issues such as export policy and diversification.
Senator Barry Griffin, also the Commission’s chairman, addressing the Senate during the 20252026 Budget debate said the upcoming fiscal year includes provisions to support the Government’s trade diversification strategy which seeks to lower the cost of living through forming strategic trade relationships with multiple partner countries.
“In this Budget is increased funding to support the National Trade Diversification Strategy; a decisive step towards transforming how The Bahamas earns, trades and competes in the world. This strategy is not just a policy; it is a national pivot. It is a bold commitment to use our international relationships to lower the cost of living for all Bahamians through
better and more competitive import trade,” said Mr Griffin.
“It is also a commitment to expand our economic base beyond the traditional pillars of tourism and financial services. Through this strategy, we are identifying new export sectors, forging new trade alliances and equipping Bahamian entrepreneurs to enter global markets.”
Mr Griffin said the Commission has been restructured and mobilised around 12 committees, which are focusing on collaborating with the private sector, international community and the public. The
Budget will also provide funds to support completion and publication of the National Logistics Strategy and the National Export Policy, plus a policy paper on National Trade Diversification.
“These are not abstract documents. They are operational road maps for ministries, entrepreneurs and investors alike. It makes clear The Bahamas’ vision, strategy and work in each of these areas. It is a guide for Bahamian entrepreneurs and international investors on where we are going and where we think the opportunities lie,” said Mr Griffin.
“This Budget will also support our work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in crafting an instructive document for our trade, economic and commercial attaches in our mission abroad, and training them on how to advance our trade and business interests abroad.
“This Budget will also support our work in advancing various international agreements such as trade related MOUs (memorandums of understanding) and technical co-operation agreements with countries,
international bodies and international private sector actors, all with the view of building out The Bahamas’ trade ecosystem.”
Mr Griffin said the National Trade Committee will focus on the cost of living and finding alternative sources for products and services, especially food and building supplies, while continuing international and local engagement with businesses and shipping and logistics companies.
The Export Readiness Committee will provide tips on international best practices and training for local micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (MSMEs) on international exports.
“We will produce an export readiness toolkit that any Bahamian business person would be able to download digitally, which will have tips on international best practices and steps they can take to make their local business export ready,” Mr Griffin added.
“Simple things from building a digital presence to more complex advice on packaging and labelling requirements of different countries. We will also commit to conducing a training programme that
will train and guide at least 50 Bahamian MSMEs in exporting internationally.”
Mr Griffin said the Competition and Price Transparency committee will promote fair competition and “police” unfair business practices, while the Regional and Continental Engagement committee will establish relationships with international partners.
“This committee works closely with the Attorney General’s Office and the Law Reform and Revision Committee to support passage of the Competition Bill that will have The Bahamas make good on our international commitment to promote competition in The Bahamas and police unfair business practices.
This Budget will also allow us to see the launch of a national Price Comparison App to empower consumers to make the best possible spending decisions,” said Mr Griffin.
“We have various geographic and jurisdictional committees that each have a mandate to further push engagement in various regions (Africa, Latin America, Asia, etc). These committees have also been tasked with concretising
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
A CABINET minister yesterday pledged that the forecast Budget surplus of $75.5m for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year will be used to pay down The Bahamas’ $11.7bn national debt if achieved.
Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, told the Senate during the 2025-2026 Budget debate that the national debt will become “unsustainable” if left to
grow by successive future administrations.
“In this Budget, The Bahamas projects its first budgetary surplus with a projected surplus of $75m. Much has been made about the surplus, and you’ve seen the memes, but what does it mean? Really?” he asked. “What does it mean?
Simply put it means that the Government is projecting that in the upcoming year, 2025-2026, the Government will collect sufficient revenue to adequately fund the programmes that the Government has to fund and still have $75.5m left over.
really streamline their operations and are able to get applications in and approved in a quick manner by making sure we have more regulators really coordinate activity. You’ll hear more about it as we develop it,” he said.
“We think it’s an opportunity for us to really improve our competitiveness and, as part of our broader strategy, to diversify and deepen financial services.” Mr Halkitis said his ministry is also working with the Securities Commission and the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) to create a family office framework and attract more high value clientele.
“[We are] working closely with the Securities Commission and the BFSB to establish a framework for family offices, which will encourage more activity in this high value space and generate spin off opportunities for Bahamian professionals. It’s a real thing, when we talk about this segment of the market where we look to more and more Bahamian entrepreneurs with their financial services companies providing this service,” said Mr Halkitis. For the insurance sector, Mr Halkitis said the Insurance Commission has been working to enhance its regulatory framework and will be putting draft proposals to the industry for consultation
GOV’T EYES COMPLETION OF TAX RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE
under the Minnis administration, said in 2020 that The Bahamas will via the certificate give access to financial accounts and income records for foreign residents in compliance with global standards.
“By the end of 2020, the Ministry will launch the tax residency certificate,” he pledged then. “This certificate will enable expatriate residents and investors to prove that they are resident in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
“Through this certificate, we will provide access to financial accounts and income records according to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD) Common Reporting Standards (CRS). The end result will be the elimination of opportunities for those who seek to use our financial systems for tax evasion and avoidance purposes.
“We are in the consulting phase of the certificate’s implementation and working to draw together the
differing views of key stakeholders. This will ensure that the final version of the tax residency certificate legislation is the best version possible. Our efforts have been universally hailed by local and international observers alike.”
TRCs, which have been talked about for some years, would have their own taxpayer identification number (TIN) and confirm that the holder has been properly domiciled in The Bahamas. Besides confirming this is their main place of residence, these certificates will help certify the holder’s compliance with their home country tax laws. And they will also help to address OECD claims that this nation’s economic permanent residency product is in danger of being abused by tax evaders. The OECD had sparked major concern within the Bahamian financial services industry and wider economy in 2018 when it included The Bahamas’ key investment product on a list of regimes that could undermine global automatic tax information exchange.
“So we’re collecting enough money to do what you have to do and have funds left over. And what do we do with that $75.5m?
We see in theBudget, in the estimates of revenue and expenditure, this year, the debt of The Bahamas stood at 11.461bn. Next year, the debt is projected to be $11.386bn. That’s a debt reduction of $75.5m, so that surplus goes directly to reducing the debt of the Government of The Bahamas.”
Mr Halkitis said the surplus is a “big deal” as the Government will be able
Insurance Commission continues to support the growth of the captive insurance market and sees an opportunity to attract more small and medium-sized enterprises by streamlining the application process.
“The Insurance Commission of the Bahamas continues to support the growth of the captive insurance market, which has seen steady expansion over the past decade, and efforts are focused on streamlining application processes and maintaining a robust regulatory framework that meets international standards, thereby attracting small to medium-sized enterprises seeking cost effective risk management solutions,” said Mr Halkitis. “And so, what they think is perhaps the real big ones, they are entrenched. There’s an opportunity for small to medium-sized enterprises to domicile in the Bahamas.”
Many viewed it as a further broadening of the OECD’s efforts beyond pure tax information exchange and transparency to investment products and regimes it deems potentially harmful to the global crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion.
Mr Halkitis, meanwhile, yesterday said financial services legislation, including the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges (DARE) Act are constantly assessed to ensure they are maintaining The Bahamas’ competitive edge without compromising international standards.
He said the US passing legislation to regulate crypto assets presents another opportunity for the jurisdiction to collaborate and attract new clients.
“Recently the United States has passed…Congress legislation that would regulate crypto assets. For a long time, they were not regulated in the US, and so they are now beginning their process of regulation, and there’s an opportunity again for us to collaborate with them in terms of making sure that our regulation is consistent with what they want to do and opportunities that arise for companies to be a resident in The Bahamas,” said Mr Halkitis.
to reduce its debt, but it does not mean it will “abandon fiscal discipline” or has “free money” to pass around. “It’s unsustainable, because that means that is money that could be more properly invested in our people,” he added of the national debt and the interest payments to service it. “And so surplus is a big deal because we can see the debt of the country begin to come down, and we know that the level of the debt has been something that has been occupying and causing concern to Bahamians for a long time, and so
we see that the debt begins to go down.
“What does a surplus not mean? It does not mean that we let our guard down. It does not mean that we abandon fiscal discipline. Does not mean that there’s free money or the Government can just throw money around. All it means is that, within its capacity to execute, the Government has enough money to fully and adequately fund the works of the Government for this year.”
Mr Halkitis said the Government is targeting a “gradual but consistent
agreements that Bahamians can rely on.
“These committees have also been tasked with bringing opportunities from these regions closer to shore. We have already hosted inbound trade missions from Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad, Colombia and Brazil that brought concrete opportunities to Bahamian businesses. Our goal is to expand this.” Mr Griffin added the Logistics and Shipping committee will take on the task of promoting the country as a transhipment hub and establishing new trade routes.
“This committee will continue to be at the forefront of promoting Nassau and Freeport as transshipment hubs. But it will go a step further. This group will marshall The Bahamas’ first ever national logistics strategy that will include a real plan for investment in ports across the country, as well as how to expand our airports to use for international air cargo. This group will also take the lead in working closely with CARICOM so that we are aligned with our Caribbean neighbours,” said Mr Griffin.
downward pattern” in debt reduction, and hopes to have a 61.3 percent debt-toGDP ratio by 2027-2028.
“We are looking at total revenue of $3.89bn representing 23.6 percent of GDP, and we have seen our deficit trajectory reduced from 11.9 percent of GDP in 2020 to a projected surplus of 0.5 percent in 2025-2026,” he added.
“The primary balance shows a robust surplus of 4.5 percent of GDP, and our debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to decline to 68.9 percent by the fiscal year-end, and down to 61.3 percent by 2027-2028 so a gradual reduction in our debt-to-GDP ratio.”
are actively looking for ways to exit the island and avoid what we see as an abusive and increasingly hostile environment for visitors. Bimini was once a welcoming escapeclose, beautiful and full of character. But the current trajectory is unsustainable, and it’s alienating the very people who helped sustain your tourism economy for decades.
“Unless there’s a meaningful reassessment of these policies, I fear The Bahamas will continue to lose not just tourists but generations of loyal visitors like myself.” Other external criticisms were just as blunt.
Bob Lorns, managing editor of the Caribbean Observer, asserting in an online posting that The Bahamas’ cruising permit fees are now double those of its nearest global competitor, wrote: “In an astonishing display of economic short-sightedness, the Bahamian government has introduced what are now the highest yacht cruising and anchoring fees on Earth.
“As of July 1, 2025, fees will range between $500 (for the smallest of vessels) to $1,000 annually for cruising permits, and $3,000 to $8,000 for Frequent Digital Cruising Cards (FDCC) with a two-year validity plus anchoring fees that range from $250 to $1,500 per year.” This, he argued, compared to the $100 to $500 fees charged by rival jurisdictions in the
Caribbean and elsewhere for the same permit. Pointing out that budgetconscious boaters and yachters will simply switch from the Bahamas to other jurisdictions, Mr Lorns argued that this nation was pricing itself out of the market and slashing the number of persons who will visit this nation and spend money in its economy.
“Competitors across the globe are taking advantage of the Bahamas’ misstep,” he wrote. “Their leaders are silently laughing at The Bahamas, and salivating as they prepare for the growth in their own GDPs as The Bahamas begins to hemorrhage tourists.
“From Antigua to Fiji, countries are welcoming cruisers with open arms and affordable entry. They are securing long-term economic benefits and building goodwill while The Bahamas alienates the very people who once kept its out islands alive with activity and income.....
“There is still time to reverse course. The Government can lower the fees, streamline clearance procedures and rebuild trust with the global yachting community. But if they do not, they are not just chasing boats away they are strangling the throat of their own maritime economy, and in turn, stopping the heart that pumps the economic lifeblood to their own citizens.”
The boating community uproar was sparked by the revised Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations 2025. A vessel that is 34 feet or less
will have to pay $500 “for a period not exceeding 12 months”, while the temporary cruising permit fees for vessels 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.
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, 2025, 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.
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 Alexiou, noting that many Americans “hate paying taxes”, told Tribune Business that boating visitors are unlikely to perceive they are getting anything in return for their money such as improved navigational aids.
He added that the minimum $500 cruising what also be seen as a deterrent to “spontaneous” trips to The Bahamas, as boaters were being charged before they arrived and spent money in this nation, and suggested a smaller increase would have been easier for visitors to swallow.
“The cost of living has been going up 5 percent, 10 percent, which people have not been saying anything about, but a 100 percent increase only for 30 days?” the Promotion Board chief asked. “You reduced it from 90 days. The timeline has changed.... Before it was 90 days. At least in three months you could come in once, twice on the same permit.”
Noting that it was difficult for many boaters to make regular back-and-forth trips to The Bahamas, Mr Alexiou added: “It’s going to hurt all of us ultimately because it’s more expensive to come to our country.... All around it’s a botch. It gives so much bad publicity for The Bahamas.”
He explained that, besides marinas, restaurants, food stores, boating services providers, mechanics and cleaners will be among the sectors experiencing reduced business if boating visitors contract as a result of the fee hikes. And, if this occurs, it will also dent the Bahamian economy’s foreign currency earning capacity.
“The Ministry of Tourism should be at the lead of this, fighting the battle, because its true objective is to earn more US dollars for The Bahamas’ economy,” Mr Alexiou explained. “I mean, I’ve never seen such an uproar.”
The Abaco Beach Resort proprietor also voiced concern about the lack of consultation, and too short a notice period and time to adjust to the changes, that has been provided by the Government to the boating community. He is especially concerned that no “transition period” has been offered to organised boat tours and visits, known as a ‘Rendezvous’, that bring multiple vessels at a time to this nation.
These, Mr Alexiou explained, are often booked in advance - sometimes as much as a year out - and “come July whose going to pay the bill” and cover the increased fees. This, he added, will likely fall on the organisers who, due to the financial impact, may elect to take their business to another jurisdiction next year. Mr Alexiou added that such organised boater tours are vital to “introduce
UNION LEADER URGES PM: BE ‘MAN OF YOUR WORD’ ON PENSIONS REFORM
FROM PAGE B1
Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, in April 2024 as “the top risk” to The Bahamas’ financial stability.
Mr Rahming said he would inquire, and asked this newspaper to send a message detailing the nature of the information it was seeking. This message was sent, but no reply was received before press time. However, given that the Government has just announced an imminent salary increase for all public servants, it appears likely that pension reform may be shelve until after the upcoming general election.
Mrs Wilson, meanwhile, said the Government has yet to respond to the 11 “questions and observations”, and 22 recommendations, submitted by the BUT and other trade unions in response to the February 28, 2024, meeting and discussions over the initial draft
Pension Bill 2023 with a Ministry of Finance team. However, she revealed that on March 4, 2025, she and other BUT executives were told by Philip Davis KC that the Government will not proceed with the Pensions Bill 2023 in its original form and new legislation would be drafted. They were also promised that meetings and consultations would be held over the revised Bill, but none of this had occurred before the Fiscal Strategy Report’s end-May release.
That report said: “The Government initiated a public feedback process on the draft Pensions Bill 2023, which aims to reform the public service retirement system to enhance preservation, reduce pension liabilities and ensure equitable employee benefits.
“The Bill proposes establishing a Contributory Public Service Pensions Fund, transitioning from a non-funded, non-contributory scheme to
a funded, defined contributory pension plan. The Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming budget exercise for fiscal year 2025-2026.”
As a result, Mrs Wilson reminded the Prime Minister of his pledge to consult the public sector unions, and provide them with an advance copy of a new Pension Bill, prior to it being tabled in Parliament. Speaking in a voice note response to Tribune Business inquiries, she said: “We are still awaiting the response to our April 3, 2024, letter.
“Because, yes, there are major reforms that will change and adjust the terms and conditions of service of some of our members.
So, I am urging Prime Minister Davis to be a man of his word and to ensure the proper consultation takes place, and the Pension Bill is not implemented unless and until the trade unions, other stakeholders and the wider
public have an opportunity to review and give feedback.
“Again, the BUT, we are still awaiting the response to our letter dated April 3, 2024, written to the Prime Minister as it relates to the proposed Pension Bill 2023. I say to Prime Minister Davis: A man’s word is his bond.”
Recalling the March 4, 2025, meeting between BUT executives and Mr Davis, Mrs Wilson said: “We discussed a number of issues, and among the issues or matters was the Pensions Bill 2023. At this time Prime Minister Davis assured us that the Government will not be going through with, or forward with, the Pensions Bill of 2023.
“But he also stated they were looking to a new Pensions Bill and that, once that Bill is drafted, the BUT will receive a copy and meetings and consultations will be held. To-date, this has not been done.” However, the BUT president noted that the Fiscal Strategy Report said “an operational model for the new contributory scheme” has been designed, and a “phased implementation plan” worked out.
“Now surely I was not expecting that the Government would be tabling a ‘white paper’ in Parliament when we are still awaiting proper consultation,” Mrs Wilson said. Speaking subsequently to this newspaper, she said: “That’s correct. We’re saying no changes or amendments to the Pensions bill unless and until the unions have received the draft document.”
The Pensions Bill, if enacted as is, would create a contributory pension scheme called the Public Service Contributory Pensions Fund. Its members will include all new civil service hires after it is passed by
people to The Bahamas”, as between 60-80 percent of the vessels on such trips are typically first-time visitors. They are able to learn what The Bahamas has to offer, comply with Customs and other entry procedures, and gain encouragement to come back as repeat visitors which, in turn, eases the demand for marketing dollars.
Asked what The Bahamas must do now, given the extent of the boater pushback, Mr Alexiou replied: “I think they need to rescind it immediately or come to their senses and push it back to 90 days; keep it the same. The Bahamas, we need more people coming, not to make it more difficult.....
“It’s horrid, horrid, horrid. We need a good season. The truth about the industry, other than Club Med and Four Seasons [Sandals Emerald Bay], our occupancies are still under 50 percent in rooms and marinas. We need more people, not less. We are making some money; we’re not making the money we should, and it’s hard to go go back and borrow to make investments because not enough’s there.
“People say we did well. We used the insurance money [from Hurricane Dorian] and the product’s been good, but it will get run down if we don’t put money back into it. We need money to make a profit and expand the product. We have to reinvest in the product to grow. The burden always falls on the properties here; the people that employ Bahamians.”
Parliament, and becomes law, once they have completed their six-month probation, while all existing public officials who have held pensionable positions for less than eight years will also be transferred to the contributory plan.
Civil servants in pensionable positions for more than eight years could voluntarily choose whether to join the contributory scheme or retain their current arrangements. The mandatory contribution rate was set at 3 percent of a plan member’s monthly salary, with the Government making a matching 3 percent payment.
Workers could also choose, on their own accord, to raise the contribution rate for their portion to a maximum 10 percent although this will not be matched by the Government. The Public Service Contributory Pensions Fund would be overseen by a Board, which will appoint an independent investment manager, fund administrator and custodian to manage and safeguard pension plan assets.
Membership in the Public Service Contributory Pensions Fund would not be confined just to central government civil servants. For new and newer employees at state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and what are described as ‘Approved Authorities’ in the Bill, will also participate in the scheme if the legislation is passed as currently laid out, which means thousands will be impacted.
The BUT, in its April 3, 2024, letter to the Prime Minister voiced concerns about the absence of any policy “to regularise employees who are on contract, temporary month-to-month, 52 weeks programme and other
various programmes for many years” in relation to the pension reforms. It also urged that plans to increase the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67 years-old be reviewed.
As for its recommendations, the BUT added: “The plan must be independently managed and government not allowed to dip into the funds for anything other than pension investments and payouts. A plan needs to be presented on how the agencies, departments, authorities, quasi corporations and other statutory agencies’ pension plans will be merged.
“We await the identification of the independent company that will manage the funds. More definitions and interpretations will be needed once the Pensions Bill is reviewed and consideration given to the recommendations. In the third schedule, section six, the composition of the Board, both the financial secretary and the permanent secretary should not sit on the Board.”
Meanwhile, the Fiscal Strategy Report, emphasising the need for urgent reform action, said: “The Government continues to face a significant fiscal risk arising from its non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme for permanent and pensionable public service officials.
“This scheme operates outside the National Insurance Board’s contributory pension system for the public and is funded entirely from the central government budget. As public servants retire in greater numbers and live longer, the associated pension costs are increasing rapidly.
“According to a feasibility study by KPMG Advisory Services, total pension liabilities are projected to reach up to $4.1bn by 2032, with annual cash outflows rising from approximately $165m to $219m over that period. These outflows include both pensions and gratuities, and represent a growing share of the Government’s mandatory, non-discretionary spending,” the report continued.
“If left unaddressed, these unfunded obligations will exert increasing pressure on the fiscal balance, reduce budgetary flexibility, and crowd out resources for essential public services and investments in growth-enhancing infrastructure.... The new system is expected to stabilise longterm pension costs, limit the growth of unfunded liabilities and enhance fiscal predictability.”
EX-GAMING BOARD STAFF’S ‘EXCESSIVE’ $1.9M DAMAGES AWARD OVERTURNED
The interest was calculated at 3 percent for the period between Ms Ward’s redundancy, which occurred on November 30, 2017, to the February 17, 2020, date of Justice Charles’ ruling. The rate was raised to 6.25 percent from the date of the judge’s ruling to Mr Turner’s verdict.
Ms Johnson secured the highest total award of $611,944, which represented $452,620 in assessed damages and over $159,000 in combined interest on this sum. Ms Knowles and Ms Miller were awarded a total of $261,055 and $242,912, respectively, while Mr Archer gained $185,036.
However, the Government and Gaming Board, as the casino and web shop regulator, moved swiftly to challenge the damages award that was restricted solely to wrongful and unfair dismissal. And the Court of Appeal noted then-justice Charles “made no other Order for award of any other damages such as exemplary damages; damages in lieu of reinstatement; damages for matters like future pension and health insurance payments; damages for not communicating with the minister pursuant to section 26(3) of the Employment Act 2017; future vacation leave; and medical costs”.
Focusing on the wrongful dismissal aspect, the Court of Appeal said the Employment Act applied given that the five were entitled to no better terms, benefits or conditions other than what was set out in statute law.
And the Gaming Board had already paid them due compensation in accordance with the Act’s section 29, with Ms Johnson receiving $101,894; Ms Ward gaining $20,894; Ms Knowles, some $55,681; Mr Archer receiving $35,458; and Ms Miller some $40,382.
The Court of Appeal, though, said the five and their attorney, Obie Ferguson KC, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, “wrongly contended that they were also entitled to more payment for reasonable notice for wrongful dismissal at common law”.
Adding that this claim was “ill conceived”, the Court of Appeal said the Supreme Court’s deputy registrar had wrongly
Stocks
rally and
oil tumbles
as Wall Street hopes for a limited retaliation after US strikes on Iran
By STAN CHOE, ELAINE KURTENBACH and BERNARD CONDON AP Business Writers
U.S. stocks rallied, and the price of oil tumbled Monday on hopes that Iran will not disrupt the global flow of crude, something that would hurt economies worldwide but also its own, following the United States’ bunker-busting entry into its war with Israel.
The S&P 500 climbed 1%, coming off a week where stock prices had jumped up and down on worries about the conflict potentially escalating. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 374 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.9%.
The price of oil initially jumped 6% after trading began Sunday night, a signal of rising worries as investors got their first chance to react to the U.S. bombings. But it quickly erased all those gains and swung to a sharp loss as the focus shifted from what the U.S. military did to how Iran would react.
By late Monday, the price of a barrel of benchmark
U.S. oil had dropped 7.2% to settle at $68.51 after briefly topping $78. That brought it nearly all the way back to where it was before the fighting began over a week ago, when it was sitting just above $68.
The losses accelerated sharply after Iran announced a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which the U.S. military uses. Iran said it matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites this past weekend, which could be a signal of a desire to deescalate the conflict. Perhaps most importantly for financial markets, Iran’s retaliation did not seem to target the flow of oil. The fear throughout the Israel-Iran war has been that it could squeeze the world’s supply of oil, which would pump up prices for it, gasoline and other products refined from crude.
Iran is a major producer of crude, and it could also try to block the Strait of Hormuz off its coast, through which 20% of the world’s daily oil needs passes on ships.
Several analysts said Iran would likely not close the waterway because Iran itself uses the strait to move its own crude, mostly to China, and it needs the revenue made from such sales of oil.
“It’s a scorched earth possibility, a Sherman-burning-Atlanta move,” said Tom Kloza, chief market analyst at Turner Mason & Co. “It’s not probable.”
Neil Newman, managing director of Atris Advisory Japan, said hope remains that the Israel-Iran war could be a short conflict, with the thinking being “the one big hit by the Americans will be effective and then we’ll get back to sort of business as usual, in which case there is no need for an immediate, panicky type of reaction.”
Of course, not everyone is sure about Iran’s next move.
Andy Lipow, a Houston analyst covering oil markets for 45 years, said countries are not always rational actors and that he wouldn’t be surprised if Tehran lashed out for political or emotional reasons.
“If the Strait of Hormuz was completely shut down, oil prices would rise to $120 to $130 a barrel,” said Lipow. “It would mean higher prices for all those goods transported by truck, and it would be more difficult for the Fed to lower interest rates.”
The Federal Reserve has been hesitant to cut interest rates this year because
awarded sums - ranging from 24 months and 30 months’ salary, and accrued vacation - that “far exceed any calculation of damages under section 29 of the Employment Act, and the respective caps of 24 and 48 weeks’ pay that are set on the damages for wrongful dismissal” under it.
“In the absence of proof of better terms and conditions in an industrial agreement or any other agreement, and in keeping with [legal precedent], the statutory awards specified in section 29 of the Employment Act were the correct awards to be made for the wrongful dismissal of these respondents,” the Court of Appeal concluded.
“The respondents accepted that they received their statutory payments under section 29 of the Employment Act. There were no further awards to be made for the wrongful dismissal of these respondents. The deputy registrar fell into error in awarding
them the excessive sums, and these awards are set aside.”
As for the unfair dismissal aspect, the Court of Appeal said Mr Turner did not consider the basic and compensatory awards for such a breach separately but, instead, “lumped them together” and simply accepted Mr Ferguson’s submissions.
It added that the Gaming Board correctly sought to “disaggregate” these awards, and showed that the ‘basic’ compensation for Ms Ward was $9,000; Mr Archer was due $14,712; Ms Johnson was due $163,384; Ms Knowles some $44,134; and Ms Miller another $35,945.
And, given that the Gaming Board had “made certain payments” to the five when they were terminated, “and also by way of satisfaction of the special damages claim”, the Court of Appeal found all these payouts - apart from the one to Ms Johnson
- “exceeded the basic award for unfair dismissal” and the excess balance applied to the compensatory award.
“Therefore, in respect of the four respondents, Kayla Ward, Dwaynel Archer, Latoya Knowles and Hope Miller, there is no sum to be paid to them in respect of the basic award for unfair dismissal. In respect of Georgette Johnson, the sum of $52,872.82 is due to be paid to her in respect of the basic award for unfair dismissal,” the Court of Appeal ruled. And, given that it was impossible to determine how the Supreme Court deputy registrar had determined ‘compensatory awards’, appeal justice Evans added: “In these circumstances the compensatory aspect of the award for unfair dismissal is flawed, and I am of the view that it must be referred back to the registrar of the Supreme Court for proper assessment.”
Oil sells off as traders calmly look beyond the bombs in the Middle East
By BERNARD CONDON AP Business Writer
IF OIL prices are any measure, Iran just flinched.
The price of oil tumbled Monday afternoon in an historical move as traders bet that Iran's decision to bomb a U.S. base in Qatar signals it is not planning to do the one thing that could really hurt America: Shut down the flow of oil by attacking crude shipments.
"When the response comes and it is muted, oil drops," said Tom Kloza, chief market strategist at consultancy Turner Mason & Co, calling the limited Iran response far short of what many traders feared. "This rivals some of the historic selloffs."
There's still plenty Iran could do to push prices back up, and the markets could be getting it all wrong, But oil analysts say there are plenty of reasons fear has receded. Scary then calm
wants the Federal Reserve to stop worrying about inflation and start cutting interest rates. It's also good for motorists this summer if the trend holds.
it’s waiting to see how much President Donald Trump’s tariffs will hurt the economy and raise inflation.
Inflation has remained relatively tame recently, but a rise in oil and gasoline prices would put upward pressure on it. That in turn could keep the Fed on hold because cuts to rates can fan inflation higher, along with giving the economy a boost.
In the bond market, Treasury yields eased after Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman said she would support cutting rates at the Fed’s next meeting in just a month, as long as “inflation pressures remain contained.”
The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.33% from 4.38% late Friday. The twoyear Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, dropped to 3.84% from 3.90%.
On Wall Street, Elon Musk’s Tesla was the single strongest force pushing the S&P 500 higher after jumping 8.2%. The electricvehicle company began a test run on Sunday of a small squad of self-driving cabs in Austin, Texas. It’s something that Musk has long been touting and integral to Tesla’s stock price being as high as it is.
Hims & Hers Health tumbled 34.6% after Novo Nordisk said it will no longer work with the company to sell its popular Wegovy obesity drug. Novo Nordisk’s stock that trades in the United States fell 5.5%. All told, the S&P 500 rose 57.33 points to 6,025.17. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 374.96 to 42,581.78, and the Nasdaq composite gained 183.56 to 19,630.97.
The price of West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, fell 7.2% to $68.51 per barrel on Monday after Iran announced a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which the U.S. military uses. Traders were relieved because Iran said it had matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear sites this weekend, a possible sign of a desire to deescalate the conflict.
Markets were initially nervous as oil futures opened for trading Sunday.
The price of Brent crude jumped 4% as traders anxiously watched the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway on Iran's southern border that legislators in Tehran were demanding be closed in retaliation. That would have walloped the global economy because much of world's crude and liquified gas passes through it.
The drop in oil Monday brings the price back to where it was before fighting between Iran and Israel began over a week ago, when a barrel of U.S. crude was just above $68.
That's good news for President Donald Trump who
Drivers were already paying higher prices at the pump before the U.S. attack. The average price nationwide is $3.18 per gallon, according to GasBuddy surveys, about 10 cents more than two weeks ago.
'It would be suicidal'
The question now is will Tehran continue to keep oil flowing.
Some traders were doubtful Iran would try to close the Strait of Hormuz even before its limited attack Monday. They noted that much of country's own crude passes through the waterway — 1.5 million barrels a day — and oil is a big revenue generator for the country that they would be loath to disrupt.
"It's a silly notion that the Iranians would look to do that," said Kloza. "I've been covering oil for 50 years and we've never seen the Strait of Hormuz compromised."
Asked about the prospect of a shutdown on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday, Vice President J.D. Vance put it more simply: "I think that would be suicidal."
At current oil prices, Tehran receives roughly $40 billion in revenue annually from oil transiting the same waters. That is a tenth of what the entire of country produces in goods and services.
Yes, but
Andy Lipow, an Houston based oil analyst, says history suggests Iran won't disrupt its own flow of oil, but that countries, like people, don't always act in their economic interests.
"The question for the oil markets is, 'Is his time different?'," he said. "You might have an emotional decision."
He notes also that Iran has other ways to push oil higher without completely closing off the waterway.
Iran could jam navigational devices, slowing transit, or drop mines in the water, forcing the U.S. Navy to do more escorts. Or it could bomb a tanker, he said, sending the premiums that shippers need to pay insurers sky high.
Big gamble
If traders are wrong and oil shoots back up, the impact could be widely felt.
A surge in oil prices would come at a bad time. Trump insists that the inflation scare is largely over, but many economists think higher prices are still coming because the full impact of his tariffs are only now beginning to show up on everyday goods.
Trump is clearly aware things could change fast.
"To The Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!" he wrote on Truth Social Monday, adding. "EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I'M WATCHING!"
SPECIALIST Michael Pistillo works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, June 23, 2025.
Photo:Richard Drew/AP
IN this Jan. 19, 2012 file photo, fishing boats are seen in front of oil tankers south of the Strait of Hormuz, offshore the town of Ras Al Khaimah in United Arab Emirates.
Photo:Kamran Jebreili/AP
US strikes on Iran add to global travel disruptions and flight cancellations
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP Business Writer
THE U.S. entry into Israel's war with Iran has caused travel disruptions to pile up globally.
Following unprecedented bombings ordered by President Donald Trump on three Iranian nuclear and military sites over the weekend, Iran on Monday launched a missile attack on U.S. forces at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar had closed its airspace just hours earlier, after both the U.S. and U.K. also urged their citizens to shelter in place there.
The region has been on edge following the weekend strikes from the U.S. — and since Israel began the war with a surprise bombardment on Iran, which has responded with its own missile and drone strikes, earlier this month.
As deadly attacks escalated between Israel and Iran over recent weeks, sections of airspace and airports throughout the region have temporarily closed. And airlines cancelled more flights in recent days, with some halting select routes through the middle of the week — particularly in Qatar and the United
Arab Emirates, just across the Persian Gulf from Iran. Singapore Airlines, for example, canceled some flights to and from Dubai starting Sunday and through Wednesday, citing "a security assessment of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East." And British Airways has similarly suspended flights to and from Doha through Wednesday.
"Safety is always our highest priority," British Airlines said in a statement confirming its cancellations to The Associated Press, adding that it "will keep the situation under review."
Air India on Monday announced it was ceasing "all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe" immediately until further notice. The airline, which is still reeling from a plane crash that killed at least 270 people earlier this month, added that India-bound flights from North America were being diverted or rerouted away from closed airspaces.
Air tracking data from FlightAware showed 705 cancellations worldwide as of Monday afternoon. Dubai International Airport topped the list with 75 cancellations in and out of
NOTICE is hereby given that SHELOVE CHARLES of Kool Acres, Meadows Drive, 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 24th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
the airport as of around 5 p.m. ET. And Air India had had the highest amount of cancellations among carriers, totaling 38 as of 5 p.m. ET.
Such disruptions have snarled travel, particularly as central hubs in the Middle East often connect flights worldwide — but experts stress that these kind of airspace closures and flight diversions are critical to ensuring safety, especially if future escalation emerges suddenly.
"It is the responsibility of states, countries to ensure that their airspace is safe for passage of aircraft," Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. He added that on Monday "the Qataris did the absolutely right thing to close their airspace because of the threat of conflict."
Beyond Qatari airspace, Flightradar24 reported that UAE airspace was also closed on Monday. After several hours of diversions, flights appeared to be landing and taking off in the country again.
Monday marks the latest "dramatic increase" in this kind of impact, said Ian Petchenik, director of communications at Flightradar24. And while the future is unknown, he
added that it's important to remember airspace closures and flight cancellations reflect that "airlines, air traffic controllers and flight crews are doing their best to keep everybody safe."
Shahidi adds that it's important for travelers to monitor government guidance — such as safety notices from the U.S. State Department.
NOTICE
How long the war lasts and what, if any, future escalation comes next could carry more widespread implications. Beyond disrupting global flight networks farther down the road, Shahidi stresses that it's very difficult for people who may need or want to evacuate countries impacted by the war to do so without access to commercial flights.
At the same time, he adds, it's critical that state authorities focus on keeping their skies safe — pointing to past tragedies of passenger flights that were shot down by strikes. That includes Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was shot down by Russian-backed forces while flying over Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people.
NOTICE is hereby given that
AUGUST of
New Providence,
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 24th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
AN EMIRATES Boeing 777 stands at the gate at Dubai International Airport as another prepares to land on the runway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 17, 2022. Photo:Jon Gambrell/AP
