Baha Mar: 80-90% occupancy to beat ‘softer summer’ trends
nhartnell@
tribunemedia.net
BAHA Mar yesterday revealed it is on target to beat “historical trends” through July and August occupancies “in the high 80 to low 90 percent” range even as Bahamian aviation operators battle to emerge “unscathed” from high and volatile fuel prices.
Robert Sands, Baha Mar's senior vice-president of government and external afairs, told Tribune Business in messaged replies to this newspaper’s inquires that the Cable Beach mega resort is on pace to buck Bahamian tourism’s traditionally softer summer after
ending June with occupancies also in the low-90 percent space.
Acknowledging that the increased number of Canadian visitors to The Bahamas, aided by increased airlift
* Mega resort says tourism headwinds ‘beginning to ease’
* Bahamian aviation: ‘Nothing in sight’ on fuel, ticket ease
* Sector in ‘holding pattern’, bids to ‘come through unscathed’
connectivity between that nation and Nassau, as well as “robust” group business has helped maintain Baha Mar’s relatively high occupancy levels, he added that visitor demand has remained “resilient” despite the travel uncertainties and infationary pressures sparked by the Middle East confict which are now “beginning to ease”.
“We’re encouraged by how the summer is shaping up,” Mr Sands told
this newspaper. “June fnished with occupancy in the low-90 percent range, and July and August are currently tracking in the high-80 percent to low-90 percent range, with average daily rates remaining healthy and generally in line with our expectations.
“While summer has traditionally been a softer period for the destination, Baha Mar continues to outperform historical trends through a balanced mix of
Vendors state: ‘Best days of
Junkanoo
nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net
VENDORS yesterday asserted that “the best days of Junkanoo Beach are ahead of us” as they voiced optimism that the Ministry of Tourism’s push for greater collaboration will produce “a triple win” for the downtown Nassau destination.
Byron Coley Austin, the Junkanoo Beach Community & Vendors
Beach ahead of us’
* Eye ‘triple win’ for destination after Tourism ministry meeting
* Jek skis, ‘solicitation’ by children, security, restrooms priority
* Bahamians urged to ‘monetise’ and own beach experience
Association president, hailed what he branded as a fresh approach under Glenys Hanna Martin, newly-appointed minister of tourism, with both sides agreeing at yesterday’s meeting to focus on the future rather than the past. While vendors have previously complained
Businesses: Bank fees grow but we’re getting less service
about an “over-zealous” approach by Ministry of Tourism and other government ofcials towards security, enforcement and compliance on Junkanoo Beach, he said both parties have agreed to form a “sub-committee” featuring representatives from all relevant government
BAHAMIAN businesses yesterday challenged the up to 20 percent increase in commercial banking fees by arguing they are paying more for reduced services.
Daphne DeGregory-Miaoulis, proprietor of Abaco Neem, told Tribune Business that higher banking fees have made it more difcult for her business to operate.
“All I know is, yes, I’m paying higher banking
fees, and like every other business in the country, every other individual, the more that these fees are increased, banking, business, government, it’s just becoming more and more challenging to stay in business,” she said.
“And businesses that have been struggling, and that are teetering on a tight rope to remain proftable, cannot really absorb additional fees from anywhere.” Her comments come after commercial banks defended higher charges by
SEE PAY, Page 7
Senator tells BPL, Bahamas Grid: ‘Get your act together’
AN Opposition senator yesterday asserted that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company "need to get their act together" as businesses lose revenue from frequent power outages and consumers complain about increasing summer bills.
Speaking during the Senate debate on the ‘Speech from the Throne’, Arinthia Komolafe said persistent electricity outages are afecting both
households and businesses as The Bahamas experiences unusually hot weather. "We are going through a heat wave at this time in our country," she said. "We are experiencing heat levels like we have never experienced before, but yet persons are sufering... with the lights not staying on." Mrs Komolafe also questioned recent electricity bills, arguing consumers were promised lower power costs.
"How can you release these bills, and justify the high cost of these bills, when
SEE ENERGY, Page 2
agencies and stakeholders who will be responsible for addressing the location’s problems.
Mr Coley-Austin told this newspaper that “priorities” will be security, jet skis, solicitation of visitors by children and the
leisure, group and luxury travel.”
He added: “Canadian airlift has been an important contributor to that performance. We’ve seen continued strength from the Canadian market, supported by expanded air service and sustained demand. At the same time, our group and meetings business has remained robust, helping to complement leisure travel and provide consistent
occupancy throughout the summer months.
“While geopolitical tensions, higher fuel prices and broader economic uncertainty have presented challenges across the global travel industry, we are seeing continued resilience in consumer demand. Travellers continue to prioritise meaningful travel experiences, and The Bahamas
THE chief opponent of the $200m Rosewood Exuma project has launched a second legal challenge over whether the project’s key environmental approval could be “revived” after it expired.
Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club, and its principal, Bob Coughlin, in Judicial Review flings that have only just emerged are arguing that the issue
raised is “not a technical or arid point” given that the renewal of Yntegra Group’s certifcate of environmental clearance (CEC) 2400A occurred almost two months after it expired on October 8, 2025. They are asserting that the Environmental Planning and Protection Act 2019 gives government regulators no power or authority to extend an expired CEC. And, if that is the case, then the
SEE BATTLE, Page 4
Reward excellence to retain your top talents
IN today's competitive business environment, companies can no longer aford to take their highest-performing employees for granted. The workforce of the 21st century is motivated by more than salaries alone. Employees increasingly seek meaningful recognition, professional growth, fexibility and evidence that their contributions truly matter. Companies that intentionally reward excellence are far more likely to retain top talent, improve productivity and cultivate a culture of innovation.
Recognition is not an expense; it is an investment.
When exceptional employees feel valued, they are more engaged, more loyal and more willing to go the extra mile. Conversely, failing to acknowledge outstanding performance often results in disengagement, declining morale and productivity, and the loss of talented individuals to rival frms.
One of the most valuable incentives is executive mentorship. Pairing high performers with senior leaders for one-on-one career shadowing provides invaluable guidance while preparing the next generation of leadership. Likewise, investing in learning stipends to cover professional certifcations,
conferences and industry courses demonstrates a commitment to continuous development.
Companies should also create cross-training opportunities, allowing employees to spend time learning from other departments. This broadens their understanding of the business, strengthens collaboration and equips future leaders with a wider range of skills.
Flexibility has become another highly-prized reward. A surprise Friday afternoon of after completing a signifcant project, late start or early leave passes for personal errands, or a dedicated week of remote work, can signifcantly enhance employee
well-being while reinforcing trust. These incentives cost relatively little but generate lasting goodwill.
Employers should also invest in the employee's work environment. Ergonomic upgrades, such as premium ofce chairs or standing desks, improve comfort, reduce fatigue and demonstrate genuine concern for employee health.
Recognition should also be public whenever appropriate.
Highlighting employee achievements on the company's Facebook and Instagram pages not only celebrates excellence but also strengthens the company’s employer brand. Internally, peer-topeer recognition platforms
empower colleagues to nominate one another for small rewards, reinforcing a culture of appreciation across every level of the frm.
Financial rewards continue to play an important role. Immediate spot bonuses for employees who exceed expectations sends a powerful message that exceptional efort is noticed.
Even simple gestures, such as reserving a premium parking space or delivering a personalised gift box flled with favourite snacks, cofee or hobby-related items, can leave a lasting impression.
By intentionally rewarding excellence through meaningful incentives, employers create workplaces where high performers are inspired to stay, grow, and continue driving corporate success.
NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organisations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@ coralwave.com.
The companies that will thrive in the decades ahead are those that recognise their people as their greatest competitive advantage.
Power outages inflict further misery during ‘a heat wave’
, from Page 1
it was promised in the ‘Blueprint for Chang’e that the cost of electricity would go down?” she said of the Progressive Liberal Party’s election campaign manifesto.
“I actually shared information that demonstrated that, on average, the bills were really going up as opposed to coming down.”
The FNM senator said outages are also hurting businesses. Recalling a recent visit to collect online purchases, she said the freight forwarder’s
power was out before she attempted to buy cofee next door.
“I couldn’t get a cofee because the power was of,” Mrs Komolafe said.
“So not only is the unreliability of electricity impacting citizens and impacting the general public, it is also impacting businesses. In the height of the day, businesses are losing crucial revenue.”
Mrs Komolafe urged both BPL and Bahamas Grid Company to move beyond promises and “get their act together”.
“We are tired of the nice words, and BPL - or
Bahamas Grid Company, whether by themselves or together - need to get their act together sooner rather than later... because it is too hot for thism” she added. Her remarks came as BPL sought to address complaints over higher electricity bills, which it said are the result of increased summer consumption rather than higher rates.
In a statement yesterday, the utility said neither its base rate nor fuel charge has changed since last autumn, arguing increased electricity consumption during the hotter months is responsible for higher bills.
“As outside temperatures rise, the demand for cooling increases,” BPL said. The utility said air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers must operate longer to maintain temperatures, resulting in higher electricity use even when rates remain unchanged.
BPL added that its director of customer service, Donahue Ferguson, will next week explain the relationship between summer temperatures, electricity consumption and monthly bills through the company’s social media and WhatsApp platforms while also ofering energy-saving tips.
Customers vent at BPL as electricity bills spike
GROWING numbers of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) customers yesterday challenged the sharp increase in their July electricity bills as they endure increasingly unreliable service that is causing outages.
Frustration intensifed following the release of a BPL video aimed at helping customers better understand their light bills. While the utility sought to explain how charges are calculated, many customers argued it failed to address what they see as the central issue - signifcantly higher bills during a period of prolonged and recurring outages.
The video was distributed through BPL’s WhatsApp channels yesterday, but was initially posted on Instagram on May 30, 2025. The video was joined with a message that said: “Many of us are using more electricity to stay cool this summer. Take a few moments to better understand your electricity bill and the information it provides.”
It explained that the frst 200 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity are
free, after which customers are charged a fxed rate from 201 to 800 kWh and a higher rate for usage above 800 kWh. It also outlines the monthly fuel charge, which fuctuates with global fuel prices, and highlighted the recently-introduced Equity Rate Adjustment, which BPL says is intended to fund long-term system upgrades and reduce future fuel costs. VAT is also applied to both energy and fuel charges on bills above $400. The utility concludes the video by encouraging customers to better understand their bills and identify opportunities to reduce electricity consumption.
However, for many consumers, the explanation has done little to ease mounting frustration. Eleuthera resident Nahla Sands said paying her latest electricity bill has become increasingly difcult to accept given what she describes as deteriorating service.
“I’m sitting here right now looking at my money that I have to give them, and I really don’t want to give it to them,” she said. “If I had decent service, and that’s what it was, sure. But knowing the problems that we have, and I really
have to go and give them my hard-earned money, no, that’s not sitting right with me.”
Eleuthera is one of several Family Islands that consistently endures unreliable power. Ms Sands noted an outage as recent as yesterday. “It was of today,” she said. It was of about an hour. I ended up going outside, so I really don’t even know when it came back on because I was about to go groom my dog and it went of. I’m like, this is insane.” She questioned how bills can continue rising while customers are receiving less electricity.
“It’s just unfair and ridiculous,” she said. “Year after year after year, they always talk about extra power usage, and they add, but I know they just swinging us. They just use these months as an excuse because it’s impossible for the power to be of and the bills are higher. How does that make sense?”
Reacting to BPL’s explanatory video, Ms Sands said it failed to answer customers’ concerns. “Nothing that they say makes sense,” she added. “It doesn’t add up. It just doesn’t make any sense, the way they try to justify these things.”
She said her monthly bill, which typically ranges between $200 and $300, recently jumped to $626. “I’m a fair person,” she said. “I believe in giving people their money. I want people to give me my money if I work for it. But they just have us for fools. It’s like we’re supposed to accept it, and it’s totally unfair to us.”
Ms Sands also said residents continue to experience the same problems despite repeated promises that service would improve. “They keep saying there’s going to be changes,” she said. “About two years ago… they had these things in place and it’s going to get better. This is about to be the third September, and me going through it worse than we were.”
Beyond higher bills, Ms Sands said businesses are also paying the price for the unreliable electricity supply. “I had somebody call me yesterday… she cooks,” Ms Sands said. “All of her deep fryers were blown. She said about two months ago she bought a new fridge. The fridge only worked for two months. They blew that.”
According to Ms Sands, households are not signifcantly changing their consumption habits.
“You’re not doing anything diferent,” she said. “You’re running the AC a little longer than usual, but that’s probably it. You’re cooking the same, using the same weekly washing, you’re using your light, your fan, the same amount of time. So how? I don’t get it.” She added that while public outrage tends to spike after major outages, sustained pressure for change has been lacking. “I feel like if we were to collectively come together as a people consistently, they might do better,” Ms Sands said. “But we run on for a little while, and the power stays on for about three days consistently, and then it’s a little bit of quiet. Then there goes power again, and everybody is in an uproar again. But it doesn’t change.”
Similar complaints have surfaced across social media. One user shared a month-by-month comparison showing electricity bills ranging between roughly
$100 and $200 from October through June, before jumping to $507.85 on a bill dated June 30, 2026.
The post attracted a number of comments from customers reporting similar experiences. “I haven’t done anything diferent in my house,” one commenter under the name Carrol Laing wrote. “Air conditioner is set at 72, numerous power cuts some times for up to four hours daily, yet I received a bill… of $550 for the month of June. I guess it’s called progress.”
Another, Cheryl Lowe, said: “No way at all. More power outages and a huge increase in the bill. Make it make sense.” Rachel Miller added: “My power was of from last night 11pm and it’s currently 8.38am and the power is still of!. A shame and a disgrace.”
Another customer, Alonzo A. Austin, summed up the sentiment shared by many, writing: “Me too. This bill is outrageous.”
Vendors hail new approach with committee’s formation
condition of restrooms on Junkanoo Beach. He added that, if all goes to plan, the location - just west of The Pointe resort complex and the British Colonial - could become “the new frontier” for the Bahamian tourism industry.
Noting that most visitors to The Bahamas come for its tropical climate, and sun, sand and sea, he argued that Bahamians need to take charge and own this experience for themselves by “monetising” the beaches and delivering authentic local food, drink, culture and other experiences. “Today’s meeting was extremely productive,” Mr Coley-Austin said of the meeting with Mrs Hanna Martin and Ministry of Tourism ofcials. “Our collective decision was to not focus on the past but focus on the future. We have agreed to form a sub-committee where we [the vendors] will have a seat at the table.”
He explained that agencies such as the Ministry of Works, Royal Bahamas Police Force and Ministry of Social Services will be represented on the sub-committee, with the latter two in particular required “to address issues of children soliciting on the beach”. The Association, as well as the Ministry of Tourism and Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority, will also have seats on the sub-committee which is due to hold its frst meeting this coming Monday.
“We’ve agreed to immediately address the issues of security, jet skis, solicitation and restrooms,” Mr Coley-Austin added. “Those are the four urgent issues we are going to address, and I feel comfortable and confdent that the minister heard us and understood us. I think we are going to be a more productive Association working in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.” Whereas Junkanoo Beach vendors have, in the past, had a sometimes
adversarial and confrontational relationship with government ofcials, he said it appears a diferent “philosophy” is taking root under Mrs Hanna Martin. “She wants to build from the ground level up by including and addressing all the social issues,” the Association president added, “persons from the inner-city coming on to the beach to make a hustle, earn a living.”
Mr Coley-Austin said it was yesterday agreed that proper signage needs to be installed at Junkanoo Beach, along with the presence of tourism ambassadors to tell visitors what they can and cannot do. The message, he added, will be that the location is not a jet ski zone; solicitation “is a no no”; and drugs are not welcome or to be sold.
The Association president said the revised approach to Junkanoo Beach’s development will also involve regular reports and meetings, possibly every 21 days, to assess which objectives have been met and those that remain
outstanding so that progress can be measured and the responsible parties held to account.
Randy Rolle, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, will chair the sub-committee. He had responsibility for Junkanoo Beach under the frst Davis administration prior to being switched to executive chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission. “Randy understands the inner workings. It was very strategic that the minister chose Randy,” Mr Coley-Austin said.
“He really understands the situation. It was very important to have an organisational approach to getting things done. We love the change. They are really on track to turn this around to make it the viable industry it should be.
She [Mrs Hanna Martin] really wants to get the culture and use it with Bahamian authenticity. We love the change.
like we were ostracised, criminalised and uprooted. I believe that, now, are voice is being understood and heard. We’re excited about that future.”
Giving a glimpse of the Association’s view as to what that future may hold, Mr Coley-Austin told Tribune Business: “I think Junkanoo Beach is the new role, the new frontier. For so long we have relied on foreign interests to push the tourism economy. I really believe that, from Grand Bahama to Inagua, tourists come for sun, sand and sea. This is a template for how we manage that experience for the average visitor coming to the islands.
“I think it was defnitely needed. We cannot have the approach of them against us or us against them. It has to be a full collaborative efort where we work together as Bahamians to make it better for all of us. What we agreed is that the Government’s role is just to mediate, facilitate and create an environment where we can be successful,” Mr Coley-Austin said.
“We want to focus on sun, sand and sea - the lounge chair, eating, drinking and entertainment. We have Fish Fry, but we need to look at a beach experience that creates Bahamian ownership and entrepreneurship so that we facilitate what tourists came for where they don’t have to go to a private resort and pool deck for it. We need to monetise our beaches.”
Noting that Junkanoo Beach has expanded from four employes to around 32 vendors and 300 workers, Mr Coley-Austin added: “The economic impact is signifcant. The impact has not been stated enough, but I believe this is the new thing for the country. Instead of focusing on retail, we need to focus on the Bahamian beach experience of food, culture and entertainment.”
marked a signifcant and encouraging step forward for Junkanoo Beach and for the future of tourism development in The Bahamas….
”The discussions were positive, productive and focused entirely on the future. There was a genuine spirit of collaboration, mutual respect and shared commitment to enhancing one of Nassau’s most important tourism and cultural destinations.
”We were particularly encouraged by the minister’s support for the Junkanoo Beach 2030 vision, and her commitment to establishing a working framework that brings stakeholders together to advance meaningful development initiatives.”
It added: “Junkanoo Beach has always possessed extraordinary potential. Today, we took an important step towards unlocking that potential through partnership, communication and a shared vision for excellence.
”We leave this meeting encouraged by what was accomplished, excited about what lies ahead, and committed to working alongside the Ministry of Tourism and all stakeholders to build a stronger, cleaner, safer and more vibrant cultural tourism destination.
”The future of Junkanoo Beach is bright. The momentum is real. The partnership has begun. And together, we look forward to building something extraordinary for our visitors, our entrepreneurs, our community and our nation. The best days of Junkanoo Beach are ahead of us.” BEACH, from Page 1
“The Government’s job is to sit down with us and create the framework where we can be successful. We want them to win, us to win and visitors to win to create a triple win. For a long time we had an environment where it seemed
In an earlier statement on yesterday’s meeting, the Association said: “Today
Chief opponent questioning if expired permit can be revived
BATTLE, from Page 1
Rosewood Exuma project would have been forced to apply for a fresh permit, potentially triggering another round of public consultation on the controversial East Sampson Cay development
The second Judicial Review challenge, which was fled on April 2, 2026, has yet to receive the Supreme Court’s permission to proceed. A spokesman for Miamibased Yntegra Group, which is headed by Felipe MacLean, declined to comment on the action or Turtlegrass’s latest line of legal attack against its neighbouring development.
However, sources close to the Rosewood Exuma project, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this newspaper that the second Judicial Review is a further bid by Turtlegrass and its attorneys, Callenders & Company, to tie the development’s progress up in legal knots via multiple court actions designed to
delay, frustrate and impose extra costs on Yntegra and its partners.
And they also accused Turtlegrass of hypocrisy by asserting that it, too, had obtained an extension to its own CEC after it had expired. This sparked an immediate denial from a Turtlegrass spokesman, who asserted that its extension application had been made and granted prior to their CEC’s expiration.
“Any suggestion that Turtlegrass’s CEC extension is comparable to Yntegra’s situation is totally incorrect. Turtlegrass applied for and obtained its extension while its Certifcate of Environmental Clearance was still valid and in efect - a wholly lawful process,” the spokesman said.
“Yntegra’s case is entirely diferent. Its CEC expired on October 8, 2025. It did not apply for an extension until after its CEC had expired, and the director did not purport to ‘extend’ it until over two months after expiry on December 15, 2025. “There is no power to revive
NOTICE is hereby given that I JOHN JOSEPH of Balfour Avenue House #29A, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 26th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
an expired CEC - once expired, it ceases to have legal efect. It cannot be resurrected by ‘extension’. A fresh CEC is required. Yntegra bypassed that requirement. Confating the two situations is a basic factual error.” The director referred to is Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, head of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP).
However, contacts close to Yntegra asserted that the second Judicial Review by Turtlegrass and its attorneys is founded on a premise that is “null and void” because there is nothing in the Environmental Planning and Protection Act 2019 that mandates a CEC must be extended before it expires.
“There’s nothing in the Act that stipulates an extension of time before the expiration date,” one source said.
“There is no provision. Show the provision where that exists - that you have to apply to extend the CEC before the expiration date. It doesn’t exist. There is no
provision in the Act. They are trying to win on something that is not there.
“There’s nothing in the law that says it must be done before it expires. There’s no time provision. The whole basis of their argument is null and void. Nothing in the Act said otherwise.”
Turtlegrass, though, begs to difer. “This application concerns a narrow but critically important question: Whether the respondent, the director [of DEPP], had any statutory power to extend or revive a Certifcate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) after it had expired,” it argued.
“CEC 2400A expired on October 8, 2025. Nearly two months later, on December 15, 2025, the director purported to ’extend’ CEC 2400A. The Environmental Planning and Protection Act 2019 (EPPA) contains no power to revive or extend an expired CEC. Once expired, a CEC ceases to have legal efect and cannot be resurrected by administrative letter. A fresh CEC application
NOTICE is hereby given that I BRENDINA IGNACE of Blue Hill South of Southside House #11, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 26th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
is required. “This is not a technical or arid point. A decision to grant a fresh CEC engages the relevant provisions of the EPPA and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2020, and requires the Director to decide, on the basis of the facts known at that time, whether an Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Management Plan and consultation are required,” Turtlegrass added.
“It also requires the director to consider the substantive factors relevant to whether the grant of a CEC is appropriate. That, in turn, would have given Turtlegrass and other stakeholders the opportunity to participate in a bona fde consultation process and, if their rights were breached, to seek Judicial Review of each of those decisions.
“The procedure adopted by the director had the efect of depriving Turtlegrass and other stakeholders to be consulted, and of crucial rights to challenge her decisions. This was to Turtlegrass’s disadvantage and to the advantage of Sampson Cay Bahamas/Yntegra LLC.
“This was vitally important because of the profound efect of the work approved in CEC 2400A on the environment of East Sampson Cay and on Turtlegrass’s interests…”
The Rosewood Exuma neighbour also argued that the issue’s importance was magnifed by the fact the plans for Rosewood
Exuma had changed signifcantly by the time the revised CEC approval was issued.
“Furthermore, by the time of the purported renewal of CEC 2400A on December 15, 2025, the developers’ plans for the proposed development had materially changed, including new iterations of a breakwater/seawall, expanded dredging and revised marina footprints,” Turtlegrass alleged.
“These works required fresh environmental assessment, public consultation and separate statutory permits under, among others, the Building Regulations Act, the Coast Protection Act, the Conservation and Protection of the Physical Landscape of The Bahamas Act, the Forestry Act and Port Authorities legislation.
“By purporting to extend an expired CEC and to do so without consultation, without reasons, without disclosure and during active litigation, the director deprived the applicant [Turtlegrass] of its statutory rights and enabled the continuation of works that were environmentally signifcant, legally unapproved and materially diferent from those originally assessed,” the rival developer added.
“The extension decision was ultra vires, procedurally improper, irrational and an abuse of power. Leave and a statutory stay are necessary to preserve the status quo and uphold the rule of law.”
NOTICE is hereby given that I, MORVENS ULYSSE of Coconut 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 3rd day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
MGG INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Reg. No. 1503702 (IBC)
NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act of 2000, that the above-named Company commenced dissolution procedures on the 1st day of July 2026 and that Sterling (Bahamas) Limited of 202 Marina Lane, Sandyport, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-9934, Nassau, Bahamas has been appointed voluntary Liquidator of the Company.
Notice is also hereby given that any person having a claim against the Company is required, within 14 days of the date of this Notice, to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to Sterling (Bahamas) Limited, the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the bene t of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved.
Dated this 2nd day of July 2026
Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator
LUSCA BUNKERING LIMITED Reg. No. 1500860 (IBC)
NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act of 2000, that the above-named Company commenced dissolution procedures on the 1st day of July 2026 and that Sterling (Bahamas) Limited of 202 Marina Lane, Sandyport, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-9934, Nassau, Bahamas has been appointed voluntary Liquidator of the Company.
Notice is also hereby given that any person having a claim against the Company is required, within 14 days of the date of this Notice, to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to Sterling (Bahamas) Limited, the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the bene t of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved.
Dated this 2nd day of July 2026
Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator
Baha Mar
finishes June with low-90% occupancy
remains a highly desirable destination. Although some external uncertainties remain, there are encouraging signs that several of the headwinds afecting tourism over the past year are beginning to ease.
“Overall, we’re optimistic about the balance of the summer and the remainder of the year. Strong air connectivity, a diversifed customer base and continued investment in our product and programming position Baha Mar well for continued success.” However, similar levels of optimism have yet to fully take hold in the Bahamian aviation industry, which plays a key role in connecting visitors and local travellers with Family Islands and local communities.
Anthony Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that the industry remains in “a holding pattern” with no sign yet of any fuel cost relief that would enable it to reverse up to 10 percent ticket price hikes imposed on consumers earlier this year. He added that the one positive for a sector already operating on “slim margins” is that demand is still steadfast given the need for travel between Nassau and the Family Islands.
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) weekly jet fuel price monitor shows that, for the seven-day period to June 26, the Latin American and Caribbean average stood at $123.83 per barrel. While this represented a 23.2 percent decline on May 2026’s average, it was still some 33.5 percent higher than the prior year, and Mr Hamilton said Bahamian aviation
operators have yet to see any substantial easing of fuel costs locally despite the recent falls.
While some local operators yesterday suggested that jet and aviation gas prices have stabilised, and even started to fall, Mr Hamilton said: “It’s still holding. We are still basically holding because it’s a volatile situation and we’re just holding on to this right now. The [ticket price] adjustments already made are holding until anything material develops and then we’d respond but, as it stands right now, it’s a holding pattern.
“There is nothing in sight just yet. We are monitoring it. Everyone is just trying to make their way right now until something emerges, and then we will have to respond to it, but right now it’s a holding pattern. The margins are already slim, and we pretty much have to eat it as it goes. There’s a great deal of uncertainty until everything levels out.
“It’s already on pins with the nature of the margins. If anything adverse occurs, we are sensitive to it. We try to optimise our best shot at it in terms of maintaining consistency and keeping the business afoat. We’re hoping for the best right now, trying to hold on and come through unscathed.” Western Air told this newspaper earlier this year that it was bracing for a 40 percent increase in jet fuel prices after the Middle East confict broke out, while Bahamasair said 50 percent.
While The Bahamas’ proximity to its key source markets, principally the US, and location from the Middle East confict zone have helped sustain tourism demand, but aviation cost pressures persist according to Mr Hamilton. Conceding that “business is a risk”, he added that the
industry is awaiting “an upward tick to the beneft of all of us” with operators focused on “prudently” managing their businesses to avoid “adding adversity”.
“So we are trying to maximise operating with good judgment,” Mr Hamilton told Tribune Business.
“This environment right now is putting all our business acumen to the rest. We are trying to get the best performance, recognising that in this industry safety is of the utmost importance, so we are operating to maintain viable operations. Prudent business practices are at an optimum. That’s the business we are in right now. We are trying to get the greatest efciencies with the resources we have.”
Now, with the May 12 general election in the history books, Mr Hamilton said Bahamian aviation operators are hoping investment projects get “unlocked and stimulated” in the very Family Island communities that they serve to drive an increase in traveller trafc and passenger load factors.
However, he added that fuel costs in those destinations are even higher than those in New Providence.
“You may have to pick up fuel in the Family Islands, and the bottom line takes a further hit,” Mr Hamilton said.
“We are trying to make the best business judgments to avoid these encumbrances that can be very costly. The cost can vary from island to island, but the further south you go the more expensive it becomes.
“You import to New Providence and ship on to the Family Islands. The logistics, all these things tag on, so the end user bears the cost of that. The further south you go, the more costly the fuel gets on you.”
Corporate Bahamas pushes back over increasing costs
pointing to rising operating expenses, including employee salaries, electricity and information technology costs, following the Central Bank’s latest survey showing fee increases across several customer categories. Fees are also lower for customers who use digital and online banking as opposed to manual processes. The Central Bank, in its survey report for the half-year to December 2025, asserted: “On a case-by-case basis, average charges on constructed customer profles have frmed since both the June 2025 and December 2024 survey….
“Compared with both June 2025 and the December 2024 periods, domestic banks’ average total monthly surcharges for digital services have increased, with three of the four scenario estimates across commercial banks indicating higher average fee totals. An increase in cost was observed within the student, adult chequing and adult savings scenarios.”
Turning to manual or in-branch, physical banking, the Central Bank said: “Customers who rely heavily on physical banking service channels persistently incur higher monthly costs across the four scenarios, also registering frming on average since the second half of 2024.”
Mrs DeGregory-Miaoulis yesterday said businesses are fnding it increasingly difcult to take on higher charges with what she believes is a declining level of customer service by commercial banks.
“As far as I see, banking services have decreased, and even their labour forces
seem to have decreased. We don’t have personal banking service any more, because everything’s automated,” she said. “In the past, when we used to go into the bank to do a wire transfer and have personal one-on-one interaction with an employee, that doesn’t exist any more.”
Mrs DeGregory-Miaoulis argued that while physical branches remain open in Abaco, many traditional banking functions have shifted to digital platforms or overseas call centres.
“We have physical banks, but all they do is take deposits and distribute cash,” she said. “They don’t provide services. If you have an issue with the credit card, you have to go to a phone line and call a foreigner in another country in many cases.”
Mrs DeGregory-Miaoulis said businesses are increasingly performing work that banks and government agencies once handled themselves. “Basically a business person is working for the bank, doing all the transactions online,. We’re working for the government, fling all of our taxes online,” she said.
“So basically we’ve taken over the services of the various agencies and are having to do them ourselves. We’re taking on the burden and paying for a service that very often isn’t being provided.”
Mrs DeGregory-Miaoulis also disclosed that she is preparing to question her bank over new charges that appeared on a recent wire transfer. “I’m going into the bank this morning to query some additional fees on a wire transfer that has never been charged in the past, and they just have started charging without any explanation,” she said.
While acknowledging there are “two sides to every coin”, Mrs DeGregory-Miaoulis maintained that businesses are paying more without seeing equal value. “I don’t see where the banks are providing the same level of service as they did in the past, but they’re charging more for what they are actually doing,” she said.
Responding to the banking industry’s argument that higher operating costs justify increased fees, she said businesses themselves are often unable to pass on rising expenses.
“Rising costs isn’t something that has to be shared,” she said. “Even with businesses. I can’t always increase my retail price to what it should be because the consumer can’t always aford that increase.”
Mrs DeGregory-Miaoulis questioned the long-term impact on the Bahamian economy. “When you add the rising cost of banking, the rising cost of insurance, the rising cost of government fees.. when you add all these things up, are we going to be able to stay in business, or are we going to see more businesses shutting down? What in the long run best serves the growth and development of our country, and the entrepreneurs that feed the country?”
Patricia Cleare, operator of Screws and Fasteners World, said many business owners feel they have little choice but to absorb increasing banking costs.
“I haven’t really paid too much attention because we really can’t do nothing about it, because you’re relying on the banks, and they do charge a lot,” she said. “I must say, it’s very expensive.
“But it is nothing we can do. We just got to suck it up, unless the Government fnds another way to actually ease the situation. But even if the Government gives them breaks, they seem to fnd other ways to be able to add extra charges.”
Ms Cleare said wire transfer costs have become a routine but unavoidable expense. “I do a lot of wire transfers and I just pay it because you have no other choice,” she said. She rejected suggestions that banks’ higher operating costs justify the increases.
“I don’t think it’s justifed because they have your money,” Ms Cleare said. “The bank saves their money, and they use your money to make money. And there’s no breaks with you. They still charge you an arm and a leg.
“They might have some expenses, yes. We all do have expenses, but I think some of the stuf they charge for, like how much they charge to do wire transfers, how much they’re hitting you with and forcing you to rent their credit card machines. They’re looking at every little loophole to hit you with charges.”
Ms Cleare also highlighted the burden merchant processing fees place on retailers, particularly because businesses are generally prohibited from imposing credit card surcharges on customers. “They told us a long time ago,” she said. “It’s illegal to do so. “But they told us: put up the price. You have somebody who comes and pays for something like 68 cents. That even isn’t worth the paper to print on. So what some businesses do is tell you, ‘Listen, we don’t want you to use the card if the purchase is $10 or less.’
It’s not worth the paper it’s printed on. And you still get hit from the banks about 4 percent, 3 percent, depending on where your level is with the bank. “So that’s why some merchants go ahead and charge extra to discourage people from using a credit card for little purchases.”
Their concerns follow comments from Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, Gowon Bowe, who argued that the Central Bank’s latest banking fee survey presents only part of the picture by highlighting fee increases without examining the escalating costs banks themselves face. Mr Bowe said commercial
banks are grappling with higher expenses, including staf salaries, electricity and cybersecurity investments, arguing that these pressures inevitably afect pricing and warning that focusing solely on fee increases risks unfairly portraying banks while creating unnecessary tension with customers.
The Central Bank’s latest survey found that average monthly fees increased across several banking profles during the second half of 2025, with those for digitally-managed student savings accounts rising by up to 22.4 percent and manually-operated adult chequing accounts increasing by up to 21.3 percent.
