PAGE 4, Thursday, September 1, 2016
Rental cars hit at ‘too high’ NAD fees From pg B1 they don’t want to sit down at the table and discuss. We gave them the ultimatum that they had to decide what they wanted to do because we are not paying the fees that they are asking.” Mr McKenzie added that the rental car industry’s stance was “the reason for the advertisement”, meaning the bid/tender document for a company to operate such ‘concessions’ at LPIA. A briefing session with potential bidders is scheduled for tomorrow at LPIA, which was also referenced by Mr McKenzie. “They [NAD] have a meeting on Friday, I believe, with the car rental companies to discuss the matter,”
he disclosed. “They increased all of the rates at the airport and no one wants to pay. “They can’t get anyone else to come there because they had a vacant space there for five years and no one wanted it. We want them to abide by the rates because business is not that hot. The business that they told us they were going to get never materialised, and now they want to increase the rates. “They are advertising for interested persons, but I’m sure no one is interested because no one can afford these rates. They [NAD] want all the money for themselves.” None of the other car rental companies, such as
Avis and Budget, returned Tribune Business’s calls seeking comment. However, sources familiar with the situation said their views over the rental rates NAD is seeking, plus other charges, were consistent with Hertz and Mr McKenzie’s. A copy of the rental car concession RFP, which has been obtained by Tribune Business, discloses that the successful bidder must pay a minimum annual rent of $42,000, or $3,500 per month, to NAD. They must also pay NAD a “minimum percentage rental offer” of 9 per cent, which some sources have interpreted as a sum equivalent to 9 per cent of their gross incomes. And, in addition, NAD is also seeking a “$4 per day per customer” car rental facility charge “up to four days”. One potential bidder,
ACCOUNTANT Bank And Trust Company seeking a candidate for the position of Accountant. RESPONSIBILITIES • Direct responsibility for bank and investment reconciliations, • Data preparation, input maintenance and upkeep of the general Ledgers of client companies, trusts and other structures, including preparation of related yearly financial statements and periodic cash flow analyses. • Assist the Manager, as required with the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED: • • • • • • • • •
3-5 years’ experience with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field Strong oral and written communications skills Basic knowledge of banking and investment products and their application in overall management and administration of wealth Working knowledge of accounting concepts and their applications Ability to identify potential risk issues and solutions and to communicate these effectively to senior management Excellent time management, organization and administrative skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Strong PC skills Strong interpersonal skills and excellent team player
Interested candidates should forward a copy of their resume to:
speaking on condition of anonymity, described the lease/rental rates, and rental car facility charge, being sought by NAD as “too steep for our budget. How the hell can you afford it?” NAD told Tribune Business earlier this year that it was mulling another $0.08 increase in the facility user fee that it charges passengers, as it seeks to generate revenues and cash flows to service the $409.5 million debt load taken on to finance LPIA’s reconstruction. This came after NAD incurred a $15.1 million loss for the year to endJune 2015, with Vernice Walkine, its president and chief executive, suggesting there would be a “few more years” of losses. Ms Walkine blamed 2015’s net loss on NAD’s debt servicing costs, which remained relatively flat year-over-year at $41.813 million. This was the key factor in wiping out the company’s $49.078 million in operating income, which was up 4 per cent. “We experienced a net loss of $15.1 million for the period ending 2015, primarily as a result of interest ($42 million) due on our senior
Kenzie’s suggestion that business “is not that hot”. It provides five years’ worth of gross revenue data on the industry’s operations at LPIA, covering the period 2012-2016. It is unclear where the figures have been drawn from, but they show a sector whose top-line has remained relatively flat, and which was just $61,000 higher in 2016 than it was in 2012. Total car rental gross revenues for the year to end-June 2016 stood at $6.206 million. The RFP also requires the successful bidder to “secure an international car rental franchise”, and operate from a dedicated 27,830 square foot Car Rental Centre that is located opposite the international arrivals terminal at LPIA. “The successful proponents will be asked to operate an international rental car franchise within a 27,830 square feet Car Rental Centre adjacent to the airport terminal,” the document says. Some have questioned, though, whether any car rental franchises are available, given that Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty are already operating at LPIA.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Comfort Suites Paradise Island invites qualified persons to apply for the position of Operations Coordinator.
Job Summary
Provides administrative support to the Assistant General Manager and Business Process Manager along with all departments that fall under the umbrella of the Operations Department.
Duties and Responsibilities: • • •
Human Resources P.O. Box N-9834 Nassau, Bahamas
and participating debts,” Ms Walkine said. “As you are aware, the redevelopment cost of the airport was $409.5 million, which was financed by a loan from a consortium of lenders. “We anticipate a net loss for the next few years as we repay this debt, which currently has an interest component that is significantly higher than the principal. As we continue to reduce the principal balance, the interest component is also reduced, and therefore interest expense will become less.” NAD’s freedom to raise fees and charges “as necessary”, and without Government or political interference, is vital to its ability to service the debt financing (chiefly bonds) that it took on to fund LPIA’s $409.5 million redevelopment. However, the concerns of the rental car companies will likely raise come concerns as to whether NAD, in its quest to turn a profit and meet its debt servicing burden, may be placing unsustainable financial demands on its tenants - which are mainly Bahamian-owned businesses. The rental car RFP also appears to back Mr Mc-
THE TRIBUNE
• •
Assist with the day to day responsibilities of the Assistant General Manager’s office. Assist with the day to day responsibilities of the Business Process Manager’s office. Assist with clerical responsibilities with each department that falls under Operations Assist with Medallia and Tripadvisor responses. Assist with the coordination of Messenger service for all departments.
Position Requirements:
Three or more years experience in the administrative field required. Experience in the hotel industry will be a plus. Competitive salary and benefits package are commensurate with experience. Interested persons should apply in writing via e-mail address:
jmcdonald@comfortsuitespi.com
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Career opportunities are available for ambitious career-oriented individuals at a mid size hotel. We are inviting experienced persons to apply for the following positions:
Security Supervisor
Prime Responsibilities and Duties are: • Oversee the proper reporting and documentation of all incidents. • Act as focal point for any investigations involving guests and employees, prepare accurate reports and follow up action plans. • Take the lead on all incidents and emergencies. • Monitoring of camera system and schedule patrolling of grounds. • Assist with the smooth and efficient running of the organization. Qualifications & Experience Required: • Three or more years in the security or military (RBDF & RBPF) field. • Three or more years supervisory experience • Excellent leadership and communication skills. • Must be computer literate with strong administrative skills.
Security Officer
Prime Responsibilities and Duties are: • Assist with any investigations involving guests and employees, prepare accurate reports and follow up action plans. • Ensure that any criminal activity does not hamper the smooth functioning of the hotel. • Assist with and ensure the accuracy of all industrial accident reports. • Take the lead on all incidents and emergencies. • Assist with the monitoring of camera system and scheduled patrolling of grounds. • Assist with the smooth and efficient running of the organization. Qualifications & Experience Required: • Two or more years in the security or military (RBDF & RBPF) field. • Excellent leadership and communication skills. • The ability and interpersonal skills to relate with internal and external customers. • Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently. • Must be computer literate with strong administrative skills. Competitive salary and benefits package are commensurate with experience. Interested persons should submit their resumes via e-mail to
recruitment.humanresources@outlook.com