On a recent shark interaction scuba dive at Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas a shark with a rope wrapped around its body sought out dive staff for help.
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Nassau Airport Development Co (NAD) on Tuesday reported improved year-on-year financial performance, with a $7.3 million revenue increase coupled with an injection of $18 million into the local economy.

“Overall our financial position is stable,” said Chris Ryan, VP of finance and chief financial officer at NAD, which operates Lynden Pindling International Airport.

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The Value Added Tax (VAT) Department of the Ministry of Finance has released the VAT Guidance Note as it relates to the insurance industry. The public is advised that the insurance guidance is to be read in conjunction with the VAT Act 2014 Act and Regulations 2014.

The guidance note reflects the comptroller’s position on the administration and enforcement of the law relating to insurance and was prepared after intensive consultation and workshops with the insurance sector.

The public is further advised that they can view the insurance industry guidance note, as well as other sector guides, on the government’s website at www.bahamas.gov.bs/VAT.

For more information contact the VAT Department at vat@bahamas.gov.bs or call VAT Client Services at (242)-225-7280.

Guidelines regarding the US Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act are nearing completion, according to government officials.
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The government is inviting feedback from the private sector as it continues in its efforts to draw up and implement a National Development Plan (NDP).

The private sector will be invited to meet with government representatives from June to October this year to workshop issues relevant to their industries and give feedback on how the NDP should proceed.

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The Bahamas is one step closer to becoming a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Minister of Financial Services Hope Strachan who says her Ministry is actively working to further the country’s application in line with an “ambitious” trade strategy.

The government recently completed its Factual Summary–a document required by the WTO to advance the accession process. The summary gives The Bahamas a basis for negotiations as discussions advance.

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Havana, April 15 (Prensa Latina) – The Tourism Ministers of Cuba, Manuel Marrero, and Bahamas, Obediah Wilchcombe, held an official meeting with the aim of exchanging chances for multi-destinations for both nations, they said today officially.

A statement from the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) added Wednesday that such a meeting was beneficial for the parties.

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This is an excerpt from Prensa Latina as it appeared on April 16, 2015. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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Prime Minister Perry Christie addressed the 7th Summit of The Americas in Panama City, Panama, for the second time April 11, 2015. View/download a PDF of his speech.

Intervention by The Rt. Hon Perry Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth Of The Bahamas At the 7th Summit of The Americas Panama City, Panama. (April 11th, 2015)

Mr. President,
Let me thank you for your warm welcome here. I am pleased to be here. Today we are gathered with all the nations of the Americas; no nation is absent from the table. (continue)

This is an excerpt from Bahamas Information Services as it appeared on April 13, 2015. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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“Commitment and collaboration between the public and private sectors at an unprecedented level is essential if the Caribbean is to realize the potential which tourism presents in elevating and transforming the economies of the region and generating employment at all levels,” stated Emil Lee, president of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) during a recent visit to The Bahamas

Lee was in The Bahamas to address members of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and meet with leaders from the public and private sectors.

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US President Barack Obama met with Cuban President Raul Castro and said that the US would continue to work with its partners across the region in the areas of crime, financing, economy and security.
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