Pictured: Hon L Ryan Pinder, MP Minister of Financial Services speaking at The Nassau Conference, themed “Engaging in a Transparent World,” held at The British Colonial Hilton Hotel in downtown Nassau. (Photo Harry Cutting/©Dupuch)

A willingness to engage directly with international regulatory bodies is key to the success of The Bahamas’ financial sector, according to Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder, who said that the country has already seen the benefits of meeting with legislators and promoting its interests.

Navigating increased regulation and greater transparency can be difficult for smaller jurisdictions, but issues can be resolved through more productive and focused engagement said Pinder addressing the Nassau Conference at the British Colonial Hilton yesterday.

…continue >

The Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) Blue Ribbon Panel appointed for this year’s Industry Excellence Awards has held its first meeting to consider the nominations received for the annual awards programme.

…continue >

Scotiabank has partnered with the Bahamas National Trust to host the 2014 Wine & Art Festival scheduled for this weekend.

The Festival is a major source of funding for the Bahamas National Trust.

Scotiabank’s senior manager of marketing, Leah Davis, says: “This year marks the second consecutive year that we are supporting the Bahamas National Trust in this way. We applaud the BNT for its outstanding commitment to the conservation and protection of the Bahamian environment and natural resources.”

…continue >

Preliminary indicators suggest the continuation of a mildly positive growth outcome during the month of August, supported by on-going gains in tourism and a stable contribution from foreign investment-led construction activity. Consumer prices remained relatively subdued over the twelve-months to July, as fuel costs sustained their downward trajectory. In the monetary sector, July’s short-term contraction in bank liquidity was reversed in August, while external reserves fell, mainly due to the seasonal increase in foreign currency demand to facilitate current payments.

…continue >

BETHESDA, MD, USA – OCTOBER 21, 2014 – Atlantis, Paradise Island, the newest Autograph Collection Hotel, is officially available to book through Marriott.com.

Marriott Rewards members may now earn and redeem points while staying at Atlantis when reservations are made directly on one of the following websites: Marriott.com, Autographhotels.com and MarriottRewards.com.

Atlantis is the largest hotel in the portfolio.

…continue >

FREEPORT, Bahamas, October 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Announced today is “Ascot, Grand Bahama,” a new development that has been quietly in the works for the past year. Described as “Barefoot Elegance,” Ascot is set to create a sought after luxury development that caters to people seeking a finer lifestyle that excludes casinos, crowds and traffic jams, yet is extensively serviced, perfectly accessible and with modern infrastructure.

Approximately 300 resort-residences are spread over 18 acres within walking distance to Port Lucaya and includes beachfront, marina and “labyrinth garden” homes. The development has a philosophy of a wholesome lifestyle, understated elegance and lasting quality. It’s not just that it is situated on an island paradise, but it also has flowering and edible gardens and its own orchard of exotic fruits. Residents and guests will be encouraged to pick whatever they want and there will always be advice from the on-site horticulturists.

…continue >

The weekend cultural festival was originally conceived to recognize United Nations Day and celebrates the culinary arts, music and dance of many countries represented in The Bahamas.

These photos caught some of the moments of the event.

…continue >

The 9th Annual Exuma Business Outlook is scheduled to take place Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Sandals Emerald Bay Resort in Georgetown. This year’s theme is “Charting a Course for Growth in Exuma.”

Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

…continue >

Pictured: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell announces Diplomatic Week in the Majority Room of the House of Assembly on October 15, 2014. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration is staging the first ever Diplomatic Week next week aimed at fostering closer ties between the Diplomatic and Consular Corp and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell made the announcement during a press conference at the Majority Room of the House of Assembly October 15.

Underscoring the importance of the initiative, Mitchell said: “This will give Diplomats the opportunity to interact with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government officials so that they can get an understanding of The Bahamas’ goals in foreign diplomacy.”

…continue >

iJet Charters has committed to regular charter flight services to five different Bahamian islands from April to August from selected US airports, including New York and Fort Lauderdale.
…continue >