Bahamas News
Government to ‘Respond Aggressively’ to Ease of Doing Business Committee Recommendations
#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2018 – Nassau – The Government of The Bahamas will “respond aggressively” to recommendations made by the Ease of Doing Business Committee in an effort to address the global outlook on ease of doing business in The Bahamas. The ‘Ease of Doing Business’ Committee was appointed last year by Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis after a 2017 World Bank Annual Report listed The Bahamas as 119 out of 190 countries for ease of doing business.
Economies are ranked from 1-190 on their ease of doing business with one being the best possible rating and 190 the worst. The Bahamas was also ranked 108 out of the 190 countries with regards to starting a new business. The Committee used the 10 categories established by the World Bank to make recommendations to the Government.
“Having been a businessman for many years, I know the frustration that business owners feel in complying with certain government processes,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “I wish to assure the Bahamian people and the Committee that the Government will respond aggressively to the recommendations, including making the necessary legislative and regulatory changes.”
Addressing the annual Bahamas Business Outlook Seminar Thursday, (January 18, 2018), Prime Minister Minnis said while The Bahamas was “clearly better” than a number of countries in the Ease of Doing Business rankings, “there is considerable and urgent room for improvement across the board, especially if we seek to be world class.” The Prime Minister detailed additional rankings for the country contained in the June 2017 Report. In terms of dealing with construction permits, The Bahamas was ranked at 106. Dealing with construction permits involves the procedures, time and cost to build a warehouse.
The Bahamas ranked 117 in obtaining electricity (this involves the procedures, time and cost required for a business to obtain a permanent electricity connection for a newly constructed warehouse). For registering property, the country was ranked 167, a designation the Prime Minister called “a terrible ranking.” Registering property concerns procedures and the time and cost to register commercial real estate. The country was ranked 142 out of the 190 countries insofar as obtaining credit was concerned and was ranked 55th for paying taxes and 74th for enforcing contracts.
Prime Minister Minnis said the use of paper confirmation and written certifications from applicants during the application process for various licenses and permits in The Bahamas – including original paper confirmations to demonstrate that applicants have paid their taxes to other government agencies or have complied with certain requirements of other government agencies — has in the past consumed a significant amount of time and often comprises an inefficient burden for applicants as well as those government agencies that have to sort through volumes of documents created.
Using the Business License application process as an example, Prime Minister Minnis said an idea for reform is for government ministries to instruct their agencies, departments and employees to review their license and permit application processes in order to eliminate, wherever possible, the paper confirmation and certification requirements from other government agencies and substitute the same with direct agency to agency contact to acquire the information.
“The enhancement of E-government systems could make this an efficient technology-driven process for the government,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “It is easier for a government employee to obtain confirmations from another government employee by an internally agreed-upon method, than for the private sector to collect numerous paper confirmations from the front desks of various government agencies.”
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis, centre, at Bahamas Business Outlook on Thursday, with, from left: Writer Patricia Glinton-Meicholas; Baha Mar President Graeme Davis; The Counsellors Ltd. President Joan Albury; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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