04022026 BUSINESS

Thursday,

Boating fee reforms ‘might save summer’

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president is asserting that long-awaited boating fee reforms “might just save our summer season” after the Government delivered on the Prime Minister’s end-February pledge to create two new cruising permit fee categories with reduced levies.

Peter Maury told Tribune Business that marina operators, supporting industries and even boating tourists themselves were initially unsure whether the changes - unveiled by Bahamas Customs late on Tuesday night - were “an April Fool’s joke” with many nervously waiting to see how vessel clearance will be dealt with following yesterday’s implementation.

The reforms to the Customs Management regulations, the product of more than three months of negotiations between the private sector

Marinas, tourism ‘ecstatic’ on new permit lengths, lower fees

ABM president says some thought move was ‘April Fool’s joke’

‘Big boost’ for Bimini with anchorage fee set-up also reformed

and Ministry of Finance, create two new classes of cruising permit fees - one for short-term stays of 30 days or less, and the other covering six months or less. The 30-day fees for vessels less than 50 feet in length are between 50-70 percent lower than those associated with the pre-existing one-year permit.

Tourism sources told this newspaper that the shorter-term permits, especially the one for 30 days’ duration, “will definitely help Bimini with the weekend warriors”. It will also benefit other northern Bahamas islands

whose boating visitor markets are largely made-up of short stay visitors on smaller boats, such as centre consoles, but were deterred by the new and increased fees introduced with last May’s Budget. Besides the two new cruising permit categories, the Government has also sought to clear-up confusion over whether the anchorage fees implemented with the 20252026 Budget apply to both vessels docked in marinas or those anchored out. Materials issued to Customs officers plainly state that these fees must only be paid by the

latter, adding: “Only pleasure vessels entering that are not docking at a marina are subject to anchorage fees.”

Mr Maury said Customs’ previous position of levying anchorage fees on boats docked in marinas, despite last May’s Budget amendments stipulating they only applied to vessels “not mooring at a marina”, had only deepened confusion surrounding the reforms and provided a further disincentive to visit The Bahamas. However, the Government

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Boating fee reforms ‘like a present for Christmas’

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A MARINA operator yesterday hailed the Government’s boating fee reforms as being “like a Christmas present” that will generate renewed optimism for an industry grappling with uncertainty and reduced business volumes.

Stephen Kappeler, of Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, said the creation of two new short-stay cruising permit categories - one for a 30-day stay, the other for six months’ duration - coupled with lower fees for this and

anchorage compared to the 12-momth approval, will benefit the entire Bahamas and especially businesses in the Family Islands that rely heavily on marine traffic. He added that the announcement came just as industry stakeholders were returning from the West Palm Beach Boat Show, where concerns about the fee structure had been a dominant topic among boaters and marina operators alike.

“It’s like a Christmas present,” Mr Kappeler said. “We just came back from the West Palm Beach Boat Show. I flew back today after attending with the Ministry of Tourism

BACSWN executive named as the ambassador to ICAO

THE chief operating officer at Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN), Michael Strachan, has been appointed Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations agency which helps 193 counties operate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit.

and about 14 other resorts and marinas. We had really good representation.

“No matter what people were thinking about the fees, there was a lot of attendance at the show, a lot of interest, but also concern. All we could do was stay positive that it was being looked at, and then, one day later, I’m greeted this morning with great news.”

The Government announced the reduction in boating fees took effect from yesterday, April 1, a move that has been welcomed by stakeholders who argued the previous structure risked driving business to competing destinations.

Mr Kappeler said the impact of the fee reduction will extend well beyond marinas themselves, boosting broader economic activity throughout the islands. “Every Bahamian cash register on these islands, especially in the Out Islands, is going to benefit from what has happened here,”  he added.

While welcoming the move, Mr Kappeler added that the previous fee increases had posed challenges for the sector and highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach to maritime business development.

Fuel price increase ‘terrible news’ but ‘fundamentals are in Bahamas favour’

Sir Franklyn: ‘Thank God’ US proxmity gives ‘benefit angle

Says Bahamas and world are facing ‘unprecedented times’ Superwash holding prices despite hit to 30% of cost base

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN businessman yesterday branded the jump in local fuel prices “terrible news” but asserted that this could be counter-balanced by the country’s economic fundamentals that “always work in our favour” during times of crisis.

Sir Franklyn Wilson, the Arawak Homes and Sunshine Holdings chairman, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas’ proximity to the US and the market that generates 90 percent of its tourists may again come to its rescue and help to offset the economic fall-out from the Middle East conflict that is now being felt through soaring fuel and energy costs.

The country’s location, he added, being so close to its top visitor market may counter the impact of increased air fare and travel costs in comparison to more far-flung destinations, as well as fit the bill on security concerns as it is a considerable distance from the war zone. The Bahamas may also benefit from the fact that travellers, especially during times of economic and other stresses, like to remain close to home.

Acknowledging that it is impossible to predict how long the Middle East conflict will last, and how widespread it could become, Sir Franklyn told this newspaper: “The bad news is, of course, in the short run this [skyrocketing gas prices] is terrible news. The fact of the

Mr Strachan, who has an 18-year career in financial services and aviation, assisted with BACSWN’s landmark Heads of Agreement signing with the Government last year. “I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to serve the country in this capacity to work along with the relevant industry stakeholders in civil aviation, and the other relevant bodies that encompass the civil aviation sector,” Mr Strachan said of his appointment.

BY ANNELIA NIXON

anixon@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN bakeries yesterday said they still fear an increase in their input costs from food stores increasing prices due to the VAT elimination on uncooked foods being treated as ‘exempt’ rather than ‘zero rated’.

Michael Turner, proprietor of Jumper Brothers Bakery, maintaining his stance that the move to eliminate VAT on uncooked foods was well-intentioned,

“The appointment, in my mind, signifies the ability of young Bahamian professionals to ensure that

said that with wholesalers and grocery stores unable to recover VAT paid on their input costs it is inevitable that they will raise prices. While he does not expect an immediate proce rise, he believes it will come eventually.

“I think that's a good thing. I don't know how long it will last but the wholesaler or the food store, when they purchase, they still have to pay VAT on it, so I really don't know yet,” he said. “I'm still watching with all anticipation to see

When most small and medium-sized businesses think about cyber security, they think about firewalls, passwords and perhaps an anti-virus subscription that renews each year. It often feels technical, distant, even optional. Until it is not.

We cannot afford lax cyber security ROYE II KEITH

For many entrepreneurs across The Bahamas, cyber security is viewed as a concern for large international banks or global hotel chains. Yet the quiet truth is this: Small and medium-sized enterprises are often the most attractive targets. They hold valuable financial data, customer records, payroll information and supplier details. At the same time, they typically lack dedicated information security teams. That combination is irresistible to cyber criminals.

The visible cost of a cyber attack is easy to grasp. A ransom demand. A frozen system. A website that suddenly goes dark. What is less visible, and often far more damaging, are the hidden costs that follow.

First, there is business interruption. When systems go offline, even for a day, revenue stops. For a retail store, that may mean lost sales. For a financial services firm, it may mean missed transactions. For a tourism operator, it may mean disappointed guests and cancelled bookings. In an economy such as ours, where many businesses operate on tight margins and seasonal cash flow, even short disruptions can ripple through payroll, supplier payments and loan obligations.

Second, there is reputational damage. Trust is currency in The Bahamas. Our economy depends heavily on relationships, referral, and repeat visitors. If customers believe their credit card details or

personal information are not safe, they will simply go elsewhere. In a digital age where news spreads quickly across social media, rebuilding trust can take years - if it happens at all.

Third, there are regulatory and legal consequences. As global data protection standards evolve, businesses operating in or with partners abroad are increasingly expected to meet strict requirements. A breach may trigger reporting obligations, fines or lawsuits. For small and medium-sized enterprises, these costs can be existential.

Then there are the operational aftershocks. Systems must be rebuilt. Data must be restored. External consultants are brought in. Insurance premiums may rise. Staff morale often suffers as employees grapple with uncertainty and increased scrutiny. The real expense is not just the attack itself, but the long recovery that follows. For The Bahamas, the stakes are even higher. We are a services-driven economy. Financial services, tourism, maritime industries and professional firms form the backbone of national income. Each relies heavily on digital systems and international trust. A

PROTECT - See Page B3

Legal Notice NOTICE

Chance Investments Limited

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Chance Investments Limited is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 27th day of , 2026.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Sparrow Nominees Limited c/o Delaney Corp. (Bahamas) Ltd., Lyford Cay House, Western Road, Lyford Cay, Nassau, Bahamas

Dated this 9th day of February, A.D. 2026. Sparrow Nominees Ltd. Liquidator

Central Bank cracks down on exchange control abuse

THE Central Bank has moved to crack down on a growing trend where persons and companies deemed resident in The Bahamas are asking that payments be made in foreign currency.

The banking regulator, in a statement, asserted that all bank payments involving transactions between resident companies and

individuals must be settled in Bahamian dollars under this nation’s exchange control regulations. It reiterated that Bahamian commercial banks must first obtain the Central Bank’s approval to make such payments in foreign currency.

“The Central Bank of The Bahamas has observed an increase in attempted transactions between

Rising gas prices impact bakeries’ Easter delivery

SEASONAL - from page B1

how these prices are going to change based on that.

“I don’t think it’s going to change right away because persons already paid VAT on those things, and maybe to the cash drawer. I’m not sure how they’re going to do it, but I don’t think we’re going to see it right away on certain products. But that’s something I cannot speak to. That’s something that we’ll have to experience as time goes along and watch to see if it goes up or stabilises. We don’t know that.

“So I’m hoping that it’s a savings and not a hidden cost, where we’re still paying for these products. But from what I understand, the wholesalers are saying that they have to pay VAT, or they have things in inventory they already paid VAT on, so therefore, anyone with good business sense will cover their end.

So I understand.”

Shawnette Williams, owner of Something Sweet bakery, said she will also

monitor price changes and compare receipts to determine whether she is truly saving.

“Prices have been extremely high,” she said.

“So we are hoping that the VAT cut does help us quite a bit. We are hopeful for that. Like I said, we haven’t really been to the food stores yet to see if the prices have increased, seeing that they removed the VAT. So that is something that we will be looking at on our back payments that we have made, purchases that we have made [compared] to the new purchases, to see if there’s a huge difference.”

Kendrick Delaney, owner of The New Duff, added: “Any reduction in tax burden is always welcomed. The real impact comes down to whether those savings can be meaningfully felt, whether through reinvestment into operations, maintaining pricingor improving the customer experience.”

While the VAT elimination was introduced by Government as a means of

Digital security breaches threaten erosion of trust

PROTECT - from page B2

pattern of weak cyber security among local businesses does not only harm individual firms. It threatens our broader reputation as a safe and reliable place to do business.

Consider our growing push towards digital transformation. Government services are increasingly online. Entrepreneurs are embracing e-commerce. Remote work is more common. These are positive developments that expand opportunity beyond Nassau and into islands such as Abaco, Grand Bahama and Exuma. Yet with greater connectivity comes greater exposure. If cyber security does not advance alongside digital adoption, we risk building our future economy on a fragile foundation. The encouraging news is that strong cyber security does not always require massive budgets. It begins with awareness and leadership. Business owners must treat cyber security as a

resident individuals and resident companies involving requests for payments to be made in foreign currency into local accounts that have been authorised to be maintained in foreign currency,” the regulator said. “Unless exceptionally approved by the Central Bank, such transactions are not permitted under exchange control regulations.

“Resident-operated foreign currency accounts are only authorised to receive deposits of revenue or approved loan proceeds denominated in foreign currency, and may only be used to finance obligations outside The Bahamas which are denominated in foreign currency.” Residents are Bahamian citizens or permanent residents with no work restrictions, while resident companies are those businesses owned by these

providing financial relief to Bahamians, fuel prices have now increased and will possibly continue to spike as tensions in the Middle East continue. This has created another layer of financial burden for some Bahamians. Bernard Bodie, owner of Platinum Pastries and Deli, said having to transport and deliver his products with gas prices on the rise has impacted his business.

“Our business has been affected by the rising prices of gasoline,” he said. “We operate multiple ovens, supplied by large propane tanks, and are responsible for the transportation and delivery of our products, which has increased operational costs.”

Mr Turner said while his business does not offer delivery services for every order, he does deliver to his regular customers. He said he will also monitor how gas prices impact that portion of his business.

Both the VAT cut and rising gas prices are hitting bakeries as the Easter holiday approaches, which is one of their busiest seasons. Mr Turner said he has received some orders but

core governance issue, not merely an information technology expense. Regular staff training, multi-factor authentication, secure data back-ups and clear response plans can dramatically reduce risk. Cyber insurance, while not a substitute for good practice, can provide an additional layer of resilience. There is also a role for collaboration. Industry associations, chambers of commerce and public sector agencies can share best practices and promote standards tailored to the Bahamian context. Cyber security should be seen not as a competitive secret, but as a shared responsibility

two classes of persons or designated as such by the Central Bank.

Explaining the rationale for its action, the Central Bank said: “As indicated in the exchange control regulations, foreign currency accounts maintained by Bahamian residents outside The Bahamas require the specific prior approval of the Central Bank.

“Foreign currency accounts maintained in The Bahamas may be approved directly by the Central Bank, or by authorised dealers - commercial banks - under delegated authority from the Central Bank, in the case of business trade-related accounts that operate with balances of up to the equivalent of $100,000.

CURRENCY - See Page B8

is expecting a huge turnout during a last-minute rush.

“Last year, persons were coming in and we were running low,” he said. “I’m trying my best to stay ahead of the game this time, because sometimes they come that last minute rushing and it is not ready. They sometimes take long to come back. So we’re trying our best to have more than what’s been ordered already. So the persons walking in, they’ll have access to the product right away.”

Ms Williams said Something Sweet Bakery has seen at least a 50 percent increase in hot cross bun sales this year compared to last Easter. Mr Bodie said hot cross bun sales have also increased for his bakery compared to prior years.

Mr Delaney added: “Hot cross bun season has been very strong for us as usual. What’s been especially encouraging this year is how it’s driving broader awareness of our full breakfast and lunch menu. We’re seeing more customers come in for buns and stay for sandwiches, coffee and other items, so overall we’re grateful to be busy.”

that protects the entire business community.

Ultimately, the hidden cost of poor cyber security is not just financial. It is the erosion of confidence. In a small nation where our economic strength depends on global trust and local relationships, that is a price we cannot afford to pay.

If The Bahamas is to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world, cyber security must move from the margins of boardroom discussions to the center of strategic planning. For small and medium-sized businesses, investing in protection today may well be the difference between

FLIGHT - from page B1

The Bahamas, on a global stags, is represented, and to ensure the safety and integrity of the sector is upheld and improved. This is just the beginning.

“We work closely on several positive fronts that impact the civil aviation sector - from safety to carbon credits through the aviation carbon credits platform. That’s the aviation carbon exchange, which is an ICAO mandated infrastructure. I’m looking forward to the implementation next year, and having The Bahamas play an integral role in that but also ensuring sovereignty of The Bahamas and its air space, and passenger safety, is protected.”

Robert Dupuch Carron, BACSWN’s founder, said:

“On behalf of our chairman, Rt. Hon. Eileen Dupuch-Carron, Mr Rupert Roberts OBE, BACSWN’s CEO Patrick Rollins and the entire Dupuch family, I would like to extend congratulations to Michael Strachan on his appointment as ambassador designate to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”

The organisation, headquartered in Canada, is the UN body responsible for managing the Chicago Convention - the cornerstone of international Civil Aviation - under which the rights of airlines to use the air space of any nation are governed.”

In commending Prime Minister Philip Davis KC and Fred Mitchell, minister of foreign affairs, for recognising the potential of young Bahamians, Mr Dupuch Carron added that he “is certain His Excellency’s unique blend of aviation and finance experience makes him a strong fit for this role.

“I have little doubt that the Government and our nation will benefit from Michael’s subject matter

resilience and regret tomorrow.

expertise as he assists the nation navigate the challenges of transforming the safety and efficient passage of flights using the 173,000 square miles of our strategically located sovereign archipelago,” Mr Dupuch Carron said.

Since it was established in 1944, ICAO’s support and co-ordination has helped countries to diplomatically and technically realise a uniquely rapid and dependable network of global air mobility, connecting families, cultures and businesses all over the world, and promoting sustainable growth and socio-economic prosperity wherever aircraft fly.

As it enters a new era of digitisation, and of incredible new flight and propulsion innovations, air transport is relying more than ever on ICAO’s expert support and technical and diplomatic guidance to help chart a new and exciting future for international flight. ICAO is innovating itself to answer this call, and expanding its partnerships among UN and technical stakeholders to deliver a strategic global vision and effective, sustainable solutions.

ICAO’s mission is to serve as the global forum of states for international civil aviation. ICAO develops policies and standards, undertakes compliance audits, performs studies and analyses, provides assistance and builds aviation capacity through many other activities and the co-operation of its member states and stakeholders.

Quincy Rolle, president of Tribune DigitaLabs, said: “Huge congratulations to Michael Strachan on his appointment as ambassador to ICAO - clearly they wanted someone who is familiar with turbulence. We always knew he was destined for higher altitudes, now he has the title to match. All the best, Mike. Namaste.”

• NB: About Keith Keith Roye II is a highly analytic and solutions-driven professional with extensive experience in software development. He holds a BSc in computer science and his career includes leading and delivering global software projects in various industries in The Bahamas and the US.

Out Island chief hopes ‘some’ summer business is saved

has now also revised the anchorage fees to incorporate the two new cruising permit categories, with the charges based on length of vessel and stay.

For example, foreign pleasure vessels less than 30 feet in length - and cleared into The Bahamas on a 30-day cruising permit - will pay a $50 anchorage fee. That is just 25 percent, or one-quarter, of the $200 that boats with a 12-month permit, and less than 50 feet in length, will pay. The reductions are even greater the larger the vessel is, with boats 100 feet or more in length paying a $200 anchorage fee on a 30-day permit - a sum that is less than one-seventh of the $1,500 paid for a 12-month stay.

However, The Bahamas appears to have missed a prime opportunity to market the reforms - and the bid to improve its competitiveness as a boating destination - to brokers, captains, owners and the wider boating industry. The Customs memorandum unveiling the amendments was dated March 29, 2026 - the same day that the fiveday Palm Beach Boat Show closed - with marina operators only informed of the changes during the evening of March 31 just hours before they were to take effect.

One source described this as “typical. A day late and a dollar short”. However, Mr Maury and other resort and marina operators yesterday told Tribune Business they were spreading details of the reforms “all over the world as fast as possible”, and the changes were already attracting significant interest and attention from boaters. The ABM president said “the trick” is now for The Bahamas to win back

customers it has lost with yacht charter volumes estimated to have declined by 40 percent.

Emanuel Alexiou, the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board’s president, and principal of the Abaco Beach Resort, yesterday told Tribune Business that the industry was “ecstatic” to learn that the reforms have finally been implemented and - echoing Mr Maury - said they may have arrived in time “to hopefully save some June and July business”.

The Government was lobbied to make the changes after marinas warned they would be “happy with 50 percent” of the prior year’s business for the 2025-2026 winter season following the largely negative reaction to the new and increased fees, which were perceived by many overseas boaters as making The Bahamas too expensive and ensnaring the entry process with bureaucracy and red tape.

“It’s what we were asking for,” Mr Maury told this newspaper. “We were saying go back to the 90-day permit, but this works, too. Then, with the 12-month permit, you now get two free re-entries even though the fees stay the same, and with the six-month one you get one free re-entry. That’s a big help. It’s definitely what we were asking for.

“Adding those free entries definitely makes sense. Hopefully it helps quell some of the concerns. That was our big thing. We just wanted it to make sense for everybody. That was the problem in so many cases.

“And if you clear in and are in a marina, you don’t pay that fee. That’s a big help. It saves that extra money. People go out fishing and come back to the marina, and our whole point to the Government and Ministry of Finance was that, if they anchor out,

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I EDSIEM DANIEL of Darsham Place #4 Freeport, Grand Bahama, The 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 March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, VALDO SIMILUS of #10 Montague Villas, Nassau, The 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 2nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

they don’t buy anything. But if they go to the marina, they’re going to restaurants, they’re going to buy ice, they have to pay for water, dockage and electricity that the Government sells to us.

“The Government makes double their money. They sell us power and water, and get VAT on what we sell on to the customers. I think somebody looked at it and said: ‘The numbers from the marinas are down considerably. Let’s get the boats back’.”

Yesterday’s implementation of the two new cruising permit fee categories comes just over one month after Philip Davis KC signalled this would be done in his mid-year Budget statement. “We’re getting the word out as much as we can,” Mr Maury added. “We’ve published it on our sites and in each of our groups. A lot of people are sharing.

“I imagine we might be able to save our summer season unless they change something else. But it’s always the adoption of the policy. The policymakers can say anything. It really depends on how Customs adopts it.” As an example, Mr Maury cited how Customs had over the past nine months charged anchorage fees on boats docked in marinas even though this was the opposite of - and appeared to directly contradict - what the Budget changes stipulated.

“It was 100 percent. Every single case,” he asserted. “In no incident has Customs said we won’t charge you if you’re in a marina. In every single case, every marina operator, every boat captain, has said they’ve charged us no matter what. There was no incentive to come into a marina if you had to pay all those additional fees. You are paying for services never bought or wanted.

“Despite what the people im government may think, wealthy people react the same way the rest of us do. They don’t want to pay for things they don’t use. People say rich people don’t care but I’ve never seen that. Everyone is economically minded. When you get charged for something you don’t use that makes it very unsatisfactory….

“Everybody was calling us yesterday and asking if it [the changes] was real. Even ourselves, the operators, didn’t believe it. Nobody has cleared a yacht yet so we don’t know if Customs officers have been brought up to speed. We’re all waiting to see what happens. It’s pretty sad when we have so many changes that our own customers and businesses don’t want to believe, like it’s an April Fool’s joke. We’ll see in the application. It’s sad we had to get there, but hopefully everything works out and we keep moving ahead.”

Hailing the introduction of the shorter 30-day and six-month cruising permits, Mr Maury said: “We have people coming over for a short amount of time. The previous structure was very unfair for them. If they were coming for 30 days or six months, they were having to pay for a year. The guys coming fishing can now buy the short-term 30 day permit for $250, pay for their one-month fishing permit and off they go.

“We said in the beginning: ‘Let’s keep the same rate structure; the 90-day, the one-year and multi-entry. The fees were the biggest problem and this gets us back to where we were in the beginning. We don’t want to see the amount increasing by 600 percent but it is what it is.”

The ABM president argued that short-stay boating visitors being hit by cruising permit, anchorage,

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that STACY DUVEAU of Percy Munnings, 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 2nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I JOSIACE EUGENE of Guana Cay, Abaco, The 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 March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

fishing permit and other fees was too much for many in this category. “We kind of went back to where we started with the increase but, hey, we’ll take it. It’s better than nothing. It’s always better late than never.”

Mr Maury, acknowledging that the reforms had come to late to avoid the negative feedback that the ABM, individual marinas and the Ministry of Tourism had to face at the Palm Beach Boat Show, said:

“It was what we had been getting for the last three years. ‘It’s too expensive to come to The Bahamas, it’s not worth it any more. We don’t fish, we don’t anchor out. We’re being charged charged for things we never did’. That’s the majority, and that’s the truth.

“The unfortunate part is that, at the Boat Show, the captains, owners and brokers we talked to said they have moved their base down to the Dominican Republic and some of the other Caribbean islands. It may not be right away we get some of the charter business back but this will help with some of the shorter-term boaters. It’s all important. We don’t want to lose any business.

“We had so many people coming over in the charter business. We’d like to increase that to where we were before. By all accounts, when we talk to different charter and yacht captains, it seems to be 40 percent that we lost with a lot of the boats having gone to the Caribbean and other countries. To try and get that back, that’s the trick.”

Mr Alexiou, meanwhile, hailed the boating reforms as “great news”. He added of the marina, resort and tourism industry: “They are all ecstatic, and all are sending it out all over the world. Overall, it’s very positive. It’s good news. It happened. The inquiry can take place later. The industry has been suffering.

“Right now, in March, April and May, it’s fishing season. It’s a different crowd coming into our marina and they are not affected as much. We did have a slow January and February, we had a slow fall, and know we are losing some June and July business, but now hopefully can save some of that. This is going to be very beneficial.

“I don’t think we will get some of the big groups back. We had some big group cancellations; they’ve committed to the Florida Cays, but other families who have not made commitments,

hopefully they will enjoy this. It’s still good news and it will spread fast.”

Robbie Smith, Bimini Big Game Club’s veteran dock master of 36 years, told Tribune Business he has yet to study the boating fee changes but praised them as “a good thing”. He added: “It looks like it’s going to help because I have a lot of people calling me from the US. I’m getting a lot of response to the fees being dropped. They’re not talking so much about the anchorage fee or the fishing permit. They are just glad to see that drop from $600$700 to $300. That will be a big boost. It will be a big one.”

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), in a statement, said it had worked alongside the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board, the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) and the Abaco Chamber of Commerce “to review, clarify, reassess and recalibrate” the boating fees in negotiations with the Government.

Jackson Weech, the BHTA president, said: “We are most pleased with the results of our collaboration and communication with the Government of The Bahamas, which has resulted in important adjustments reflected in the Customs Management (Amendment) Regulation 2026, which goes into effect on April 1, 2026.

“The new regulations include additional ‘duration of stay’ categories, certain expansions of re-entry time limits and, most importantly, what we believe to be a fair and reasonable fee schedule, which achieves the aims of the Government while ensuring the broadest spectrum of sea-faring visitors continue to be inspired to visit our shores.

“The BHTA will work with our partners in the public and private sector to disseminate the revised regulations in an expedient, effective manner. Tourism communities, entrepreneurs, service providers, team members, owners and operators of marinas, hotels, restaurants and attractions throughout the archipelago look forward to continuing to welcome our valued, vibrant and diverse boating community, which forms an important segment of our tourism industry in The Bahamas.”

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CARMELA JEAN WOODSIDE of P.O. Box GT2299 of #10 Hibiscus Street, 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 26th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

The Public Worker’s Co-operative Credit Union Limited announces that its 46th Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, May 29th, 2026, at the National Training Agency beginning at 5 pm.

Applications are invited from members in good standing who may wish to run for the following vacant positions: Board of Directors (2 vacancies); Supervisory Committee (1 vacancy) and Credit Committee (1 vacancy).

Nominations forms are available at our Nassau and Freeport offices or by emailing sthompson@pwccul.com & edavis@pwccul.com

Completed Nomination forms, along with a cover letter and resume must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, May 1st, 2026, either by delivering to any of our offices or via the emails listed.

No nominations will be allowed from the floor.

D’Aguilar: We try to hold prices for the whole year

matter is that fuel prices have gone up significantly, and what the hell can the Government do about it?”

The chairman of BISXlisted FOCOL Holdings, which operates the Shell brand in The Bahamas, said Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) decision to hedge, or lock-in the price, of two million barrels of oil at an all-in cost of $70 per barrel “may work at this point in time” to prevent electricity costs rising in the short-term.

However, with multiple countries such as the UK voicing concern over potential crude oil, fuel and natural gas shortages due to the Iran conflict blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s energy and fuel supply most flow, Sir Franklyn warned Bahamians against automatically assuming this nation will escape such challenges.

“These are such unusual times that public policymakers should not go on the assumption, and the Bahamian people should not go on the assumption.. they should not assume fuel is available just on the basis of being able to buy the resource and pay for it,” he argued. “Do not assume that. These times are unprecedented. I don’t wish to be alarmist, but by any key measurable these are unprecedented times and no one resident in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas knows really what the outcome is of that.”

Sir Franklyn, though, voiced optimism that what he described as The Bahamas’ long-standing economic “fundamentals” will again help to protect this nation and mitigate some of the Middle East fall-out. “These types of realities remind us of the fundamentals that make The Bahamas special,” he told Tribune Business.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I JENNIVA LEAH MASSILLON of Cowpen Road, Nassau, The 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 March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I AZAIR ACCIVIL CAMEUS of The Bluff, Eleuthera, The 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 2nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I MARIE JOSE CHARLES of Wood Street, Nassau, The 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 March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I EDITH LAFLEUR of Flamingo, Gardens, Nassau, The 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 March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, GHISLAINE VILBRUN of 233 Jansel Court, Freeport, The 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 26th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

“Now, what are those fundamentals? Those fundamentals are our proximity to the US. It may have the effect on people, who are deciding they need to be a bit more frugal, that translates into going to The Bahamas than going further afield. Events like this drive home the point that the fundamentals of the country always have a way where we can say, Thank God.

“These are times when the fundamentals of the country come into play, and one fundamental is the proximity, the location where we are. For example, who could have predicted that today we would have as many visitors coming to The Bahamas from Canada?

These are the type of things that, when things like this happen, the fundamentals kick in and we say: ‘Thank God’. The fundamentals of The Bahamas are such that there is always something that works in our favour,” Sir Franklyn added.

“Who wants to go on a Mediterranean cruise now?

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Why do that? Why not a Caribbean cruise that typically has itineraries that feature The Bahamas? The location is one such fundamental that God has organised for us. There is often a angle that gives some benefit or some opportunity to The Bahamas. Economists love to talk about fundamentals and, a lot of times when we say that, Bahamians don’t necessarily list location as one, but events such as this suggest we should consider it as such.”

Meanwhile Dionisio D’Aguilar, Superwash’s president, told Tribune Business that the increase in oil-related costs is set to impact 30 percent of his cost base but reiterated that - for the moment - he plans to hold customer prices at their current levels and monitor the Middle East conflict and it’s ongoing economic impact.

“Superwash is a large consumer of energy. We consume quite a lot of electricity and we consume a

vast amount of propane,” he said. “Obviously those prices are being impacted quite significantly because, obviously, there’s a fuel component to every gallon of propane and every kilowatt hour of electricity we consume. There are fuel components embedded in the price.

“Around 30 percent of our cost base is the cost of energy. Given the 30-40 percent increase in the cost of energy I expect that to filter through to the cost of a kilowatt hour and a gallon of propane. Given that energy is such a large component of the cost base, that will force me to either increase prices or reduce profits. There’s very little mitigation that The Bahamas will be able to do in terms of this fuel cost rise.”

Mr D’Aguilar, though. said he is holding off on any consumer price hikes for the moment in the hope that predictions by Donald Trump, the US president, of a swift end to the war within the next two to three weeks

The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I OLIVER RICHARD LEVY of South Ocean BLVD, 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 2nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

come true. “I’m not going to move. I’m going to see what happens in the Middle East. If you listen to the pundits, it’s highly unlikely that prices will come down to where they were even when hostilities subside in the Middle East,” he added.

“The Government has seen fit enough to engage in fuel hedging [at BPL] following the previous administration. I’m waiting to see how they are going to mitigate electricity costs. Obviously the price of propane, I can’t do anything about that. I’m subject to market forces. I’ll wait and see where it settles. By and large, Superwash doesn’t change prices during the course of a year.

“We set our prices at the beginning of the year and hold them for the entire year. If there’s a shock to the system we’ll re-evaluate that strategy but, generally, Superwash sets its prices on January 1 and keeps to the plan through the end of the year.”

Mr D’Aguilar also teased the Davis administration over BPL’s December 2025 move to hedge two million barrels of oil at a locked-in price of $70 per barrel, arguing that they “finally saw the light after trying to bamboozle the Bahamian people into think the fuel hedge had failed” under its Minnis predecessor.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I YVONE PIERRE of West Street, Nassau, The 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 27th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Bahamas’ competitors have ‘enjoyed mistake we made’

“It’s a step in a better direction,” Mr Kappeler said. “It would have been better if the fees had not been raised in the first place, and if more focus had been placed on improving marinas across the country — many of them don’t even reach 50 percent occupancy.

“We need occupancy. We need more customers visiting the marinas so they step on land and contribute to what I call the economic spin toward all the other Bahamian cash registers across the islands.”

Mr Kappeler said the industry had been fielding a steady stream of inquiries from concerned boaters in recent weeks, many of whom were uncertain

about whether to continue choosing The Bahamas as a destination. He also warned that higher fees had already created an opening for regional competitors.

“I don’t see the benefit of raising those fees,”

Mr Kappeler said. “Other countries, like the Dominican Republic and elsewhere, are enjoying the mistake we made — they’ve been overloaded with boats and visitors who moved away from us.”

Despite that, he said the response to the Government’s reversal has been swift, with potential visitors seeking confirmation that the changes are real. “I can tell you, though, we’ve had a flood of guests writing, asking: ‘Is it real? Is it true? Can we believe it?’”

Mr Kappeler said. “And

all I can say is yes, yes, yes. We’ve updated our website and we’re excited to see the change.”

He added that the timing of the decision could help boost bookings heading into the summer season. “It’s just in time — the perfect time,” Mr Kappeler said. “We’re moving out of the winter-spring season and into summer. There’s already interest from guests, and now I know the lights are going to turn on.”

Echoing that sentiment, Senator Randy Rolle, the PLP candidate for Bimini and the Berry Islands, said the reforms follow appeals from industry stakeholders and discussions within government about the impact of the fee structure.

“I am delighted to report to the people of Bimini and

the Berry Islands on the new reduction in boating fees announced by the Government,” Mr Rolle said in a statement.  He added that he had raised concerns in the Senate, and engaged colleagues on the urgency of revisiting the policy.

Mr Rolle said the move reflects feedback from those directly involved in the sector and positions the industry for growth. “It is now incumbent on my people to embrace the opportunities these reductions will bring to accelerate business in this sector,” he said, adding that his focus will remain on improving economic opportunities for Bimini and the Berry Islands.

The Abaco Chamber of Commerce, in a statement, said the entire

island’s economy had felt the impact from reduced boating business volumes.

“During what is traditionally a strong winter season, the island experienced a noticeable decline in boating arrivals,” it said.

“This resulted in reduced economic activity affecting taxi operators, restaurants, bars, retail establishments and other service providers. The slowdown also had implications for government revenue, as decreased visitor spending led to lower overall economic circulation. Consistent feedback from stakeholders indicated that the fees, as originally implemented, were too high and discouraged boaters from selecting Abaco as a destination.”

It described the reforms as a “more balanced

approach to the fee structure”. Chantelle Sands, president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, added:

“This process highlights the power of collaboration and consistent advocacy. The boating sector is a critical driver of economic activity in Abaco, and its decline has far-reaching consequences for our community.

“We appreciate the Government’s willingness to engage, listen and make necessary adjustments. The revised fee structure is a positive step forward and reinforces the importance of public-private sector partnership in achieving sustainable economic outcomes.”

The Central Bank added:

“All bank payments between resident individuals and/or resident companies, including for salaries, must be made in

“While US dollars circulate and are commonly used in local transactions, residents who receive foreign currency revenue - whether through the banking system or otherwise - are ordinarily required to deposit such proceeds with their commercial bank for conversion into Bahamian dollars. Only where residents have been permitted to maintain foreign currency accounts can such proceeds be deposited and retained in foreign currency.”

Bahamian dollars and credited to the recipient’s Bahamian dollar account. Commercial banks are not permitted to settle such domestic payments in foreign currency, except with the prior approval of the Central Bank.

“The delegated authority granted to commercial banks to process invoiced payments on

behalf of residents applies only to invoices issued by foreign entities in respect of bona fide external transactions where payment is to be made outside of The Bahamas. All conversions of Bahamian dollars for the purpose of making payments to local foreign currency accounts require the prior approval of the Central Bank. Commercial banks are required to ensure strict adherence to these requirements.”

MARINE FORECAST