Suiting Up for a Post-Dollar World

The global financial crisis is playing out like a slow-moving, highly predicable stage play. In the current scene, Western governments are caught between the demands of entitled welfare beneficiaries and the anxiety of bondholders who fear they will be stuck with the bill. As the crisis reaches an apex, prime ministers and presidents are forced into a Sophie's choice between social unrest and bankruptcy. But with the "Club Med" economies set to fall like dominoes, the US Treasury market is not yet acting the role we would have anticipated.

Our argument has always been that the US benefits from its reserve-currency status, allowing it to accumulate unsustainable debts for an unusually long period without the immediate repercussions of inflation or higher borrowing costs. But this false sense of security may be setting us up for a truly monumental crash.

There is fresh evidence that time is running out for the dollar-centric global monetary order. In fact, central banks outside the US are already making swift and discrete preparation for a post-dollar era.

To

Suiting Up for a Post-Dollar World

The global financial crisis is playing out like a slow-moving, highly predicable stage play. In the current scene, Western governments are caught between the demands of entitled welfare beneficiaries and the anxiety of bondholders who fear they will be stuck with the bill. As the crisis reaches an apex, prime ministers and presidents are forced into a Sophie's choice between social unrest and bankruptcy. But with the "Club Med" economies set to fall like dominoes, the US Treasury market is not yet acting the role we would have anticipated.

Our argument has always been that the US benefits from its reserve-currency status, allowing it to accumulate unsustainable debts for an unusually long period without the immediate repercussions of inflation or higher borrowing costs. But this false sense of security may be setting us up for a truly monumental crash.

There is fresh evidence that time is running out for the dollar-centric global monetary order. In fact, central banks outside the US are already making swift and discrete preparation for a post-dollar era.

To

Suiting Up for a Post-Dollar World

The global financial crisis is playing out like a slow-moving, highly predicable stage play. In the current scene, Western governments are caught between the demands of entitled welfare beneficiaries and the anxiety of bondholders who fear they will be stuck with the bill. As the crisis reaches an apex, prime ministers and presidents are forced into a Sophie's choice between social unrest and bankruptcy. But with the "Club Med" economies set to fall like dominoes, the US Treasury market is not yet acting the role we would have anticipated.

Our argument has always been that the US benefits from its reserve-currency status, allowing it to accumulate unsustainable debts for an unusually long period without the immediate repercussions of inflation or higher borrowing costs. But this false sense of security may be setting us up for a truly monumental crash.

There is fresh evidence that time is running out for the dollar-centric global monetary order. In fact, central banks outside the US are already making swift and discrete preparation for a post-dollar era.

To

Suiting Up for a Post-Dollar World

The global financial crisis is playing out like a slow-moving, highly predicable stage play. In the current scene, Western governments are caught between the demands of entitled welfare beneficiaries and the anxiety of bondholders who fear they will be stuck with the bill. As the crisis reaches an apex, prime ministers and presidents are forced into a Sophie's choice between social unrest and bankruptcy. But with the "Club Med" economies set to fall like dominoes, the US Treasury market is not yet acting the role we would have anticipated.

Our argument has always been that the US benefits from its reserve-currency status, allowing it to accumulate unsustainable debts for an unusually long period without the immediate repercussions of inflation or higher borrowing costs. But this false sense of security may be setting us up for a truly monumental crash.

There is fresh evidence that time is running out for the dollar-centric global monetary order. In fact, central banks outside the US are already making swift and discrete preparation for a post-dollar era.

To

Two More Murders

By Sasha L. Lightbourne

A brazen daylight shooting left a young woman dead yesterday, less than 24 hours after police investigators scrambled to the scene of the country's 42nd homicide.

Police said the incident happened around 4:15 pm Wednesday on Cordeaux Avenue and St. Vincent Street off East Street.

"Preliminary information is that a 23-year-old female was standing outside her residence when she was approached by three males, one of whom was allegedly armed with a handgun," she said.

"The culprit fired shots in the area of the female, who was shot in her chest and right arm. The female

Key Indicators of a New Depression

With the mainstream media focusing on the country's leveling unemployment rate, improving retail sales, and nascent housing recovery, one might think that the US government has successfully navigated the economy through recession and growth has returned. But I will argue that a look under the proverbial hood reveals a very different picture. I believe the data shows that the US economy is badly damaged, and a modern-day depression has begun. In fact, just as World War I was originally called The Great War (and was retroactively renamed after World War II), Peter Schiff has said that one day the world will refer to the 1929-41 era as Great Depression I, and the current period as Great Depression II.
 
For starters, look at unemployment. During Great Depression I, unemployment broke 25%. If government statistics are taken at face value, the current unemployment rate is 9.9%, but a closer look reveals that the broadest measure of unemployment is currently at 20% - and rising. So, today's numbers are in the same ballpark as the '30s even though the federal government is using unprecedented measures to keep the economy afloat. Remember, in Great Depression I, FDR never

Key Indicators of a New Depression

With the mainstream media focusing on the country's leveling unemployment rate, improving retail sales, and nascent housing recovery, one might think that the US government has successfully navigated the economy through recession and growth has returned. But I will argue that a look under the proverbial hood reveals a very different picture. I believe the data shows that the US economy is badly damaged, and a modern-day depression has begun. In fact, just as World War I was originally called The Great War (and was retroactively renamed after World War II), Peter Schiff has said that one day the world will refer to the 1929-41 era as Great Depression I, and the current period as Great Depression II.
 
For starters, look at unemployment. During Great Depression I, unemployment broke 25%. If government statistics are taken at face value, the current unemployment rate is 9.9%, but a closer look reveals that the broadest measure of unemployment is currently at 20% - and rising. So, today's numbers are in the same ballpark as the '30s even though the federal government is using unprecedented measures to keep the economy afloat. Remember, in Great Depression I, FDR never

Key Indicators of a New Depression

With the mainstream media focusing on the country's leveling unemployment rate, improving retail sales, and nascent housing recovery, one might think that the US government has successfully navigated the economy through recession and growth has returned. But I will argue that a look under the proverbial hood reveals a very different picture. I believe the data shows that the US economy is badly damaged, and a modern-day depression has begun. In fact, just as World War I was originally called The Great War (and was retroactively renamed after World War II), Peter Schiff has said that one day the world will refer to the 1929-41 era as Great Depression I, and the current period as Great Depression II.
 
For starters, look at unemployment. During Great Depression I, unemployment broke 25%. If government statistics are taken at face value, the current unemployment rate is 9.9%, but a closer look reveals that the broadest measure of unemployment is currently at 20% - and rising. So, today's numbers are in the same ballpark as the '30s even though the federal government is using unprecedented measures to keep the economy afloat. Remember, in Great Depression I, FDR never

Key Indicators of a New Depression

With the mainstream media focusing on the country's leveling unemployment rate, improving retail sales, and nascent housing recovery, one might think that the US government has successfully navigated the economy through recession and growth has returned. But I will argue that a look under the proverbial hood reveals a very different picture. I believe the data shows that the US economy is badly damaged, and a modern-day depression has begun. In fact, just as World War I was originally called The Great War (and was retroactively renamed after World War II), Peter Schiff has said that one day the world will refer to the 1929-41 era as Great Depression I, and the current period as Great Depression II.
 
For starters, look at unemployment. During Great Depression I, unemployment broke 25%. If government statistics are taken at face value, the current unemployment rate is 9.9%, but a closer look reveals that the broadest measure of unemployment is currently at 20% - and rising. So, today's numbers are in the same ballpark as the '30s even though the federal government is using unprecedented measures to keep the economy afloat. Remember, in Great Depression I, FDR never

Key Indicators of a New Depression

With the mainstream media focusing on the country's leveling unemployment rate, improving retail sales, and nascent housing recovery, one might think that the US government has successfully navigated the economy through recession and growth has returned. But I will argue that a look under the proverbial hood reveals a very different picture. I believe the data shows that the US economy is badly damaged, and a modern-day depression has begun. In fact, just as World War I was originally called The Great War (and was retroactively renamed after World War II), Peter Schiff has said that one day the world will refer to the 1929-41 era as Great Depression I, and the current period as Great Depression II.
 
For starters, look at unemployment. During Great Depression I, unemployment broke 25%. If government statistics are taken at face value, the current unemployment rate is 9.9%, but a closer look reveals that the broadest measure of unemployment is currently at 20% - and rising. So, today's numbers are in the same ballpark as the '30s even though the federal government is using unprecedented measures to keep the economy afloat. Remember, in Great Depression I, FDR never

Nearly 150 Murder Suspects On Bail

By IANTHIA SMITH

National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest released the latest National Security figures in the House of Assembly yesterday. He said 130 murder suspects are currently out on bail. (Photo/Torrell Glinton)

Nearly 150 murder suspects are out on bail today as they wait on a clogged judicial system to make way for their trials to begin.

According to the latest National Security figures 130 people who have been charged with murders in the country are walking the streets freely, after being granted bail.

National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest released the figures in The House of Assembly Wednesday while

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

MP Suggests 10,000 Jobs

Bain and Grants Town MP Dr. Bernard Nottage told House members that 10,000 sustainable jobs can be created within three to five years.

Dr. Nottage said this can be done if some of the money that the government is currently investing to stimulate the economy is diverted into providing the infrastructure, science, technology and training behind the agricultural sector.

 

Dr. Nottage said “Farming must be viewed as a commercial undertaking through which you can make a reasonable living and support a family.”

 

“Secondly, agribusiness must become the centrepiece of any agricultural development programme because it is agribusiness which will stimulate investment, create the jobs, introduce innovation, adopt new technology and identify new career opportunities thereby attracting our youth. Agribusiness development is the most efficient way to achieve these objectives and to expand food production

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

PM Backs Down On Taxes

By ROGAN SMITH

In a direct move to avoid "disadvantaging" car dealerships in The Bahamas, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who recently faced a firestorm of criticism, yesterday announced a tax adjustment to car import rates a week after the steep tax hikes sent the already struggling industry into a frenzy.

The finance minister said he is confident that the adjustments will not compromise the government’s projected revenue in a significant way, but may actually enhance it.

 

Mr. Ingraham led off the debate on the 2010/2011 Budget in the House of Assembly yesterday.

 

Last week Wednesday the prime minister announced that a 65 per cent rate would be imposed on passenger vehicles with an engine of 2,000 cubic centimetres (cc) or fewer and an 85 per cent rate would be imposed on

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Businesses Development Seminar remarks by State Minister Zhivargo Laing

MINISTER LAING: I imagine a day when any Bahamian with a dream to further his or her hopes, dreams and aspirations by building a successful business will be able to:

(i) Take his business idea and have it translated into a professional business plan capable of withstanding the most robust of scrutiny by finaciers/investors and financial institutions no matter where in the world that scrutiny occurs,

(ii) Access capital on favourable and appropriate terms from a variety of funding sources (Venture Capitalist, Commercial Banks, Angel Investors, etc.) no matter where in the world they may exist,

(iii) Receive, where appropriate, administrative, human resource, technological and professional technical assistance for a period of time here at home,

(iv) Graduate to a level of independent operation that enables him or her to be competitive both at home and abroad, and (v) Lend their developed expertise and experience to the mentoring of other business aspirants as they achieve success.

This is a day toward which we, as a Government, our working.

Promoting our citizens’ increased ownership of the Bahamian economy is a fundamental objective of the Free National Movement/Ingraham administration. We pursued this in our first two terms in office, which saw some fourteen enterprises come into broad public ownership. We also created new facilities to support small and medium size business growth, including:

The Item 8 provision of the Tariff Act which allows exclusively Bahamian owned cottage businesses