An international rating agency is monitoring The Bahamas' immigration policy and noted that dramatic swings could disrupt the labor market and impact foreign investment. In its most recent analysis, Moody's estimated, based on domestic reports, that the number of employees in the country of foreign origin stands at 12 percent. Acknowledging that this represents a fairly "significant share", the rating agency said the majority of these workers tend to be employed in the hospitality industry. However, while the government should make efforts to educate and "Bahamianize" the workforce, it should tread carefully or it could risk hurting the economy.

"Abrupt changes to immigration policy that affect the ability of employers to hire foreign workers could disrupt the labor market and adversely impact foreign investment in the medium term," said Edward Al-Hussainy, assistant vice president and analyst at Moody's. However, the analyst wished to emphasize that The Bahamas has not yet reached this point. "Right now, immigration issues are not a significant driver of the credit rating," he added. Nevertheless, the statement by Moody's indicates that the world is watching how The Bahamas decides to deal with its foreign workers. The issue flew beyond these borders last week when an incident at Atlantis involving a sea lion trainer received international attention.

During an interaction with guests, immigration officers demanded the worker, who had served at Atlantis for five years, produce her passport and work permit. She was then led off property and subsequently released. Fred Mitchell, the minister of foreign affairs, has since defended immigration officers in the incident, while leaders in the business community have condemned the actions and even called for their dismissal. Guardian Business has learned that the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) collectively met yesterday to discuss these growing concerns.

The powerhouse meeting suggests the private sector is uniting to have their voices heard. Guardian Business understands that another meeting with Mitchell is planned in the coming days. The private sector has acknowledged the need for a stronger Bahamian workforce. However, stakeholders have unanimously insisted that more education is needed and a skills shortage limits employers in the country. The private sector is also concerned about the inherent dependence on foreign-direct investment and how the government's aggressive tone could impact future dealings.

Prime Minister Perry Christie went to the Fifth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Haiti.Mr Christie was accompanied by Minster of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, the Bahamas’ High Commissioner to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Picewell Forbes, and Godfrey Rolle Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti.

The Bahamas’ delegation joined 15 other member states. Among the issues addressed were sustainable tourism, trade, air and maritime transport, and disaster risk reduction. The summit aimed to approve the Declaration of Haiti, a document on institutional transformation of the future of the ACS, as well as a Plan of Action, which seeks to strengthen the concerted and collaborative strategy for cooperation in the thrust for development of the Member and Associate Member States of the region.

The second annual Bahamas Boat Show at Palm Cay brought in more than 2,000 potential buyers and attracted retailers from nearby Florida, according to its chief organizer.
Brooks Russell, founder of the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN), said that last weekend's event more than doubled its numbers from the previous year.
The attendance of a wide array of vendors from Nassau, Grand Bahama and Florida is being seen as a "big step" in the boat market's maturity.
"It shows there is loads of potential for growth in this industry. There are over 200,000 jobs in South Florida related to the marine industry," Russell told Guardian Business. "There is no reason why The Bahamas can't capitalize on some of this revenue. We have all the resources here."
The BSFN founder insisted that there is "unlimited potential" and a "dramatic increase" in boat sales in The Bahamas. Stakeholders view the second annual boat show as acknowledgment that this market can succeed. Traditionally, Bahamians and second-home owners seek boats in Florida. Russell pointed out that it often takes two or three trips there to shop around and find the right vessel.
Until now, this country did not offer an organized and compelling service for boaters.
"What's next is bringing more people to the table. Next year we are looking to bring more vendors in from Florida. I want to make it a two-day show as well, rather than just one," according to Russell. "We will promote it months ahead of time, so people are aware it is possible and you can access top-notch products without going abroad."
More than 30 boats were on display last weekend at Palm Cay, 10 more than the previous year. The eastern New Providence development is undergoing rapid development and recently announced a new master plan.
Central to the initiative is the harbor, which is the largest on the island by number of slips.
Russell said Palm Cay is the ideal place for the new show. Once the marina is operational in a few weeks time, future shows will be more high profile and organized.
Palm Cay recently hooked up power to its docks and expects its fuel pumps to be running shortly. Plans have also been submitted to the Ministry of Public Works for a large harbor master's office, a 1,000-square-foot building containing a sundry shop, offices, bathrooms and a fish cleaning station.
A condo hotel is also being planned at the mouth of the harbor.
Russell told Guardian Business that The Bahamas' place as a tourism destination should raise the profile of the boat show.
Boats are subject a 10 percent tax once they come into the country. That excise tax is built into the price of the vessel. However, Russell said there are advantages to buying in The Bahamas.
"You need to know the history of the boat before you purchase. Living in Nassau, it is easy to find out who owned it, talk to a mechanic and find out the history," he explained. "Some people might get a good deal in Florida, but they don't know the owner and get burned by repairs. They make two or three trips before actually buying anything, and that also comes at a cost."

Nassau, Bahamas - Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes is pictured (centre) with
4th Grade students of the Sunland Baptist Academy during a courtesy a courtesy
call April, 24, at Government House.

Sunland Baptist Academy is in Freeport, Grand Bahama.