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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis has declared that a zero Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on all unprepared grocery items will become a permanent fixture if the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) retains power following the upcoming general election. The announcement came during an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing where Halkitis emphatically stated, ‘As long as the Progressive Liberal Party is in power, VAT on grocery will be zero.’

The minister’s comments addressed mounting speculation about whether the administration’s recent VAT elimination—reducing the tax from five percent to zero—represented a temporary measure or enduring policy. Halkitis positioned the move as part of the government’s broader tax reduction agenda and ongoing initiatives to alleviate the nation’s high cost of living pressures.

The opposition Free National Movement has characterized the VAT exemption as a strategically timed election tactic. Halkitis refuted these claims, maintaining that Prime Minister Philip Davis has consistently advocated for complete VAT removal on food items and that strengthened public finances now enable this fiscal change. ‘We feel very confident that we can, because of the growth that we experienced in the economy, absorb any revenue loss associated with this reduction,’ Halkitis asserted, referencing October’s International Monetary Fund assessment which noted economic improvement.

The policy shift is projected to reduce government revenues by approximately $15 million annually. This follows previous VAT adjustments: the tax stood at 12% under the former Free National Movement administration, was reduced to 10% in 2022 by the Davis government (while controversially expanding to previously exempt breadbasket items), and was then cut to 5% on groceries in January 2025 before the current elimination.

While consumers have welcomed the relief, major supermarket chains have expressed practical concerns about implementation timelines. Debra Symonette, president of Super Value, indicated her 13-store chain might require an extension beyond the April 1 deadline to adjust pricing across thousands of items representing 80% of sales. Minister Halkitis dismissed these concerns, expressing confidence that retailers’ modern automated systems would facilitate compliance within the standard three-month adjustment period. He additionally urged retailers to refrain from price gouging, emphasizing ongoing global affordability challenges.

In a significant political development, Clint Watson, the General Manager of ZNS and prospective candidate for the Southern Shores constituency, has publicly committed to stepping down from his current executive role should he successfully obtain the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) nomination. Watson made this declaration to journalists immediately following his interview session with the PLP Candidates Committee at the party’s headquarters on Tuesday evening.

Emphasizing his determination and preparedness for the electoral battle, Watson stated, ‘My fundamental objective is to venture out and achieve victory. I possess the requisite capabilities and strategic approach to secure a win.’ He characterized the committee interview as a constructive dialogue focused primarily on articulating his visionary roadmap for Southern Shores and addressing the critical needs of its residents.

Reflecting on his presentation, Watson expressed strong confidence, noting, ‘I feel exceedingly positive about the proceedings. My discussion centered on a pragmatic and continuously evolving development plan for the constituency. I articulated our commitment to sustaining a legacy of renewing hope and expanding opportunities for the people of Southern Shores. Conveying this message was effortless because it reflects the tangible work we are already engaged in—it isn’t fabricated; it’s reality.’

Watson received robust endorsement from former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, who was present during the media interaction. Miller lauded Watson as ‘among the most exceptional candidates within our ranks’ and emphatically declared, ‘He is the ideal representative for Southern Shores. No alternative candidate could surpass his qualifications and dedication. I will exclusively campaign for Clint Watson and no other individual.’

This political activity occurs against a backdrop of ongoing friction within the Southern Shores PLP branch. Tensions escalated during a contentious meeting on January 5th that culminated in heated exchanges between supporters of Watson and those of his rival, Obie Roberts—the PLP’s deputy chairman and son of former party chairman Bradley Roberts. Roberts, who was also interviewed by the committee on the same evening, opted not to engage with the press.

Amidst these internal dynamics, Watson reaffirmed his belief in unity through shared purpose. ‘When you operate with a clear sense of mission, unity naturally follows because you present a coherent plan for the people,’ he asserted, underscoring his campaign’s philosophy of collective progress over division.

Amid recent shifts in US immigration policy, American Ambassador Herschel Walker has emphatically reinforced the United States’ commitment to its strategic alliance with The Bahamas. Speaking at the 35th annual Bahamas Business Outlook held at Baha Mar, Ambassador Walker characterized the relationship as extending far beyond conventional diplomatic ties, describing The Bahamas as a “valued friend and partner” rather than merely another picturesque Caribbean destination.

The ambassador articulated a vision of sustained bilateral cooperation focused on addressing shared challenges including narcotics trafficking, unauthorized migration, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and supply chain disruptions. He emphasized that American engagement transcends temporary assistance, instead prioritizing long-term investments designed to foster sustainable development and economic empowerment for Bahamian citizens.

Walker highlighted concrete examples of US-backed economic initiatives, including his recent inspection of Royal Caribbean’s $200 million Beach Club development. He additionally referenced the resumed SpaceX booster landings in Exuma Sound, suggesting this collaboration could potentially elevate The Bahamas into a significant participant within the burgeoning space economy.

These reaffirmations follow the United States’ implementation of a temporary suspension on immigrant visa processing for approximately 75 nations, including The Bahamas. Importantly, this policy adjustment does not affect non-immigrant, student, or business visas for Bahamian applicants, preserving travel access under existing bilateral agreements.

In related developments, Bahamian Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell addressed migration concerns, explicitly advising citizens residing unlawfully in the United States to regularize their status or return home. Minister Mitchell acknowledged the sovereign right of nations to establish entry requirements, provided they are implemented fairly without racial or discriminatory bias, while simultaneously emphasizing that lawful migration pathways to the US remain accessible through proper procedures.