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Month: July 2021

Senator: Take Advantage Of Vat Holiday On Hurricane Supplies

SENATOR Kwasi Thompson, State Minister for Grand Bahama, is urging Grand Bahama residents to take advantage of the VAT Holiday on hurricane supplies purchased locally and abroad.

“We are seeing storms travelling now,” Mr Thompson said on Friday. “We encourage people to be mindful of the season we are in.”

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on Elsa, the first hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season. Tropical Storm Elsa strengthened to Category One hurricane status on Friday morning when winds neared 75mph.

#Mr Thompson said that the government wanted to assist Bahamians in preparation for this year’s hurricane season.

“The Prime Minister during the Budget Communication announced that the government was creating a special VAT Holiday on hurricane supplies. We want to remind the public that during the period of July 9 to July 31, there is going to be VAT-free on hurricane supplies,” he said.

Minister Thompson stated that hurricane supplies purchased locally in GB, New Providence and throughout the Family Islands are VAT-free.

“We are encouraging persons during this hurricane season and looking at what is happening now – we are seeing storms travelling now. We want to encourage people to take advantage of the VAT holiday.”

A list of items that are designated as hurricane supplies are posted on the Ministry of Finance and Inland Revenue websites and the Ministry of Facebook page.

On June 2 at the start of hurricane season, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis during the debate in the House of Assembly urged Bahamians to begin their hurricane preparations.

He said: “To assist with these preparations, this year, for the first time, we will undertake a VAT holiday for hurricane preparations.

“This will assist Bahamians and residents to enjoy VAT-free shopping on a range of critical hurricane supplies and equipment.”

Two years after Hurricane Dorian, Grand Bahamians are still recovering from the devastation of the monster storm that caused $3.4 billion damage in the Bahamas.

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

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Cane Toads Are Back – And On The Move


CANE toad sightings have re-emerged in parts of New Providence, officials revealed yesterday.

“Residents and business establishments in the northern and central areas of New Providence are advised that sightings of the invasive cane toad have been reported in nearby communities,” the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources said in a statement.

The statement was issued in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning.

Officials provided a few pointers in dealing with the animals.

“It must be noted that the handling of cane toads with bare hands should be discouraged as the venom produced from these animals is an irritant to the skin. Ingestion of the venom is also toxic to humans and deadly to pets.

“Assistance is needed by the public to limit the spread of these animals by removing sitting water sources and forming a chemical barrier around properties and within landscapes. A chemical barrier can be created by using a spray solution composed of two cups of Dettol/Savlon to one cup of water. Please be advised that early morning and late evenings are the best times to spray the solution.

“Be advised that pets that have had direct contact with a cane toad should be taken immediately to your local veterinarian. Signs of direct contact include salivation, frothing at the mouth, red slimy gums, vomiting and tremors.”

If you see a cane toad or have any questions or concerns, the statement advised persons to contact the Department of Agriculture at (242) 325-1173 or the Department of Environmental Health at (242) 322-8037 or use the “BESTPROTECT242” app to notify the government of the presence of the toads.

In August 2020, it was reported that the Bahamas National Trust in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Health and the BEST Commission had captured 392 toads as of July 21.

Scott Johnson, science officer for avian and terrestrial Matters at Bahamas National Trust, previously told The Tribune the species was first discovered in Lyford Cay in 2013.

“These cane toads are toxic,” he said in a previous interview. “They produce bufotoxin which is a potent toxin that affects the heart. It can be problematic to humans. And, the creatures that are most at risk are native wildlife and pets, especially dogs.

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

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