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News report: Chamber to govt: No new taxes

  • BCCEC
  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Published by Chester Robards, The Nassau Guardian, May 22, 2026

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) is urging the government to avoid introducing new taxes or increasing existing levies, as businesses continue adjusting to economic and regulatory changes implemented during the Progressive Liberal Party’s first term in office.


BCCEC Chairman Don Williams said yesterday during an appearance on radio talk show Morning Blend Business on Guardian Radio, that the business community’s immediate priority is stability and predictability within the tax environment.


“In terms of what we would like to see right now, we would like to see no new taxes, no raises in taxes,” Williams said.


“Let’s give the country, the economy, some time to breathe for all of the changes that have happened over the last administration, and let’s see where the country goes.”


The government is preparing to introduce the country’s 2026/2027 budget, where there are often shifts in taxes or fees to make up revenue shortfalls.


According to Williams, the private sector supports efforts to diversify the government’s revenue base, but wants to see a fairer and more balanced tax environment that does not place excessive pressure on businesses, particularly small companies.


“Diversification of the revenue measures, okay. So, that’s always key, because we want the government to be able to generate more revenue without having to tax the business community as much as they do from time to time,” Williams said.


“Businesses know the taxes are there, they’re going to happen, yes. But how much are you taxing us? Is it equitable?”


Williams said the Chamber is still reviewing various reports and proposals related to possible tax reforms, including discussions surrounding income tax and other revenue measures.


Williams said he welcomed the government’s indication in the Speech from the Throne that it intends to review the real property tax regime, to provide relief for Bahamian property owners.


“I like the fact that the government said that they’re going to try to reduce real property taxes,” he said.


“In some of the reports that I’ve had the opportunity to read… they want to raise certain taxes. So, the government is saying, look, we’re going to look at certain tax reforms, but these taxes in particular, we’re going to alleviate for the Bahamian people.”


Williams argued that businesses already shoulder a significant portion of the country’s tax burden, with smaller enterprises often feeling the greatest impact.


“They pay more taxes than some of the larger corporations,” he said.


Williams also called on the government to improve administrative efficiency and cash flow management within revenue collection agencies, including Customs and Inland Revenue, as it considers how to continue to grow revenue.


He added that ease of doing business must remain central to any tax administration reforms.


“Whether it is customs, whether it is Inland Revenue, we want there to be something that’s equitable. And back to ease of doing business with that as well,” Williams said.





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