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The Bahamas continues to offer no income, capital gains, inheritance, property, or sales taxes. Also convenient is that the Bahamas dollar has been at par with the U.S. dollar since 1966. The economy on Grand Bahama, while still leaning favorably towards tourism, has diversified its potential, providing textiles, light manufacturing, and many kids of small business ventures.
It's all been part of a master plan by developer Wallace Groves in the 1950's, who got government to turn over 50,000 acres of unused land, to be developed as a port and industrial area. That section is today called the Grand Bahama Port Authority (You might recognize the names of Freeport and Lucaya, which are the most sophisticated areas within the designated Port Authority.) One of the many perks to living inside the Grand Bahama Port Authority is no import duties to think about until at least 2054, on any work-related articles, from cars to office equipment.
The cost of living on Grand Bahama is slightly higher - especially in food and rental prices - than that of New Providence. The savvy speculator puts a price on the wide and well-kept roads, reliable telecommunications, including cable and internet, and makes their plans from there.
The implications of just a handful of dentists on the island is balanced by an abundance of medical facilities, quality medical care, and reliable airlift, should those rare emergencies occur.
Garbage collection is regular and reliable. While dotting a spacious range, there are full-service grocery stores with everything from fresh raspberries, to asparagus, to quality steak and seafoods.
As you land at the Grand Bahama International Airport, there are more indications right away there's something different going on. You're beginning with the largest privately owned airport in the world. That's not even taking into consideration how the planning involved in the creation of Grand Bahama island means the airport also serves as a link with cruise and cargo ships, and other international airports.
That'll be helpful when you decide to get your things here–though if you're planning to rent or buy, you‚ll find that most accommodations are already fully equipped, with everything from microwave to telephone to dishwasher. Just throw your clothes in a suitcase, and you may very well need little else.
For those absolute essentials, there are U.S. pre-clearance facilities at the Grand Bahama airport, and in country, hourly flights from the national capital, Nassau, by the national airline, Bahamasair, as well as a half dozen international and charter airlines.
Prefer to sail into town? Freeport Harbour (see story in this issue) now has a lovely welcome area for the largest cruise ships in the world. If you have your own yacht, there's a ship repair facility for you, just like the major cruise lines.
Cargo vessels can take your car just as easily as your stereo set. Shipping costs are determined by the cargo type and the weight. Ocean and air freight services are plentiful and competitive.
Don't add to your relocating stress by fretting about fragile items and packing boxes; there are several companies here which provide door to door service from point of origin to your new accommodations.
There are several domestic and international commercial banks on island. Wire transfers , foreign currency payments, and other transactions are part of day to day life. Both DHL and Federal Express provide courier service, and cable television and internet are common just about everywhere on Grand Bahama.
There are three libraries on island, four nature centres, superb live entertainment at Count Basie Square in the Port Lucaya Marketplace - even live theatre to complement the movie theatres.
An economic boom which has increased in intensity over the past few years has pushed up the cost of housing, due to the scarcity of accommodations since the importation of different types of short-term skilled labour, especially in the areas of construction and technology. Expect rents to be pricey: an equipped efficiency (sometimes called a “bachelor”) apartment can be in the area of $600 a month, not including utilities, and a one-bedroom, a hundred dollars or so more. Gated communities are more the norm than the exception, and many are waterfront properties with lovely marinas and views of the water, or even a golf course. (There are three 18-hole courses in the Freeport / Lucaya area)
As for those essential services, The Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation, BaTelCo, provides the national telephone service; if you're moving here from another island, you should inform the main office in person of your move, and the disconnection date. Bring your passport as a photo identification. The security deposit will be mailed to you in about three months (!). Try to find accommodations with phone lines already installed; if you are getting a new telephone, be prepared to wait anywhere from two weeks to six months for a hookup.
You'll need an electricity account with Freeport Power Company; the same disconnection process happens with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, in order to get your deposit refunded, usually within three weeks.The hookup time for electricity is on Grand Bahama Island after your application is quite prompt, usually within a few days.
In the meantime, there are well-run, reasonably priced internet cafes in the downtown area to keep you in touch with the rest of the world.
When all is said and done, the bottom line is that if you're considering a change of pace, while being part of a growing concern, Grand Bahama may be just the place for you. Live the dream! (Deby Nash, WHATS ON's senior writer, moved to Grand Bahama from Nassau in August)
Information kindly supplied by the What's On Bahamas.com Website - visit their website.
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