May 2009 - Florida Yacht Brokers Association, Inc.

FYBA
CHARTER PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE
MEMBERS MEET WITH BAHAMIAN OFFICIALS
By Nicole Caulfield of Robert J. Cury & Associates
One of the objectives of the FYBA Charter Committee has been to
work with the Government of the Bahamas in regard to the Bahamas
Charter Sales Tax. During the first quarter of this year, committee
members Crom Littlejohn, Nicole Caulfield and Terry Hines traveled
to Nassau to meet with Mr. Anthony Allens, Port Controller, Mr.
Frederick Rogers, Supervisior of Boat Registration and Ms. Bodie,
Treasurer. Our goal is to make the process of obtaining a charter
license easier and less time consuming for Captains and Owners and
to get more yachts licensed. The Bahamian law is that to operate a
charter in the waters of the Bahamas, a yacht must obtain an annual
Bahamas Charter License and a 4% sales tax on the charter is due. The
government officials were happy to meet with us and gained a better
understanding of the logistics of these charters.
As a result of our meetings, the Bahamas Government is looking into
ways that should help streamline the licensing process while making
it easier for licensed yachts to submit tax payments and support the
cruising in these beautiful waters. For additional information please
contact FYBA Charter Committee or visit the Bahamas web site at
www.Bahamas.gov.bs
FYBA Charter Committee members meet with Bahamian Officials