Context. Economic activity strengthened somewhat in 2014 while the external current account deficit worsened primarily as a result of Baha Mar construction-related imports. The authorities continue to make substantial progress on fiscal consolidation with successful VAT implementation in January 2015 setting the stage for continued improvements in the fiscal position. Lower oil prices helped keep inflation anchored in 2014. Still, notwithstanding the capital flow management (CFM) regime, international reserves remain low. Key policy advice: Despite the U.S. recovery and the imminent opening of the Baha Mar resort, the growth outlook remains well below pre-global crisis levels, and strong and timely measures should be implemented to strengthen competitiveness and raise potential growth. In addition, rebuilding fiscal and external buffers will be essential for sustaining macroeconomic stability: • Reigniting strong and inclusive medium-term growth. Structural reforms are needed to address longstanding competiveness issues including labor market impediments to growth. Energy sector reforms could substantially lower energy costs, boost productivity and facilitate economic diversification in the medium term. A diversification strategy should explore the potential for increasing value added in the tourism sector, including through deepening linkages with agriculture. • Rebuilding fiscal and external buffers. Notwithstanding the CFM regime, the fixed exchange rate peg constrains monetary policy, leaving fiscal policy as the main instrument for macroeconomic stabilization. Steadfast implementation of the VAT and expenditure rationalization in the context of a medium-term budgetary framework, together with public enterprise reforms, would help rebuild fiscal buffers and support international reserves. • Preserving financial sector stability. The pre-crisis credit boom has left the banking system with an overhang of non-performing loans, which will likely continue to generate headwinds for the economy. Despite this, the banking system remains very well capitalized and liquid. Measures should be put in place to resolve the debt overhang while further strengthening the regulatory and supervisory framework.

THIS BOOK EXPLORES the many complex historical connections between the UNited States of America and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Beginning with an overview of shared early Spanish colonization, the book is the first attempt to provide a comprehensive study of the impact of the sequential development of the United States on events in the emerging Bahamas, placing the heretofore marginalized history of the island nation firmly into the orbit of Atlantic historiographical literature. Among other things, the books sheds light on the role played by the islands in a series of significant events in the U.S. history. These include the American Revolution, in which four of the initial official military actions of the fledgling U.S. Navy comprised repeated invasions of British-controlled Nassau, capital of the Bahamas; the American Civil War during which Nassau became on of the main bases for supply of vital goods and ammunition to the Confederacy; the intrigues of the Volstead Act, which legislated prohibition but also caused the temporary transformation of Bahama ISlands into major transshipment centers for the smuggling of alcoholic beverages to a multitude of prohibition-defiant and "thirsty" Americans; and the significant role placed by Bahamian migrants in the creation of the city of Miami and other areas of south Florida. The author draws on a wealth of tapped and untapped primary sources and presents a new perspective on the "Bahamian experience" that helped to define the self-proclaimed American credo of "Manifest Destiny."

Current historiography on aspects of Bahamian history presents limited research on the African presence in the islands, irrespective of the fact that arguably 85% of the population of that country is represented by such persons. One primary objective of this book is to begin to more adequately address this literary ommission by presenting an initial comprehensive work on the subject. The book attempts to trace the origin of this migration by focusing on some of the primary dynamics of ethnicity within the context of the geo-politics and geo-economics of the emerging Atlantic world. It is hoped that the reader will emerge with a greater awareness of, and wider insight into Bahamian history, and, the Bahamian majority will leave with a greater sense of what it truly means to be a Bahamian....

Meet Dato - a Spanish/English bilingual cat who loves to eat fish, travel, and learn facts. Meet Vanessa, Andrew, and Evan - three explorer kids who enjoy connecting with new people, learning new languages, sampling new foods, and discovering new places. Become immersed in The Bahamas - a beautiful country filled with vibrant colors, rich history and culture, fascinating animals and wildlife, interesting geography, and deep national pride. Join Dato the Fact Cat, Vanessa, Andrew, and Evan on their journey through the letters of the alphabet, and the islands of The Bahamas. Written by first-time author, Veronica McFall, with colorful illustrations by RJ Jenkins, A Visit to The Bahamas from A to Z is for elementary school-aged readers and their families.

The history of the colonization of the Bahamas and the first royal governor, Woodes Rogers, Esquire; interwoven with the history of the United States. The author begins the book with the history of the New World, starting in A.D. 986 with the arrival of n

This Hunter Travel Guide stimulates readers' senses immediately with its lively description.... Fully indexed, the guide delivers an insider's view to what the authors call 'the most hospitable islands in the world.' Not a typical guide, the book is as much fun as it is resourceful, with a chatty writing style... great suggestions for sites to visit when travelers are in the mood for something unusual or spontaneous. -- Today's Librarian. "Nassau & The Best Of The Bahamas Alive! provides all the destination-oriented information needed to make the best of a trip to the Bahamas, from a survey of restaurants and hot fishing holes to best places to stay, shop, and enjoy the variety of the islands. An excellent take-long tote." -- Midwest Book Review. This exciting new addition to the Alive! series takes you to the cruise ship capital of the world in style! "Dawn to Dusk" sections focus on the best daytime delights, such as terrific watersports, sightseeing, golf courses, beaches and fascinating museums. "After Dark" sections take you to the best nightclubs, piano bars, cocktail lounges and beach cookouts. Hundreds of places to stay and eat are profiled in detail, based on repeat visits by the authors. In-margin icons allow you to see at a glance which activities are being discussed. Maps. Feeling "alive" is commonly used to describe the state when you are energized, excited, full of life! And that's exactly what these books inspire -- a feeling of eagerness to explore and discover. Alive! Guides are a refreshing change from the "same-old" guidebooks. They are written for the savvy traveler who is looking for quality and value in accommodations and dining, with a selection of activities to fill the days and nights. Each book's introduction covers the basic travel information, including climate, when to go, what to pack, history, package tours, geography and -- for overseas destinations -- currency concerns and health issues. Daytime pursuits are detailed in the "Sunup to Sundown" section, which cover the best beaches, walking tours, driving excursions, nature trips and sightseeing. Shopping plays a big part, with tips on how to barter in island crafts markets and where to find the best deals. And if you're looking for some fun when the stars come out, turn to the "After Dark" section, where you'll find descriptions of the best discos, cigar bars, theaters, movies, nightclubs and happy hours! Alive Guides focus on hotels and restaurants, with descriptions based on repeat visits by well-traveled authors. Establishments are rated with the unique Alive rating system, so you can find one to suit your taste and pocketbook. Particular attention is given to shopping in the exotic regions, with details on local artists, cut-price designer clothing and the best values on duty-free goods. Tips on what to do from sunup to sundown include tours, sightseeing, sunning, watersports and the best beaches. Piano bars, jazz clubs, places to meet people and even gay clubs are listed for nightlife. Transportation to, from, and around the area is also covered.