Bills proposing a departure tax rate increase were table in the House of Assembly earlier this month and were set to take effect in July. The current $18 cruise departure tax from Nassau and Freeport would increase to $23. Those departing from private islands would pay a new fee of $25.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper says he has spoken to the cruise lines and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and articulated why the government is determined to access the taxes. This after cruise lines requested that the tax implementation be postponed.

Cooper said, “the Prime Minister and I have spoken. We will speak at our Cabinet level. One of the issues were that they wanted to be able to recapture all of the taxes from their customers etc.”

Cooper also outlined that the reason for the increase, “one being a tourism development levy that’s not just impacting the cruise but also the airlines. The other being a sustainability levy. The other one is an increase in the overall taxes.”

Cooper confirmed that the increase implementation will be delayed by several months. “Our taxes is essential to build roads and schools and docks,” he said.

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