You might recall my disgust at the level of customer service at Bahamas Customs at the airport in this recent blog?
I had indicated that the blog would be continued as there is something else I need to get off my mind and that is revenue collection.
As I stood there while the Customs Officer reviewed our declaration I watched a gentleman go the window to pay duty. About 20 minutes later my wife and I had to pay.
In spite of a hall full of arriving passengers, most of whom were Bahamian, not one other person went to pay duty while we were standing there.
Of course there were many large bags that somehow had nothing in them to declare.
This is all preposterous of course and action needs to be taken forthwith by the authorities to either collect from everyone or amend the laws so that none of us have to pay.
Quite right, Rick.
Look around the next time you arrive – there are always bags lying around waiting to be collected. It is common knowledge that the owners of those bags are waitng until their friend is on duty.
A friend of mine arrived from Cuba with a shipment of cigars for his company. On the same flight was a couple who also sold cigars in Freeport. The wife went through first and her bags were waived through. The husband went next, same thing. The customs officer followed him outside and returned with a bag in hand. He walked to the office and the supervisor followed him. My friend estimated that the couple saved about $10,000 in duty. We can only imagine what was in the bag.
Just another example of the dishonesty that is rampant throughout the Bahamas.
because of where I come from I must ask…are you sure they didn’t “pay” at a later date?