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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The Democratic National Alliance noted with interest, media reports suggesting that the Christie administration has re-engaged the Chinese Import Export Bank on negotiations regarding Baha Mar. These latest rounds of negotiations follow two prior attempts by this Christie administration to navigate this issue on behalf of the Bahamian people. In fact, on two prior occasions the government spent thousands of dollars in tax payer money to send a delegation to China only to come back empty handed. While the resumption of these talks speak to the possibility of new developments on the Baha Mar front, the DNA is again concerned that these talks will end without resolution, without a clear way forward for the people of this country and on terms that may not be in the best long-term interest of the Bahamas.
For months now, PM Perry Christie has continued to express optimism about the future of the stalled property, and has consistently referred to the many interventions he has continued to make on behalf of the more than 2000 Bahamians who were terminated in the wake of Baha Mar’s collapse. Mr. Christie and members of his government has been silent on the role the government played in contributing to the Baha Mar breakdown. From name calling, and verbal spats in the media, to the initiation of a winding up petition this administration’s handling of the Baha Mar matter has left much to be desired and begs the question: Can this administration be trusted to negotiate in the best interest of Bahamians?
The DNA calls on the government to immediately update the public on the results of these most recent talks. Has an agreement been reached? If so what are the terms of the agreement and how will Bahamians benefit in the short, medium and long term. If not? What are the issues hindering a possible resolution? These questions and countless more must be answered. Not just for the sake of those terminated employees but also for the sake of our country’s international reputation and our tourism product.
This Christie administration has been yet another opportunity to finally address this obvious national crisis in a way that benefits the nation as a whole. The DNA hopes that the government’s negotiators have learned from their previous mistakes and are prepared to strenuously negotiate in the best long-term interest of the Bahamas.
Chris Mortimer
DNA Deputy Leader
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