The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Terminated employees yesterday blasted Exuma’s February Point development for keeping them in the dark over when they would be paid an estimated $380,000 in due severance pay and salaries, as the island’s MP admitted he was “very concerned”.

Tribune Business was contacted by several former staff members who said the property’s current owners, the Hart family, had provided no information on when they would be paid despite their terminations having taken place several months ago.

One former staff member, speaking to Tribune Business on condition of anonymity, said: “All of the employees have not been paid our severance pay yet, and are waiting for outstanding salaries that have not been received.”

Tribune Business has confirmed with sources close to the situation that February Point collectively owes some $380,000 to former staff numbering around 27.

That figure is said to include both the due severance and outstanding salary payments. This newspaper was also told that February Point owes around $30,000-$40,000 in outstanding National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions on behalf of its former employees, although it is unclear whether this is included in the $380,000.

“There’s nothing being communicated to us by February Point or the Government,” the former worker said, adding that staff had also been unable to glean any answers from Exuma’s MP, Anthony Moss.

Most February Point workers were laid-off over the summer, and the former worker said she - like her former colleagues - was owed both severance pay and for months where they worked, but did not receive a salary.

“All of us are out of a job with the exception of the personal assistant [to Randy Hart, February Point’s managing director],” the former worker said.

“No one is communicating with us. The MP is not saying anything to us and it’s really sad, because all of us are without jobs. We worked without pay, and no one is telling us what’s going on.”

Former staff said Mr Hart had recently stopped communicating with them and taking their calls on the matter, seemingly cutting his phone off.

This appeared to be the case, as several calls by Tribune Business to Mr Hart’s cell phone yesterday were met by the message that ‘this number is no longer in service at this time’.

This newspaper has been told that February Point’s staff will be paid what is due to them if the property’s sale to Florida-based contractor/developer, John McGarvey, is finally approved by the Government and goes through.

Tribune Business understands that Mr McGarvey has committed to settling all February Point’s outstanding debts and liabilities, including monies owed to former staff, if he is able to close the $8.2-$8.3 million deal.

This newspaper was again told yesterday that the Government’s approval of the February Point purchase was imminent, with Mr McGarvey effectively just waiting on a sign-off by the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile Mr Moss, the Exuma MP, confirmed to Tribune Business that the former February Point employees had reached out to him over their situation, and expressed hope that the Hart family could resolve the situation without waiting for any proceeds from the McGarvey sale.

“I am not certain of the problem, but it appears as if February Point’s owner has not paid what is due to them,” Mr Moss said. “I can’t say exactly why not, but I know there is a sale of February Point pending.

“I am very concerned, because it is some monies owed to the staff for a number of weeks, and the work is already done, so there is money due to them.

“I’m hoping February Point will look to another avenue to compensate them other than the sale.”

Mr Moss confirmed that he had spoken with one ex-February Point employee yesterday, and said: “I’m hopeful the matter will soon come to a conclusion. The sooner the better It is causing a lot of problems.”

Indicating that the sums owed by February Point went a long way in a small community such as Exuma, the MP added: “We’re talking about a lot of people, not just five to six. It’s already that big.

“In some of the households, these were the only wages coming into their home. They’re going to have to pay to keep food on the table, the light bill, so it is causing a problem in my community.

Tribune Business previously revealed information posted on the Internet showing that Mr Hart is set to become marketing president for the western New Providence community, Serenity.

Tribune Business also tried to reach him at the number listed on the site for Serenity, but that rang engaged every time a call was made.

However, it appears that Serenity may now be using February Point’s former offices in New Providence. Its address is listed as Caves Village, where February Point’s administrative office was, and shares the same PO Box number,

Dana Wells, the Graham Thompson & Company attorney and partner, who is representing the Hart family in the February Point sale, also could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Tribune Business previously revealed that Mr McGarvey was contemplating an ultimate $40 million investment at February Point, creating over 130 construction jobs.

Once the deal closes, it is thought the new owners will develop a 25-unit complex of condominiums, which will be placed in a hotel rental pool and also offer the potential for fractional ownership.

And, slightly further out, a boutique five-star resort has also been earmarked for February Point, together with an expansion of the existing marina.

Mr McGarvey and his group are seeking to attract the mega yacht market, and sources said they are proposing a ‘Georgetown Marina Village’ that would be similar in style, and size, to the existing Atlantis Marina Village and Freeport’s Port Lucaya.

The February Point purchasers are also acquiring, and seeking to revive, the closed concrete plant opposite the main development site, plus establish a community sports complex.

Upgrades to the existing community and beach areas at February Point are also planned.