By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
AFTER several opening delays for $3.5 billion Baha Mar development, two of the nation’s religious leaders said they are “praying for the project’s successful opening because of the important role it plays” in the economy.
Bishop Simeon Hall, pastor emeritus of New Covenant Baptist Church, and Rev Dr Philip McPhee, pastor at Mt Calvary Baptist Church said the “successful completion” of Baha Mar is “beyond partisan politics” due to the large number of workers depending on the project for employment.
“We wish to go on record as two clergymen praying for Baha Mar’s successful opening,” a statement from the two pastors said. “We also commend Baha Mar for continuing the employment of employees.
“We are motivated by the possibility of hundreds of local Bahamian workers losing their jobs. We commiserate with workers who have the spectre of unemployment looming over their heads.”
The pair said the executives of Baha Mar are to be “praised and commended” for holding on to their employees in the wake of construction delays and a dispute over payouts to the main contractor.
The highly touted project is roughly five-months behind schedule.
Last week Prime Minister Perry Christie said that China Construction America (CCA), the property’s main contractor, was demanding that certain payments be made.
Mr Christie, who has stepped in as a mediator, added that the disputing parties were “very close to a settlement,” and denied rumours that Baha Mar is running out of the cash needed to finish the project.
The mega-resort was originally scheduled for a December 2014 opening, but construction issues led to plans for a “soft opening” slotted for March 27, 2015.
Days before that planned “soft opening” resort officials said they were aiming for an early May opening.
No word has been given to this point on a new opening date.
Pre-booked guests have taken to social media and travel booking websites to complain about cancelled reservations.
Bishop Hall stated that although the Baha Mar matter was “an issue beyond the realm of religion” his conversations with employees at the resort gave him a unique view of the matter.
“We must learn to look beyond our political purview, beyond PLP, beyond FNM. This is an issue that goes beyond politics,” he told The Tribune.
“We are standing for the workers ... that have bills, expenses, issues. Many left jobs, we are trying to commiserate with the workers.”
Earlier this month, Mr Christie said he fears more delays in Baha Mar’s opening would cause job losses for Bahamians.
Comments
JohnBuchanan 9 years, 6 months ago
I'm a very religious person, but I don't even think God can save Baha Mar at this point. They have told too many lies, thereby violating one of the 10 Commandments.
duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago
SUGGESTION.................................Set up a big Buddha or Confucius statute out on the new BAHAMAR highway roundabout and start your incense and chanting ceremonies
Sickened 9 years, 6 months ago
Their prayers have NEVER helped before! I'm not religious but it seems to me that God has let the Devil take over this country!
Cobalt 9 years, 6 months ago
You're blaming God for the state of the Bahamas???? Seriously??? It's our blatant disregard and disobedience towards his teachings that has our country in this current state of chaos!
Don't blame God. He gave all of us the gift of choice! The problem is...... the majority of Bahamians make poor choices!
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Comrades being more than a few head Bible Thumpers does believe woman's shouldn't be delivering main sermons from the churches top pulpit position, it has makes you wonder who they would've been praying to for Baha Mar's success, failure Carnival 2015, and the defeat numbers rackets - had Jesus been born a girl?
Hmmm…..now this hereto Tribune blog just getting interesting?
asiseeit 9 years, 6 months ago
If the businessmen who call themselves preachers are praying for Bah Mar, the place better get a witch doctor to come and cast a spell to ward of their evil.
Observer 9 years, 6 months ago
We are with you, Brothers Hall and McPhee. Disregard the 'doomers', because they too will benefit from the economy. Ungrateful idiots.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Simeon Hall and Phillip McPhee? Gambling referendum. God help us all
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