The Tribune

THE Progressive Liberal Party has “disappointed” and “let down” the people of Grand Bahama once again with the news of layoffs from Treasure Bay Casino, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said in a statement yesterday.

Earlier this month, The Tribune reported that about 150 casino workers were expected to join the unemployment line in Grand Bahama due to the closure of Treasure Bay Casino on December 4.

A source told The Tribune that workers were expected to be paid their severance packages on Friday, December 2.

When contacted for comment, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe indicated that the closure would be temporary and the employees will likely be rehired once the casino reopens under new management.

In response, Mr Turnquest said: “As Grand Bahama continues to suffer from neglect and lack of opportunity as a result of the silence and ineffectiveness of the Minister for Grand Bahama and member of Parliament for Pine Ridge (Dr Michael Darville), and the Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament for West End & Bimini (Mr Wilchcombe), both senior Cabinet ministers, Grand Bahamians have been disappointed and let down once again.

“Less than a week ago, the staff at Treasure Bay Casino received the dreaded news they feared of terminations and closure of the Treasure Bay Casino with no hope offered from anyone as to when they may look forward to a new operator or resumption of the casino operation.

“Grand Bahamians and the nation will recall the insensitive negative statements made by the PLP prior to the 2012 elections over the FNM’s support for the casino and its workers, which allowed many families to survive in an economically depressed time, to feed and support their families while sustaining economic activity on the island.

“Despite the cost, the FNM administration felt compelled to take the action it did in support of our only remaining casino as an important amenity of our tourism product and as a commitment and solemn act of solidarity with Grand Bahamians. For its part the PLP complained and criticised then and has now abandoned the casino, those workers and our island, seemingly without care or concern for their future or economic survival.”

Mr Turnquest said Mr Wilchcombe made pronouncements over four years ago “of a slew of proposed new casino operators he had lined up to take over.”

He added: “That pool of potential operators went from four, to two and now to none; strangely similar to the frequent misleading and disappointing pronouncements made over the secret Baha Mar deal. The Bahamian public, Grand Bahamians and residents of West End, are disappointed with all of the talk and flowery promises that have not brought solutions to their plights and recovery to their communities and island. Ginn remains dormant, the schools in West Grand Bahama remain in a state of disrepair and neglected, health administration on the island remains a challenge, the economy continues to decline with further job losses and hope is in short supply. When will it end and when will the Bahamian people be delivered real solutions and relief?”

Mr Turnquest, MP for East Grand Bahama, said his party has a plan to turn the island around.

“We are focused on expanding our industrial sector, leveraging on the assets we have today. We are actively soliciting new investment in the hospitality sector and encouraging domestic players to expand their offerings. We can do better than the PLP over the last five years and with God’s help and the support of the Bahamian people, we will bring about the true restoration of Grand Bahama as a favourable place to do business and enjoy good quality of life.”

When asked about the layoffs on December 1, Mr Wilchcombe told The Tribune: “They will be replaced by another company, we’re completing (due diligence) work on them as well and they hopefully will begin the transition process a week or so post closure.

“All employees will be satisfied by the severance from Treasure Bay and the government. The arrangement we’re discussing now is for the employees to be rehired.

“We’re hoping to bring a more exciting casino to add to what we’re doing in Grand Bahama.”