The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

WITH hundreds of hotel jobs now at stake in Grand Bahama, Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney stressed that Bahamians are again “sadly left in the dark” as the government remains quiet about the matters concerning the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort.

He is demanding that government “come clean” about the sale, which has brought increased uncertainty for the nearly 700 Bahamians currently employed at the resort.

Mr McCartney noted that the owners announced back in March plans to sell the 409-acre resort property – the third largest in the country – in a sealed bidding process.

“With unemployment already at record numbers, even more Bahamians may soon find themselves in the unemployment line,” he said in a press release.

“In just over a month, the iconic Grand Lucayan hotel which has been a staple of the Grand Bahama tourism product will be sold.”

“For months now, media reports have speculated about the bidding process, the potential buyers and overall plans for the once vibrant property. Sadly, Bahamians have again been left in the dark. The minister of tourism, the minister of Grand Bahama, and the prime minister himself have been suspiciously quiet about the entire matter,” he said.

The DNA leader stated that with the country still reeling from the GDP impact of the Baha Mar debacle, the Bahamas’ tourism product can by no means withstand the fallout of another shuttered hotel property.

“Now, as the deadline for purchase submissions quickly approaches, the Democratic National Alliance demands that the government come clean about matters related to the sale. What involvement, if any, has the government had in the sale and bidding process of the hotel? Are the potential bidders companies of repute? Have Bahamians been given an equal opportunity to participate in the bid process? Will the property close for any period following the sale? And if so, for how long? And most importantly what will become of the jobs for the nearly 700 Bahamians currently employed there?”

“This radio silence is a far cry from the many promises made by this PLP administration in the run up to the last election; promises of new jobs, a vibrant tourism product, and a transparent government, all of which would be facilitated by the Ministry of Grand Bahama,” said Mr McCartney.

He claimed that since coming to office, however, the Ministry of Grand Bahama has done little to facilitate real development for the island, and instead has proven to be a breeding ground for more cronyism, parliamentary appointments, and has compounded the issue of government bureaucracy and red tape, hindering development.

Mr McCartney believes that the DNA can provide a comprehensive plan to grow Grand Bahama, first by addressing record unemployment.