THE latest in the courtroom battles over Baha Mar has proven to be a resounding legal victory for Sarkis Izmirlian.
Mr Izmirlian had been fighting it out in court with China Construction America (CCA) – and the latter had sought to have Mr Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud claim dismissed. They failed. Spectacularly.
Instead, the latest court rulings, from Judge Andrew Borrok in New York, saw CCA ruled against across the board.
Court matters are still proceeding – with a two-week trial of Mr Izmirlian’s fraud claim against CCA still to come next year, but the latest rulings clear the way for that to take place.
The findings included that 700 Chinese construction workers were sent home with the approval of the CCA executive vice-president “despite knowing that those workers may have helped the project reach the substantial completion date on time”. That led to then Prime Minister Perry Christie being “disingenuously” informed that the resort would meet its completion date.
Worse, that vice-president, Tiger Wu, apparently allowed the workers to leave “with the express purpose of causing CCA to stop work” so the contractor could have leverage to demand more money. Resources were instead diverted to the British Colonial resort in downtown Nassau.
There is much more to the rulings, including seeking to remove Mr Izmirlian from the project.
The rulings give a glimpse inside the process by which the Baha Mar development ran into problems, in contrast with the stories being told of completion dates being on target.
It is worth reading every word in today’s Tribune Business – even as the legal process now continues to the next stage.
This is the kind of transparency and clarity we should strive for in our nation – even if it has all emerged in a courtroom far away, and with another year to go before the final outcome.
Gas impasse
When it comes to the debate between the gas retailers and the government, we seem to have reached an impasse.
The gas retailers say they will not sell diesel until matters are resolved – and they want an adjustment in price margins.
Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis says the government is not considering adjusting price margins in their favour.
Are we seeing an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object? If so, prepare for a crunch.
Whatever the outcome, the rest of us do not want to get caught in the middle.
Comments
bahamianson 1 year, 5 months ago
Will never have transparency in the Bahamas, corruption abounds. No politician is to be trusted.each benefits, and none can talk on the other.
birdiestrachan 1 year, 5 months ago
Then the doc will stand on the house floor and put on a gross display of ignorance and attack Mr Davis about the cost of living , what will an increase on the gallon be to the consumer ?
sheeprunner12 1 year, 5 months ago
The facade of democracy that prevails in this country is only unveiled in moments like these ..... Through international "leaks" or US court cases.
This is such a sad reflection on how our greedy politicians run this country in cahoots with foreign crooks.
birdiestrachan 1 year, 5 months ago
Gas stations relief what about the 6 million they received they always talk about sending poor folks home, soon they may be home too because many will go where there are attendents,
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 5 months ago
the 6 million subsidy was a non-starter. Since they have to buy gas year round, and 6 million didnt go to one retailer, it was essentially a govt talking point to say look, we did something.
I do agree with your last sentence. I think market forces are demanding less retail stations. Which will not be good news for the consumer. To be fair to them excessive govt taxes and fees are a big part of the equation.
People claim we're undertaxed, I dont buy it. Food 450, Gas 100, Water 60, Electricity 80, Internet&Cable 150, Mobile 50, and assuming school fees gor one child at 250 per month totals 1140. VAT at 20% and customs at 30% because theres no way we're paying 10% VAT and all customs duties are passed on to the consumer, its means 570 of an avg 2000 dollar income goes to taxes thats 28% income tax. I didnt include health life or car insurance. We are far far from undertaxed, its an illusion.
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 5 months ago
"Most groceries, prescription drugs and medical items—like over-the-counter medicines—are exempt from sales tax. Which is great because these items are essential for, you know, living.
Whereas we pay taxes on food and medical insurance in our bonkers economic squeeze the poor and middle class system
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