Miller and union chief clash over Baha Mar

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday criticised Nicole Martin, Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union president, over her “disgraceful” comments about Baha Mar’s delayed opening.

This week, Ms Martin told the media that the resort was “selling a dream that it could not deliver”.

As he defended the resort, Mr Miller said that Ms Martin’s comments were proof that top union officials had “much to be desired” regarding their mindset toward foreign investors. He urged people now employed with Baha Mar and those to come not to join the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU).

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation executive chairman added that the project now employs several hundred people, which is expected to mushroom into several thousand. He said Baha Mar has already injected millions into The Bahamas despite the climate of the world economy. Mr Miller said the investment would without doubt benefit generations of Bahamians.

Following a story in The Tribune that Baha Mar had cancelled all pre-booked reservations through August 31, Ms Martin told a local daily that she always knew the resort was “selling a dream that it could not deliver.”

She added: “I’m hoping that they open the doors quickly because people need to work, but I believe that we were sold a bag of goods.”

Mr Miller said in response: “I think it is a total disgrace that Ms Martin would berate a mega resort that has injected so much into The Bahamas. The comments were uncalled for, bold and presumptuous.

“How could she speak ill of a company who is putting $3b in the economy? They single handedly transformed the Cable Beach strip, which has for years been in need of a dire transformation.

“Look at all the people that have been given jobs, they now have another chance to turn their lives around.”

He added: “And clearly the buildings have taken shape on the western end of the island. How can you call it a dream?”

On Tuesday The Tribune reported that several guests had criticised Baha Mar for ruining their vacations after they were informed that reservations until August 31 were cancelled.

They lambasted hotel management on a leading travel review website, TripAdvisor, claiming they were offered unsatisfactory alternative accommodations and not compensated enough for their losses.

When contacted, Robert “Sandy” Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of external and governmental affairs, said an opening date was still being discussed with Baha Mar advisors.

He spoke to this newspaper following a meeting with Prime Minister Perry Christie and Mr Sarkis Izmirlian on Monday to discuss issues surrounding Baha Mar’s repeated delays, a source confirmed.

The Tribune visited Baha Mar’s website to find the earliest available date for booking accommodations was September 8.

On another travel booking website, Expedia, only one hotel brand, the Rosewood at Baha Mar, was available at the earliest in June. The other brands, the Grant Hyatt, the SLS Lux and Baha Mar’s Casino and Hotel, showed a “sold out” status for July through to the month of August. There was no advisory on Expedia to warn potential visitors of Baha Mar’s opening delays.

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said his ministry had taken note of the “negative press” the delayed opening has sparked. He said it was important to have damage control in place with a view to counteracting any potential fallout.

However, he admitted that much of the speculation over the resort’s success is based on the inability of officials to pin down an opening date and actually meet the time line.

Baha Mar was initially expected to open last December. In January, the resort said it would open its doors to paying customers in March, but that date was delayed until “early May.”

Resort officials have not yet announced a new opening date.

Comments

Well_mudda_take_sic says...

The Tribune is the only one who cares what Miller has to say about anything. Just more cheap journalism from the Depuche family.

Posted 7 May 2015, 1:58 p.m. Suggest removal

duppyVAT says...

Potcake Miller and the hotel union lil pooch are both lousy and disappointing .......... put them in the same cage and let them thug it out.................. doggy-style

Posted 7 May 2015, 2:53 p.m. Suggest removal

Observer says...

The above two nasty comments are unqualified and below the standard of educated people. Shape up or ship out.

Posted 7 May 2015, 5:22 p.m. Suggest removal

Tommy77 says...

One big mess.<img src="http://s04.flagcounter.com/mini/kfoW/bg…" style="display:none"><img src="http://s05.flagcounter.com/mini/WUu/bg_…" style="display:none">

Posted 7 May 2015, 11:50 p.m. Suggest removal

CatIslandBoy says...

Mr. Miller is spot on this time. The reckless, and un-called for, comments by the union leader displays a general attitude of entitlement harbored by many Bahamians. With such an attitude, she will make a fine PLP politician one day.

Posted 7 May 2015, 11:55 p.m. Suggest removal

Tarzan says...

Does anyone else see the irony in the President of the BHCAWU, talking about someone "selling a dream that it could not deliver"?

How about a union executive that cannot conduct a legitimate an election?
Manage a negotiation?
Serve its members?
Explain where the money went?

If it weren't so sad, this would be hilarious!

Posted 8 May 2015, 9:34 a.m. Suggest removal

duppyVAT says...

Agreed

Posted 8 May 2015, 10:20 a.m. Suggest removal

USAhelp says...

The unions continue to destroy the future of young Bahamians. In the USA the unions continue to shrink so many hard workers wanting to build a firm foundation for thier families. If Bahamian workers work hard help make business successful then evry one will make us all able to make a good life for ourselves. Don't join unions

Posted 8 May 2015, 1:44 p.m. Suggest removal

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