The private sector remains “hopeful” that the Baha Mar development will open later this year, a Chamber executive said yesterday, adding that the $3.5 billion project will transform into a “great Bahamian story” if its current woes can be resolved quickly.

  Stressing that the country “absolutely needs this development”, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) chief executive, Edison Sumner, told Tribune Business that it was hoped the mega resort could open some time this year.

“Baha Mar is a member of the Chamber of Commerc,e and so they - through that membership - have already demonstrated their commitment to corporate responsibility in the country,” Mr Sumner said.

“We are very concerned and disappointed that the property hasn’t opened yet. We’re concerned about what we are hearing through the media, and we are hopeful that they will be able to have that property opened some time later this year>”

    Baha Mar was initially expected to open last December, but that was then delayed. In January, the resort said it would open its doors to paying customers on March 27, but that date was pushed back to early May due to ongoing construction work.

Then, in a statement, Baha Mar criticised the performance of its lead contractor, China Construction America, revealing that work at the property had not met its “standards of excellence” and was unacceptable.

Baha Mar added that it had relied on statements from its construction manager and lead contractor when it previously announced a March 27 opening date. The lack of a timeline for the resort’s opening,  and poor communication, has caused  fierce criticism from scores of potential guests who said they planned months ahead for their vacations.

    “Whatever the challenges we are facing, whether it has to do with financing mechanisms or with the schedule for construction and completion of it, and the details relative to the contracts, we are hopeful that they can be resolved,” Mr Sumner said.

“The country needs that development and we think it’s going to do well for the economy after it is opened. Our concern has been documented and we’re just hoping now that as they go through these issues and work through the disputes they are dealing with that they will be able to find some resolutions quickly, get the persons employed who are set to be  employed, open the doors, get guests in the facilities and be able to turn this into a great Bahamian story at the end of the day.”