Comment history

rjusa says...

It truly makes me sad to view the current state of the Island. I am from the United States, first came to your country in 1980 on my honeymoon. My wife and I visited the Island 2-3 times a year for 10 years. When we were blessed with my son, brought him to Nassau when he was 6 months old and (he) has visited the Island with us roughly 2 dozen times.

In the late 1990's I started to do business in Nassau. Respecting your laws, I always insisted on an intern which I trained for the jobs I consulted on. These individuals were honest, intelligent, and "hungry" to succeed. At the end of consulting contracts, they were well prepared to take over, at times offering more talents than I brought. As a "mentor" I felt a certain sense of pride in their success.

I have not been to the island in roughly 7 years. This was approximately the time that the idea of BahaMar was being bantered about. What I saw was a business proposition being proposed that didn't consider the talent pool of the Bahamian people or considerations for the country. I was vocal on this issue in assorted bars and restaurants, as well in social meetings with businessmen and government officials. If you judge an investment to be viable, you don't attach caveats on its success. If attached, ask why...e.g., why a Chinese work force? Caveats on a "business deal" should raise a red herring. Would the Templeton Fund accept your investment if you dictated how they invested...don't think so. I would surmise that Chinese involvement never had the intention of the BahaMar concept being a true asset of the Island. Further, why in the heck would you allow the same entity to attempt to develop downtown Nassau?

I love your country, its people, and what it has to offer. However, in its current state, not optimistic. It may be a bit late owing to international skepticism, but I would nationalize BahaMar, find a way to correct property issues, then offer it to a legitimate investor group based on the merits of its location, the Bahamian people, and their pride in the Country and its past success.

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On Gov’t urged: ‘Force’ Baha Mar’s auction

Posted 25 February 2016, 12:15 p.m. Suggest removal