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Former Baha Mar Director: It is Absolutely Shameful and Disgraceful

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The New York Supreme Court awarded Sarkis Izmirlian over $1.6 billion in damages, ruling that China Construction America (CCA) orchestrated a sham that cost Izmirlian’s family $845 million.

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2024

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Dionisio D’Aguilar – Former Director, Baha Mar Resort
“It is absolutely shameful. It is disgraceful… I am shocked.”

The New York Supreme Court awarded Sarkis Izmirlian over $1.6 billion in damages, ruling that China Construction America (CCA) orchestrated a sham that cost Izmirlian’s family $845 million.

Dionisio D’Aguilar – Former Director, Baha Mar Resort
“They wanted it to open in order to get Bahamians employed and to have the significant GDP effect that it has had. I get that, but with hindsight now that all the evidence is being revealed, the government of The Bahamas really should’ve sided with Sarkis Izmirlian and put pressure on the Chinese to complete and fund the project to the end.”

A former Baha Mar marketing employee expressed feelings of vindication.

“Hearing about Sarkis’ court victory felt like vindication, not only for him but for all the talented Bahamians and expats whose lives were disrupted… The day we were notified of the redundancies was sobering. Years of hard work seemed to be lost.”

Hundreds of employees were made redundant after the resort filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015.

The Supreme Court ruling outlined how the defendants used CCA consultant Leslie Bethel to influence Sir Baltron Bethel, a senior advisor to then-Prime Minister Perry Christie, to secure the government’s favor.

Dionisio D’Aguilar – Former Director, Baha Mar Resort
“Unfortunately, it demonstrates poor choices and poor decisions on behalf of the previous PLP government, it does.”

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard called for an investigation into the role foreign actors may have played in influencing government policy.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement
“One of the reasons we indicated that we believe an independent investigation is required is because we do not believe that this administration will investigate itself and come up with the appropriate, impartial, and fully transparent conclusion.”