Former Prime Minister Christie Breaks Silence On Baha Mar Legal Issues

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Former Prime Minister Perry Christie stays on the record about the ongoing legal issues facing Baha Mar.

A few months ago, a New York State Supreme Court’s Appeals Division “unanimously dismissed” the Chinese state-owned contractor’s bid to overturn the initial verdict that awarded Izmirlian some $1.6 billion dollars.

After finding sufficient evidence, it had perpetrated a fraud and breach of contract that caused the initial Baha Mar project to collapse.

However, this is just the latest chapter in the Baha Mar saga.

During his last term in office between 2012-2017, the Christie administration faced criticism for how it handled the dispute between original developer Sarkis Izmirlian and China Construction America.

The former Progressive Liberal Party leader says it was never about siding with any particular side.

Christie adds that his government’s priority was preserving the project and ensuring the case was handled in Bahamian courts, a decision he maintains was in the public’s best interest.

In 2024, court documents filed in the United States alleged that payments were made to the son of a senior government advisor, during Christie’s tenure as prime minister.

When asked directly about the alleged payments, Christie said he had no knowledge of it, and defended his record.

Despite years of controversy, the former prime minister says his administration’s actions resulted in one thing: Baha Mar’s successful opening and Bahamians benefiting.