The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

When Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian announced on Monday, June 29, that the resort had voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 in a Delaware Court, I think it’s safe to say that the prime minister was not the only one who was blindsided. In the months and weeks leading up to the announcement, there was no doubt that the ambitious project was severely strained. The opening of the resort, on which the government had largely hung the country’s economic future, had been delayed, twice. Mr Izmirlian had publicly criticized the contractor for shoddy workmanship, and hit out at the government for not living up to its promises.

There is plenty of blame to go around–to everyone involved. Who is at fault, is liquidation or Chapter 11 the best way forward, who insulted whom or who is misleading who has been analyzed and commented on heavily in the media. I will leave that to those who are far more knowledgeable and qualified than I.

What I’ve found disturbingly absent from the mainstream discussion has been the human face of the Baha Mar “debacle”. It seems that those who are least affected by the resort’s troubles have had the most to say – the large majority of it negative, some of it, cruel and insensitive. We have heard relatively little from or about the thousands of workers who are among the most impacted by the decisions that many people are simply unable to wrap their heads around.

I don’t know Mr Izmirlian, nor am I an employee of Baha Mar. But I did meet him, once, at Baha Mar’s first staff Christmas party in 2013. He was completely disarming. I came away with the impression that he was down-to-earth and friendly. I watched him stand at the entrance of the party with his wife, enthusiastically greeting staff members, from all levels. I guess some might dismiss his behaviour as posturing, and maybe I am naive to think he was genuine. Nonetheless, it was obvious, to me, from the staff’s reaction, that the Baha Mar team believed in their leader’s grand vision. Not only did they appear willing, but they were also excited to go above and beyond to make it a reality. That is not a common occurrence in this country. I think it has something to do with the fact that Mr Izmirlian makes his staff feel like he also believes in them.

In my profession, I have had the opportunity to interact with my fair share of wealthy, powerful and influential people. One that stands out was an interview I did years ago with a well-known developer, who I will not name. For the entire interview they never once looked at me. I guess I wasn’t worth the time or the effort it would’ve taken to extend even the most basic courtesy of a small smile or brief eye contact. It was not a good feeling and it’s one that I will never forget.

Maya Angelou famously once said, “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, people will never forget how you made them feel.” I imagine that those Baha Mar employees also can’t forget the way Mr. Izmirlian has made them feel – like they were a part of something bigger than filling hotel rooms and casino betting tables. It’s my guess that he made many of them feel like they were the best of the best. That’s a good feeling.

I am not naïve enough to think that any businessman undertakes any business venture without profit being a major factor. All I am saying is that it appears, to me, that for Mr Izmirlian there are also other motivating factors. Just look at Baha Mar’s Leadership Development Institute, which has provided job opportunities to high school dropouts and those previously considered untrainable. There is also the visual art programme.

I see it most in the art programme. Baha Mar has done much for the development of Bahamian art. Apart from pumping millions of dollars into the art community, it has enriched this country’s art history and helped to validate creatives in an unprecedented way. No one has ever made this kind of investment in Bahamian art, financially, and very few Bahamians believe in the value of our art and culture as Mr Izmirlian has demonstrated. This is but one example.

There is no doubt that job security is a real concern for Baha Mar employees at the moment, especially in these uncertain economic times. The fallout, if the project fails, will be devastating for many. But I get the impression that what many employees find just as troubling about the recent developments is what might become a lost opportunity if a deal is not reached between the existing parties. There is the fear that their hard work up to this point, and so close to an opening, will be left in the hands of technocrats and eventually another owner who will unlikely share Mr Izmirlian’s vision. There is also the vilification of their CEO. Many can’t reconcile what has been said in the media and by some government officials with the “Sarkis” they have come to know and respect.

While there are enough negative stories and theories about the developer and the government to fill the newspapers and airwaves, and I am not suggesting that those should not be told, many Bahamians know very little, to nothing, of the good, do I dare say, inspiring, stories coming out of Baha Mar. Those stories have not been told effectively, if at all. I am happy to see that employees have created a Facebook page “The Real Baha Mar” to share their stories, thoughts and opinions during what has been an extremely challenging time. It is their voice that has been most absent from this story. It is their voice that also deserves a place in this conversation. Together, with other facts and opinions, the public – at least those who are interested – can objectively judge for itself.

I accept that I may not be sophisticated enough to understand the many nuances of marketing, but I know that perception is everything. Perhaps it is the perception of arrogance, excess and entitlement that has informed some of the public’s hostility towards Baha Mar and Mr Izmirlian. Perhaps it is the perception of corruption, back-biting and dishonesty that has informed some of the public’s opinions of the government’s handling of this matter.

I would like to believe that most people, despite their political allegiance, ultimately want what is best for this country. I know I do. It is my hope that whatever the result – whether Mr Izmirlian retains control of the project or liquidators are brought in and new owners take over – it will be for the overall good of The Bahamas, and not a chosen few.

CWE

Nassau,

July 25, 2015.