The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

FUSION Superplex yesterday said a March cyber attack that crippled key operating systems cost it $3m in projected lost revenue, with a co-founder acknowledging the ongoing recovery has contributed to delays in paying staff salaries.

Tecoyo Bridgewater, the chief legal officer, said the Gladstone Road-based entertainment complex has also been affected by outstanding monies owed to it, which he identified as a major factor behind the payroll difficulties experienced in the last few months.

In a statement to Tribune Business, Mr Bridgewater said the cyber attack, which targeted the company in March, disabled critical operating systems including ticketing, point-of-sale and premium theatre technology, significantly disrupting its ability to serve customers and generate revenue.

"This was not a minor disruption. It struck at the core of how we serve our patrons, and its effects are still being felt today," he said.

While Fusion Superplex has made progress in restoring and strengthening its systems, Mr Bridgewater said the recovery remains ongoing, with its online ticketing platform and arcade systems still offline. The company estimates the attack has cost it approximately $3m in projected revenue to-date.

Tribune Business understands that Fusion Superplex executives are scheduled to meet with the Department of Labour today to discuss the payroll issues and delayed payments.

The financial impact has been compounded by September and October, which Mr Bridgewater described as traditionally the slowest months of the year for the leisure and entertainment sector as it coincides with the traditional lull in tourism, making it a particularly difficult period for the business.

Fusion Superplex has experienced delays in paying employees in recent months, with Mr Bridgewater expressing regret over the hardship caused to staff and their families.

"We sincerely thank our team for their dedication, loyalty and understanding during a challenging period for the company. Our team has experienced delays in pay in recent months. We regret this, and we understand the hardship it causes for our staff and their families," he said.

Mr Bridgewater acknowledged that Fusion Superplex has lost a number of employees during the period, while stressing that management valued their contributions. "During this period, we lost a number of team members. We value and respect each of them, and we thank them for their service," he said.

He added that the company continues to meet with employees in groups and individually to explain its position, while bringing staff payments fully up to date remains its priority.

"Bringing everyone fully up to-date on pay is our priority," said Mr Bridgewater. He also sought to stress the personal significance of the payroll issue, pointing to his own upbringing and experience in the customer service industry.

"Speaking personally, my brothers and I grew up in Sunlight Village, and my family knew very hard times. I spent years working in the customer service industry as a valet parker. I know what a late payment means to a family sometimes living pay cheque to pay cheque, and we are treating this with the urgency it deserves," he said.

Mr Bridgewater also warned that the cyber attack was not an isolated incident, pointing to recent attacks against refrigeration systems at supermarkets across European countries that resulted in freezer temperatures rising and stores being forced to discard spoiled food.

He said the incidents demonstrate how cyber attacks can have devastating consequences for businesses, their revenues, employees and families.

As for Fusion Superplex's recovery, Mr Bridgewater said the company has identified the requirements necessary to restore its revenue-generating systems and is focused on completing the restoration of its online ticketing platform and arcade operations, while continuing to strengthen its cyber security.

The company is also anticipating increased attendance during the final quarter of the year, with upcoming movie releases including The Hunger Games, Dune and Avengers: Doomsday expected to provide a boost. "Fusion Superplex remains open, and we thank our dedicated employees and patrons for their continued support," said Mr Bridgewater.

Fusion Superplex appears to have faced financial difficulties for a while. Tribune Business reported in November 2025 how the entertainment complex had been forced to rely on its back-up generator for at least three consecutive days after Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) disconnected its electricity supply over an unpaid bill involving allegedly substantial arrears.

Complaints about late payment of staff salaries, which are due every two weeks, first surfaced last month. One social media posting said: “I need to say this publicly because it's beyond frustrating at this point and the Government must investigate Fusion Superplex.

“They are hard-working staff who show up and do their jobs. They deserve to be paid properly and on time, not left stressed and embarrassed because a company can't get payroll right. I'm calling on the Labour Department and Inland Revenue to investigate this. Something needs to change.”