NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Prime Minister Philip Davis is pushing back against growing criticism over delays and payroll disruptions at the Grand Lucayan Resort, insisting the hotel’s redevelopment remains within the government’s stated timeline even as employees face renewed uncertainty over unpaid wages and the opposition accuses the administration of failing to deliver on key promises to Grand Bahama.
Speaking on the matter, Davis acknowledged that staff at the resort did not receive their salaries on time. “It’s unfortunate that they didn’t get their funds in time, but as far as I’m concerned the Grand Lucayan project is within the timeline we have set,” the Prime Minister said. “You don’t just revitalise a resort overnight. It takes time for planning and to get all the permits in place. That will happen. The staff will be paid.”
The Grand Lucayan, once one of Grand Bahama’s flagship tourism assets, has been the subject of repeated redevelopment efforts over the past decade. In May, the Davis administration agreed to sell the property—including the 56-acre beachfront resort and the adjacent 160-acre Reef Golf Course—for $120 million to Ancient Waters Bahamas Limited, a wholly owned Bahamian subsidiary of U.S.-based Concord Wilshire Capital (CWC). The agreement was positioned by the government as a major step toward reviving tourism, employment and economic activity on the island.
However, the optimism surrounding the deal has been tested. In an email to staff on Friday regarding payroll for the weeks of December 5th and December 12th, Deborah Gomez advised employees that salaries would again be delayed. “Unfortunately, again due to circumstances beyond our control, these payments will not be paid today,” the email stated. “We will advise soonest as to expected payment.”
Prime Minister Davis sought to contextualise the disruptions, pointing to complications between overseas ownership interests and local management. He noted that, under normal circumstances, the hotel “ought to have even closed by now” to facilitate redevelopment, but unresolved challenges have prolonged interim operations. Despite this, Davis maintained that the broader redevelopment process—including planning, approvals and financing—continues to move forward.
The situation has also sparked sharp political criticism. Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, accused the Davis administration of failing to deliver tangible results for Grand Bahama, describing the handling of the Grand Lucayan as emblematic of broader governance issues. “Four years, two promises, zero results,” Pintard said in a statement, referring to the government’s commitments to redevelop the resort and revitalise the island’s economy.
Pintard noted that more than 200 days have passed since the signing of the Heads of Agreement for the redevelopment, yet key details remain unclear. “After more than 200 days, the Bahamian people still have no timeline, no transparency, and no answers,” he said, adding that repeated questions from the Free National Movement have gone unanswered.
Highlighting the human impact of the delays, the Opposition leader said Grand Lucayan employees have not been paid since December 5, leaving workers “anxious, exposed, and uncertain about how they will provide for their families.” He also raised concerns about the property’s operations, claiming that water service has been disconnected at the resort, leaving a major hotel without basic utilities.
Beyond the Grand Lucayan, Pintard argued that the impasse raises questions about the government’s capacity to manage other large-scale projects in Grand Bahama, including the long-delayed redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport. “If this administration cannot manage a single property or ensure workers are paid, there is no reason for Bahamians to trust its broader promises,” he said.
The opposition has also pressed for greater clarity on the structure of the redevelopment, asking who is responsible for day-to-day operations, payroll and vendor payments, and why demolition and visible redevelopment work have yet to begin. “Where is the redevelopment plan? Why are Bahamians still being kept in the dark?” Pintard asked.
