The scenario described highlights significant governance, ethical, and reputational concerns for The Bahamas and its ruling party, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

The issues surrounding Sarkis Izmirlian’s legal victory over China Construction America (CCA), coupled with past allegations of misconduct in the Baha Mar dispute, have placed the PLP government under scrutiny.

First we have an issue of Governance Accountability; The ruling against CCA, particularly the court’s findings about payments to Notarc Management Group to “curry favour” with government officials, raises questions about governance under the previous Christie administration. While the PLP attempts to distance itself from these allegations by claiming no specific person in the New Day PLP government name was called in the court filings, the broader implication is that their governance practices are under fire. Governance in a democratic system demands transparency and accountability. The ruling indicates a failure to safeguard these principles during a critical national project like Baha Mar, which has long been a symbol of economic potential and political contention.

Secondly, we have, despite the millions spent, The PLP’s apparent strategy of attempting to distance itself from the fallout—claiming institutional separation from past administrations—has not resonated well. This approach could be perceived as shirking responsibility, further damaging public trust in the government. The lack of proactive measures, such as initiating an independent inquiry or addressing the reputational risks head-on, gives the impression that the party prioritizes political expediency over national interest.

Then there is the continuing problem of what can only be described as “selective governance”. The fact that the PLP only seems to “realize they are the government at their convenience” speaks to an inconsistent application of authority and responsibility. This inconsistency is emblematic of broader governance challenges, where legal and constitutional obligations are interpreted to suit political ends rather than uphold national integrity.

But we have seen these issues play out before under the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government in the Peter Nygard Scandal; where the name of a high-ranking Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government officials were actually called, being accused of receiving bribes.

The Peter Nygard controversy, which implicated members of the PLP in a web of corruption and misconduct, serves as a cautionary parallel. In both situations, the PLP’s response has centered on deflection and damage control rather than substantive accountability.

Just as the Nygard scandal revealed vulnerabilities in the PLP’s ethical framework, the renewed focus on the Baha Mar dispute exposes enduring issues of governance and integrity within the party.

The recurring themes of deflection, denial, and a lack of proactive accountability strategies are not only detrimental to the PLP but also to The Bahamas’ reputation as a stable and transparent democracy. The implications extend beyond political optics to investor confidence, international relations, and national unity.

They may not only be detrimental to county’ reputation as a stable and democratic country, but they may also have the potential to erode investor confidence. The handling of both Baha Mar and Nygard controversies suggests a governance environment where political connections may outweigh due process/democracy. This perception risks alienating foreign investors and damaging the country’s economic prospects; and the potential to erode our national reputation; The PLP’s failure to adequately address these scandals risks tarnishing The Bahamas’ international image as a well-governed nation. The consequences could be long-term and multifaceted, impacting tourism, diplomacy, and trade.

The PLP government’s approach to the fallout from Sarkis Izmirlian’s court victory and the Baha Mar dispute reflects a broader pattern of governance challenges. The parallels with the Peter Nygard controversy underscore systemic weaknesses in accountability and ethical governance within the party.

For the PLP to regain credibility and demonstrate its commitment to the national interest, it must shift from deflection to accountability. Initiating an independent investigation or Commission of Inquiry into the Baha Mar findings would signal a willingness to confront past mistakes and establish a stronger foundation for ethical governance.

In the absence of such steps, the perception that the PLP prioritizes political survival over national integrity will persist, further eroding public trust and weakening The Bahamas’ democratic institutions. This situation serves as a stark reminder that the political choices of today will define the nation’s trajectory for years to come.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) fails for one reason; it is their nature.

END