After pledging to pay out $7.5 million this month to cover the salaries of 2,400 Baha Mar workers, the government announced last night that it paid $2 million to the Bahamian employees at Baha Mar to cover their salaries.
The payments were made directly to the employees' bank accounts and cover the period ending June 28, according to a statement from the government.

"The government is committed to ensuring the successful opening of Baha Mar as the project is of great national importance," read the statement.

"To this end, the government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that all parties come to the negotiation table on equal footing and that the national interest of The Bahamas is front and center."

On Thursday, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson announced that the government will pay out $7.5 million this month to cover the salaries of 2,400 Baha Mar workers, but she did not confirm whether this includes the company's foreign workers.

When asked how the foreign workers would be impacted by the decision, Maynard-Gibson said, "We are waiting for the information from Baha Mar."

Baha Mar filed for bankruptcy in the United States on Monday afternoon and advised the majority of its local workforce not to return to work until further notice.

Baha Mar Chairman Sarkis Izmirlian said in a letter to the workers on Monday that they will remain on the payroll for "a period".

Though Baha Mar was granted approval by a U.S. judge on Wednesday to pay its employee salaries, benefits as well as severance, the orders can only take effect in The Bahamas if a Bahamian judge approves them.

Justice Ian Winder deferred his decision on whether he would approve the order to grant the company access to $30 million in debtor in possession funding.

The matter was adjourned to Tuesday when Winder is expected to make a decision on Baha Mar's application.
Responding to the decision, Baha Mar warned that it may soon have to take "drastic and regrettable steps, including staff reductions".

More than 200 workers marched yesterday in carnival-like fashion on West Bay Street in support of the company's chief executive officer, Sarkis Izmirlian, and what some called the "Baha Mar dream". Yesterday, the government said once completed, Baha Mar will be a world-class resort that will attract visitors to The Bahamas.

"We must all work together to ensure its successful opening," the government said.

"The prime minister continues to encourage all parties to return to the negotiating table.

"The government will continue to take decisive measures, while at the same time prioritizing the interest of The Bahamas and all Bahamians."

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