The Department of Labour has launched an investigation after Atlantis President and Managing Director Audrey Oswell in a formal communication last month urged staff to take a stand in relation to Royal Caribbean International's (RCI) proposed $100 million beach club project on the western end of Paradise Island.
The department is seeking to determine what impact if any that communication has had or is having on staff of the resort, which is the largest private employer in The Bahamas.
The Nassau Guardian understands that department representatives descended on Atlantis yesterday issuing a survey to staff.
The survey asks several questions:
Are you aware of the public statements made by the resort managing director regarding the RCI investment?
Have you been approached by management to lobby against the project regarding RCI?
Do you feel intimidated or obligated to lobby against the RCI project?
Do you feel like you would be terminated and or disciplined if you do not comply?
The employees are also asked to indicate on the survey whether they are managers or line staff.
When asked about the survey last night, Director of Labour Robert Farquharson said, "The Department of Labour has undertaken an investigation involving Atlantis employees."
Farquharson declined to say more.
A senior tourism industry stakeholder, speaking without any expectation of attribution, indicated concerns over the government's tactics in response to Oswell.
"This is Third World Gestapo type, Putin type methods," the individual observed.
"It's really quite embarrassing. I can't think of a single instance where this has ever happened."
The Nassau Guardian understands that certain individuals in government feel the employees are being made to take a stand against the controversial project under duress.
Department of Labour representatives are reportedly expected to be on the Atlantis property again in the coming days.
It is not clear how long the entire investigation is likely to take.
The survey is just one element of the Department of Labour's investigation, which started two weeks ago.
The industry stakeholder also opined yesterday, "Should this not be resolved this can have serious implications as to the relationship government has with Atlantis and the level of investment they may wish to commit to, simply because they stated their opinion as one would be allowed to do in a democracy."
Communication
In her communication to employees in early April, Oswell said: "Many of you have expressed your support for our speaking out and asked what Atlantis team members can do to make their voices heard.
"The local economy is driven by tourism, and for the most part, tourism is driven by the beautiful waters and beaches of The Bahamas and its people.
"As part of the hospitality industry, we need to stand up and protect our livelihood. I encourage you to share your thoughts with your family and friends. Follow the review process as it unfolds and, if you feel strongly, contribute to the public dialogue."
Oswell's direct communication to Atlantis employees came several weeks after she released an op-ed highlighting the resort's concerns about what RCI is seeking to do.
She said in that March 9 piece that in response to the first presentation by RCI to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Atlantis raised over 50 questions mostly related to potential environmental threats.
She said in her communication to Atlantis colleagues that given whatever happens on Paradise Island has the potential to impact Atlantis, its guests, and all who work at the property, the resort has been paying close attention to this project ever since it was first proposed in 2020.
"The potential impact on our beaches, marine life, and water supply could be devastating if the appropriate environmental controls and practices are not carefully planned and executed," she said.
"As the leader of tourism for The Bahamas and long-time stewards of the ocean and its marine life, caring for the environment has become part of our DNA. It is at the core of who we are and what we do.
"Over the last several weeks, there has been spirited debate in the media regarding the RCI project.
"Usually, Atlantis does not take part in this type of public discussion, but we made an exception this time and I want to share the principal reasons for our concern and participation in this public dialogue.
"We sincerely hope this project's review and approval process will develop following all the necessary protocols. Unfortunately, that has yet to be our experience to date. Hence the reason for the public alarm."
On March 7, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper announced RCI's approval.
He said the project when completed will offer guests beach and water sport activities, as well as Bahamian entertainment and retail experiences.
Cooper said at full capacity the beach club will accommodate less than five percent of the cruise passenger arrivals each day.
"We anticipate this development will attract more tourists off the ships and will, therefore, have minimal adverse impact on existing businesses," he added.
Cooper said final approval of the project is subject to submission and approval of a standard environmental impact assessment (EIA) and an environmental management plan.
The following day, the prime minister said he expected ground to be broken on the project "almost immediately".
Cooper later assured "broad public consultation" will take place before the final approval is given.
Responding to Oswell in March, he said, "[The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection] is aware of the questions raised by Atlantis and I am satisfied that these questions will be addressed as a part of the normal process.
"The Bahamas has one of the most stringent processes in the world for environmental protection regarding developments. That process will be followed for all developments in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas."
RCI announced yesterday that it will hold an additional public consultation in conjunction with DEPP on June 8.
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