Employees of La Dolce Vita, The Pub at Port Lucaya (formerly Pussers) and the new and exotic EAST sushi restaurant arrived at work last week to find the doors locked and no explanation as to what was happening. Within hours, it was public knowledge that the businesses' owner, Rick Hayward, was in default to his landlord of ten months rent. Mr. Hayward immediately went public, acknowledging that he owed over $200,000 and promising to pay his staff. Within a few days, his company was in arbitration discussions with Port Lucaya Marketplace and it was then announced that the three popular eateries would be re-opened by weekend.
Freeport, Grand Bahama is currently in an economic downturn, with much less tourist arrivals and rampant unemployment. The 75 employees directly affected by this situation are certainly happy they don't have to look for a new job in a town that has none to offer.
"The parties should fully appreciate that
the lingering dispute is negatively affecting the lives and collective
future of the residents of Grand Bahama, and ultimately, the Bahamas.
The personal agendas, egos and lack of effective communication are
hampering potential investments and stagnating Grand Bahama.
Stop muddying the waters when there are fish to be caught. Stop playing the fiddle while our city burns. And stop holding our futures in limbo while we wonder where our next paycheck is coming from." - from "Stop Playing the Fiddle While Our City Burns" by Erik J. Russell, Bahama Islands Info
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