bahamar

The Sarkis Izmirlian and CCA–Baha Mar debacle became a decade-long legal, financial and reputational saga for the Bahamas.

The two entities came to an agreement to settle the multi-billion damages.

Mr Izmirlian, in a statement said: “We are pleased to have put this matter behind us and reached a resolution that meets our expectations.

“The economic impact of Baha Mar will be felt for decades to come, and we remain proud to have been the visionaries behind this landmark development. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of The Bahamas for their unwavering support and the many letters of encouragement throughout the past decade.”

It is not known how much CCA will pay Izmirlian, but a form of “cash payment” will be paid within 30 days of the federal bankruptcy court approving the settlement deal.

The settlement protects Downtown Nassau resorts and jobs. But, it raises big questions about transparency and foreign contractors.

Here’s a timeline of key events in the China Construction America (CCA) / Baha Mar debacle, capturing how the dispute unfolded and where things stand now after the 2025 settlement.

From Mega-Project to Multi-Billion Dollar Settlement

2011 – The Dream Begins
China Construction America (CCA) is hired as the main contractor for the $3.5B Baha Mar mega-resort on Cable Beach.

May 2014 – Early 2015 – Warning Signs
Deadlines repeatedly missed
Workers were allegedly pulled from the site
Claims of mismanagement and deception
Opening date collapses

June 2015 – Project Implodes

Baha Mar files for bankruptcy protection.
Thousands of jobs are left in limbo.
The largest private investment in Bahamian history fails.

2017 – The Lawsuit
Developer Sarkis Izmirlian (BML Properties) sues CCA for fraud and breach of contract in New York.

October 2024 – Court Shockwaves
A New York jury rules in favour of BML Properties
CCA is ordered to pay over $1.6 BILLION in damages.

Late 2024 – Early 2025 – Pushback & Appeals
CCA calls the ruling “flawed” and appeals
Winding-up petitions threaten CCA-affiliated companies in The Bahamas.

November 13, 2025 – Court Orders Mediation
A U.S. bankruptcy judge forces both sides into settlement talks
Goal: Avoid liquidation of Bahamian resort assets

November 20–23, 2025 – A Deal Is Reached
Both parties sign a confidential settlement
The billion-dollar legal war officially ends

November 26, 2025 – Settlement Announced
All lawsuits withdrawn
Winding-up petitions dropped
CCA keeps ownership of British Colonial & Margaritaville
Operations and jobs protected

Mourners gathered near the site where Eunique ‘Nickey’ Munroe, the young woman who lost her life last week Monday, overturned in a golf cart as she drove up a course.

She was found submerged in water and reported to have drowned in the canal at Baha Mar  lastweek.

Eunique was 38 years old and an employee at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Club.

Friends remembered her as a “sweet and cheerful” individual who was “well loved.”

The sister of the woman who died when the golf cart she was driving, overturned in a canal at a golf course, is in disbelief and never imagined her life would end this way.

“Nick, my baby. I never dream in a million years that I would be here saying, ‘I can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” Juteria Munroe said in a social media post.

Thirty-eight-year-old Eunique ‘Nickey’ Munroe died on Monday when the golf cart became submerged in a canal at the golf course at Baha Mar Resort.

“We made plans girl. How in the world [did] this happened?

“I’m trying my best to be strong but you don’t understand that this pain and hurt will not go away,” she said.

Eunique was an employee of the mega-resort and was in a cart belonging to the course when she rode the pathway of the golf course before ending up in the canal.

She was discovered and was taken to the hospital but later died. Police confirmed that she drowned. Reports are that she was carrying items to a hotel guest. It is not known how long Eunique was submerged in the water before she was found.

Juteria, the eldest sister moved to Canada and had been away from her family since 2019. Though miles apart, she remained in contact with Eunique.

“Even though we were miles away, our daily conversation made us feel so close by,” she said.

“Who am I going to message late hours of the night? I am still waiting for someone to wake me up from this horrible nightmare.”

Juteria said she is praying for strength and comfort to get through this difficult time. “Lord I need all the strength you can give right now because this is not easy on me.

“I’m still in disbelief and I can’t stop crying. I will always love you. Your heartbroken best sister is still waiting on you to call.”

A woman is dead after the golf cart she was driving, overturned in a canal at the golf course at Baha Mar Resort on Monday.

Thirty-eight-year-old Eunique ‘Nickey’ Munroe was an employee of the mega-resort and was in a cart belonging to the course. She was riding on the pathway of the golf course before ending up in the canal around 4:20 pm.

Police indicated that she operated the golf course at the time of the incident. When she was discovered, she was taken to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

It is not known how long Munroe was submerged in the water before she was found.  But reports are that she was carrying items to a hotel guest before the freak accident occurred.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said because the country handled the COVID-19 pandemic properly, tourism numbers are soaring at a time when travel demand is high.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Baha Bay, Baha Mar’s beachfront water park, Minnis praised the success of the health protocols as recent tourism arrivals from the United States to the country increase.

“The Bahamas is coming back,” he said.

“Scores of jobs and economic opportunities for Bahamians, including new opportunities, are on the way.

“We are coming back stronger than ever. Indeed, today is yet another wonderful and powerful sign of the recovery and revival of The Bahamas.

“Our major tourism market is the United States of America. They have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, and their economy is growing robustly.

“After over a year and a half of challenges, Americans are ready to travel.

“The Bahamas is a nearby, well-known destination that managed the pandemic well. The sacrifices we made to abide by the public health rules are paying off.”

Minnis said the country is open for business and is preparing to welcome guests at its hotels and vacation rental properties.

“In recent months our visitors have returned in large numbers.

“Airports are busy.

“Resorts are reporting increased occupancy levels.

“Cruise ships have returned – and there are more to come.

“Some ships are even home-porting, bringing added economic benefits to our country for resorts, taxi and tour drivers and other tourism service providers.

“The vacation rental market is experiencing tremendous growth.

Minnis noted the changes to the tourism market before COVID-19 which was based on the winter months and holiday periods. But pent-up travel demands have transformed the country’s tourism market.

“…more and more renters are now seeing bookings throughout the year. This is a very promising sign for Bahamians in the rental market,” he said.

Hundreds of Bahamians are set to return to work at the Rosewood Baha Mar as it plans to reopen on March 4.

Why it matters

Thousands of Bahamians were furloughed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as major resorts closed their doors when the country’s border was shut to prevent further spread of the infectious disease.

The resort reopened Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar Casino and a few other restaurants and amenities in December.  The Rosewood would be part of its final reopening phase as the hotel welcomes guests back to its resorts.

Other details

—Rosewood would reopen with Café Boulud The Bahamas which will offer the glamour of traditional French cuisine combined with the warm hospitality of a neighborhood café in a sophisticated Bahamian setting.

—It will be led by the globally renowned Chef Daniel Boulud.

—The menu will be inspired by Boulud’s four culinary muses – La Tradition, La Saison, La Mer and Le Voyage – in order to create a unique menu that will highlight the seasonality of local Caribbean ingredients.

—Featuring some of the classical French dishes synonymous with Chef Daniel, Café Boulud will also showcase local vegetables and seafood, along with signature dishes like Paupiette of Sea Bass.

Featured image: Rosewood Baha Mar