Five days after the Rawson Square protest of the Passerine development by a group of Save Guana Cay Reef lobbyists, a press release signed by the group’s attorney, Fred Smith, accused the Prime Minister of “misleading” the public.
“I wish to correct reports in the press that the Prime Minister met or spoke briefly with the demonstrators of Guana Cay yesterday,” the release began. “He did not meet with anyone from Guana Cay yesterday or any other day!”
From as early as December of last year, residents of Guana Cay have protested the $500 million project that includes the construction of a 585-acre luxury golf course, 240 slip marina and 350 residential lots, among other amenities.
The lobby has protested the possible effects of the expansive Passerine development. The runoff of chemicals from the golf course that may seep into the ocean and eventually destroy the barrier reef and dredging for the marina that may prove destructive to a fish and sea creature estuary, have been among the harmful effects mentioned by the group.
The lobby has also reportedly protested government’s offering of crown land for part of the development on their website, www.savegaunacayreef.com.
A Guardian report on Tuesday’s protest quoted the Prime Minister as saying, “We are servants of the people. If it is the people’s desire that they do not wish to have their community benefit in this enormous way, that Abaco has been able to become the third centre of activity in our country as a result of a very dynamic tourism industry, then fine, I have no difficulty with accepting the wishes of the people.
“They, obviously, must determine whether or not they are interested in a future that is dynamic, that is strong, that is bright, because the one thing we have not compromised on, is the level of comfort of the residents of Abaco, the traditional rights of Abaconians who live on Guana Cay.”
‘Disrespectful liar’
Mr Smith’s press release further expressed the residents’ dismay during their protest in the capital “when they [entire Cabinet] failed to come out from their comfortable, air-conditioned Cabinet meeting to interact with and listen to what the people from Guana Cay had to say.” In this regard, the release stated, “the residents of Guana Cay call the Prime Minister a disrespectful liar.”
The press release also stated that the Prime Minister “lied and misled” the public in saying he consulted North Abaco MP Robert Sweeting. The release quoted statements made by the MP during an interview with Radio Abaco in which he denied having discussions with the PM about the project.
“I call on the Prime Minister to clarify this issue and to let the Bahamian public know what is the truth,” Mr Smith challenged in the release. “Did he or did he not consult with Mr Sweeting about the project before signing the Heads of Agreement and if he did so, when did he do so?”
No response
The Lobby, the release stated, has received no responses from letters sent to the Prime Minister, Ambassador for the Environment Keod Smith, the Investments Board, the Best Commission, Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard-Gibson and Minister of Health Dr Marcus Bethel.
Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts, it said, was the only minister who responded.
“So the residents of Guana Cay througout the entire process have been completely ignored,” concluded the release.
Residents of Guana Cay, the press release said, plan to “file an action” as soon the Prime Minister provides them with a copy of the Heads of Agreement.
Original news story by By Thea Rutherford, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter
