Developers behind the controversial $175 million Baker’s Bay project at Great Guana Cay yesterday confirmed to The Tribune they had “resumed some activities” at the project site after the courts ruled they could be relieved from June 1 onwards of their previous undertaking not to do any new work.
Dr Livingstone Marshall, senior vice-president of environmental and community affairs for the Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club; told The Tribune that the developers were “really focused” on construction of a $2.5 million service pier on the island, part of the Abacos chain.
He explained that this would allow the developers, San Francisco-based Discovery Land Company, to bring materials and equipment on to the island. The service pier would also be open to use by the local population.
Discovery Land Company has resumed work on Great Guana Cay following a Court of Appeal verdict that relieved it of the undertaking given on November 22, 2005, in which it promised not to do any more work at the development site.
It gave the undertaking on condition that the legal action being brought by the Save Guana Cay Reef Association, which is attempting to stop the development, be heard on its merits in the Supreme Court by the end of January 2006.
After several delays, Acting Justice Norris Carroll heard the trial on its merits in February, but has yet to deliver his verdict. As a result, Discovery Land Company successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal last month that its interests were being harmed by the length of time being taken to decide the Supreme Court case.
Dr Marshall yesterday told The Tribune that Discovery Land Company was continuing with its permit and approval applications to the Government, particularly for subdivisions.
He added: “We’ve just about completed subdivision activities for Phase I, and are looking at starting up permits and applications for Phase II. We’re looking at the marina, and hope to soon put that in.”
Fred Smith, attorney for the Save Guana Cay Reef Association, has since filed a motion with the Court of Appeal, seeking to appeal their decision to relieve Discovery Land Company of its undertaking to the Privy Council.
Dr Marshall said the developers were neither concerned nor surprised by this, adding that Mr Smith had long indicated that he and his clients would be prepared to take their case to the highest
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
