By Dennis Dames:
Did the Environment Minister actually resigned, or did he offered his resignation to the prime minister – in light of revelations that he had accepted a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter while he had an application before his Ministry?
There is a distinct difference between a resignation, and offering to do the same; so what exactly did the minister do? If the minister was genuine about quitting over the much talked about and legitimate issue – then he would have done the honorable thing; and no one could have changed his mind - in my opinion.
The story got even more embarrassing: Dr Deveaux admitted he accepted a free ride in the Aga Khan's 12-seater luxury helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco with his wife and two friends before going on to the Aga Khan's private island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park with Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executives to do a land assessment.
How foolish could a government minister be? This is a clear case of conflict of interest that deserves a complete public explanation without further insult on the minister’s behalf.
According to newspaper reports: When Ms Roker's co-host interjected: "So you tendered your resignation?"
"Absolutely," Dr Deveaux said.
How dishonest could Dr. Earl Deveaux be?
Well, if the answer is “absolutely” – then how is it that the environment minister Deveaux is still the environment minister Deveaux?
The answer is clear for all to see; there was NO RESIGNATION!
To add insult to injury, the minister stated further in the press - the following: Dr Deveaux said: "This is not a matter where a minister was compromised in any decision he was making, or in any action he did, and if it is, then every government elected by the Bahamian people should summarily resign, because you find me one that did not use the boat, the plane, the golf cart, or the means to do their job."
Minister Deveaux incriminated himself by the following in my view: Recalling the meals he has shared with investors, and a boat trip when his offer to pay for gas was turned down, Dr Deveaux said the notion these actions compromise his ability to function objectively as Minister of the Environment is "ridiculous".
He maintains he frequently travels in planes and boats belonging to developers, including a plane to see the Ginn project in West End, Grand Bahama, and a boat belonging to the developers of Baker's Bay in Abaco, as he said such means are often necessary for viewing development sites.
To put the icing on the minister’s cake of insult, the following was attributed to him: And Dr Deveaux said the actions he takes are transparent and acceptable by reasonable people.
I imagined that reasonable people are all of us who accept the old saying: The more things change, the more they remain the same.
God help us all.
Bahamas Blog International
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Earl Deveaux - Environment Minister - Resignation Sought Over Billionaire Islamic Leader - The Aga Khan Matter
Calls made for Earl Deveaux to resign
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
CALLS were made yesterday for the resignation of Environment Minister Earl Deveaux over plans to develop Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Dr Deveaux said he was minded to approve plans submitted by Island of Discovery Limited, understood to be billionaire Islamic leader the Aga Khan. He also admitted accepting a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco before going on to Bell Island with BNT executives the next day.
However, former PLP MP Philip Smith said: "Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
"In late 2006, Shane Gibson, quite correctly, resigned from Cabinet in a similar matter involving a permanent residency permit for an American entertainer.
"Maybe when he tenders his resignation from Cabinet, Dr Deveaux will also tell the Bahamian public how much it will take to buy him since he claims he does not 'think a helicopter ride could buy' him.
"I look forward to reading the resignation statement; or failing this, the letter of dismissal from the Prime Minister."
Plans to dredge and excavate at least 8.8 acres of marine sand flats, rock and vegetation for two channels, 12ft and 14ft deep, a barge landing and 20 slip yacht basin, as well as roads across the 349-acre island, have been passed on to the BNT for their input, Dr Deveaux said.
But after they were revealed in The Tribune yesterday, conservationists opposed to any development in the park expressed further concerns over allegations the BNT accepted a $1 million donation from the Aga Khan last year.
Sam Duncombe, from conservation group reEarth, said: "By allowing development in the park, they are destroying the natural beauty, the ecological diversity and history associated with being the first marine park started in the world.
"Does a million dollars negate this critically important focus?
"If this is the case, the BNT hierarchy should resign immediately followed closely by the Minister for the Environment, because it's painfully clear that they have abandoned their directives."
BNT executive director Eric Carey refused to comment on whether the Trust accepted a donation from the Aga Khan, nor would he state the Trust's position on the Bell Island development despite being the usual spokesman for the Trust.
"This isn't an environmental issue anymore," Mr Carey said.
"It's getting too political.
"This requires input from the board so I will let the president know that a statement is expected and he will meet with his colleagues on the board to address all of the concerns that have been raised."
He said BNT president Neil McKinney is expected to return to Nassau next week.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by Florida consultants Turrel, Hall and Associates Ltd concluded the development would not have a significant environmental impact and the planning applications state "no negative environmental impacts expected".
But in an area where fishermen are arrested for taking anything within the 112.6 acre park, the possibility of approving plans to dredge and excavate in a zone that has been protected since 1958 has astounded former Exuma MP and PLP Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries George Smith.
He said: "We will arrest a Bahamian from Black Point who passes through the cays and catches a few fish, but we're going to let a man come in, because he's Mr So-and-so, and do dredging to 15ft?
"If it was John Brown from Long Island I think it would be a different story.
"I cannot envision that we would want to see that in the park, where after the dredging, the silt will settle on reefs and on shoals in an area that has not been disrupted from the day it was made a park."
September 15, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
CALLS were made yesterday for the resignation of Environment Minister Earl Deveaux over plans to develop Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Dr Deveaux said he was minded to approve plans submitted by Island of Discovery Limited, understood to be billionaire Islamic leader the Aga Khan. He also admitted accepting a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco before going on to Bell Island with BNT executives the next day.
However, former PLP MP Philip Smith said: "Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
"In late 2006, Shane Gibson, quite correctly, resigned from Cabinet in a similar matter involving a permanent residency permit for an American entertainer.
"Maybe when he tenders his resignation from Cabinet, Dr Deveaux will also tell the Bahamian public how much it will take to buy him since he claims he does not 'think a helicopter ride could buy' him.
"I look forward to reading the resignation statement; or failing this, the letter of dismissal from the Prime Minister."
Plans to dredge and excavate at least 8.8 acres of marine sand flats, rock and vegetation for two channels, 12ft and 14ft deep, a barge landing and 20 slip yacht basin, as well as roads across the 349-acre island, have been passed on to the BNT for their input, Dr Deveaux said.
But after they were revealed in The Tribune yesterday, conservationists opposed to any development in the park expressed further concerns over allegations the BNT accepted a $1 million donation from the Aga Khan last year.
Sam Duncombe, from conservation group reEarth, said: "By allowing development in the park, they are destroying the natural beauty, the ecological diversity and history associated with being the first marine park started in the world.
"Does a million dollars negate this critically important focus?
"If this is the case, the BNT hierarchy should resign immediately followed closely by the Minister for the Environment, because it's painfully clear that they have abandoned their directives."
BNT executive director Eric Carey refused to comment on whether the Trust accepted a donation from the Aga Khan, nor would he state the Trust's position on the Bell Island development despite being the usual spokesman for the Trust.
"This isn't an environmental issue anymore," Mr Carey said.
"It's getting too political.
"This requires input from the board so I will let the president know that a statement is expected and he will meet with his colleagues on the board to address all of the concerns that have been raised."
He said BNT president Neil McKinney is expected to return to Nassau next week.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by Florida consultants Turrel, Hall and Associates Ltd concluded the development would not have a significant environmental impact and the planning applications state "no negative environmental impacts expected".
But in an area where fishermen are arrested for taking anything within the 112.6 acre park, the possibility of approving plans to dredge and excavate in a zone that has been protected since 1958 has astounded former Exuma MP and PLP Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries George Smith.
He said: "We will arrest a Bahamian from Black Point who passes through the cays and catches a few fish, but we're going to let a man come in, because he's Mr So-and-so, and do dredging to 15ft?
"If it was John Brown from Long Island I think it would be a different story.
"I cannot envision that we would want to see that in the park, where after the dredging, the silt will settle on reefs and on shoals in an area that has not been disrupted from the day it was made a park."
September 15, 2010
tribune242
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Bahamas is in a national security crisis that’s growing - and the country’s longstanding drug and gang war has only exacerbated the problem
Drug Gangs At War
By IANTHIA SMITH
The country is in a national security crisis, according to the Chairman of the National Youth Council.
In fact, Pastor Dave Burrows said he is not sure if there is an end in sight.
"I think we have a national security crisis that’s growing," he said yesterday while appearing as a guest on Love 97’s daily talk show "Issues of the Day" with host Wendall Jones.
"I don’t see a solution in sight. I see us working in different avenues to try and contain it, but I don’t see a solution in sight."
With 66 homicides already on the books for 2010 and a spate of armed robberies, shootings, stabbings and drug busts still posing a problem, authorities are constantly seeking to allay fears with the reminder that the situation is under control.
But many Bahamians are inclined to agree with Pastor Burrows.
Pastor Burrows has worked tirelessly for years with the country’s youth in a bid to save many of them from the world of drugs, crime and murder at time.
The Bahamas Christian Council once called for the National Youth Service Restorative Programme for Boys to be expanded to include a cross-section of Bahamian youth.
But the programme has since been scrapped.
According to police officials, of the 76 males murdered in 2009, 25 of the victims were under the age of 25.
Fifty-seven males have been murdered so far this year. Police said of this figure, 21 of the victims were under the age of 25.
Echoing sentiments recently expressed by noted psychiatrist Dr. David Allen, Pastor Burrows believes the country’s longstanding drug and gang war has only exacerbated the problem.
"You have a lot of drug retaliation and the incentive to kill in the drug business is higher than in any other business," he said.
But while Pastor Burrows believes the country’s national security is being threatened by the criminal element, he does not place the blame squarely at the government’s feet.
"Basically, in order for society to change, values need to change. You can give a guy a job, but if he has the wrong value system he would still rob people," he said.
"You can develop all kinds of programmes, but if on the inside, people are corrupt or their pursuit is corrupt and they are engrained in negative pursuits, no matter where you place them you will probably still end up with the same results and I don’t see a lot of [change] when it comes to changing the value system. I think our value system is deteriorating rather than getting better."
September 14th, 2010
By IANTHIA SMITH
The country is in a national security crisis, according to the Chairman of the National Youth Council.
In fact, Pastor Dave Burrows said he is not sure if there is an end in sight.
"I think we have a national security crisis that’s growing," he said yesterday while appearing as a guest on Love 97’s daily talk show "Issues of the Day" with host Wendall Jones.
"I don’t see a solution in sight. I see us working in different avenues to try and contain it, but I don’t see a solution in sight."
With 66 homicides already on the books for 2010 and a spate of armed robberies, shootings, stabbings and drug busts still posing a problem, authorities are constantly seeking to allay fears with the reminder that the situation is under control.
But many Bahamians are inclined to agree with Pastor Burrows.
Pastor Burrows has worked tirelessly for years with the country’s youth in a bid to save many of them from the world of drugs, crime and murder at time.
The Bahamas Christian Council once called for the National Youth Service Restorative Programme for Boys to be expanded to include a cross-section of Bahamian youth.
But the programme has since been scrapped.
According to police officials, of the 76 males murdered in 2009, 25 of the victims were under the age of 25.
Fifty-seven males have been murdered so far this year. Police said of this figure, 21 of the victims were under the age of 25.
Echoing sentiments recently expressed by noted psychiatrist Dr. David Allen, Pastor Burrows believes the country’s longstanding drug and gang war has only exacerbated the problem.
"You have a lot of drug retaliation and the incentive to kill in the drug business is higher than in any other business," he said.
But while Pastor Burrows believes the country’s national security is being threatened by the criminal element, he does not place the blame squarely at the government’s feet.
"Basically, in order for society to change, values need to change. You can give a guy a job, but if he has the wrong value system he would still rob people," he said.
"You can develop all kinds of programmes, but if on the inside, people are corrupt or their pursuit is corrupt and they are engrained in negative pursuits, no matter where you place them you will probably still end up with the same results and I don’t see a lot of [change] when it comes to changing the value system. I think our value system is deteriorating rather than getting better."
September 14th, 2010
Conflicting statements on when hundreds of acres of publicly-owned land would be transfered to Baha Mar
CONFLICT IN BAHA MAR STATEMENTS
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com:
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Baha Mar have both made statements in recent days about the planned $2.6 billion deal at Cable Beach, but there appears to be conflicting statements related to when hundreds of acres of publicly-owned land would be transfered to Baha Mar.
In bringing the Baha Mar resolution to Parliament last week, Ingraham laid out, among other matters, issues related to how the land deal would be structured.
"Because of the conditions precedent set by Baha Mar's financiers the Export-Import Bank of China and the China Construction Engineering Company these lands are required to be transferred in advance of the start of construction of the project,"the prime minister said.
However, Baha Mar claimed two days later that,"The government lands will only be transferred after construction starts and the financing is formally in place."
In total, Baha Mar will receive 264.965 acres of government-owned and Crown lands for the development.
As reported earlier, Ingraham has said these lands will only be transferred for the expressed purpose of facilitating the development and should the development not proceed the land must return to the government.
According to Baha Mar,it will pay $62.6 million to acquire the government land on which the Wyndham Resort and the Nassau Beach Hotel sit, and the parcels occupied by the nearby Fidelity Bank and old Hobby Horse Hall.
Under the deal the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre which currently houses the Office of the Prime Minister will be transferred to Baha Mar, in return for a cash payment to the government of$18 million and 2.259 acres of land.
Baha Mar has said the project is completedly owned by the Izmirlian family.
The Chinese will only finance and construct the project, according to the company.
9/14/2010
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com:
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Baha Mar have both made statements in recent days about the planned $2.6 billion deal at Cable Beach, but there appears to be conflicting statements related to when hundreds of acres of publicly-owned land would be transfered to Baha Mar.
In bringing the Baha Mar resolution to Parliament last week, Ingraham laid out, among other matters, issues related to how the land deal would be structured.
"Because of the conditions precedent set by Baha Mar's financiers the Export-Import Bank of China and the China Construction Engineering Company these lands are required to be transferred in advance of the start of construction of the project,"the prime minister said.
However, Baha Mar claimed two days later that,"The government lands will only be transferred after construction starts and the financing is formally in place."
In total, Baha Mar will receive 264.965 acres of government-owned and Crown lands for the development.
As reported earlier, Ingraham has said these lands will only be transferred for the expressed purpose of facilitating the development and should the development not proceed the land must return to the government.
According to Baha Mar,it will pay $62.6 million to acquire the government land on which the Wyndham Resort and the Nassau Beach Hotel sit, and the parcels occupied by the nearby Fidelity Bank and old Hobby Horse Hall.
Under the deal the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre which currently houses the Office of the Prime Minister will be transferred to Baha Mar, in return for a cash payment to the government of$18 million and 2.259 acres of land.
Baha Mar has said the project is completedly owned by the Izmirlian family.
The Chinese will only finance and construct the project, according to the company.
9/14/2010
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) called for the Free National Movement (FNM) government to alter its position on the current structure of the Urban Renewal Programme (URP)
PLP calls for FNM to change position on Urban Renewal
tribune242
THE Progressive Liberal Party has again called for the Free National Movement government to alter its position on the current structure of the Urban Renewal Programme (URP) after Jamaica began reporting that its community policing programme is yielding results in that country.
The PLP said it is reported that the Jamaican Constabulary revitalised their community policing programme in the area known as "Tivoli Gardens", which is commonly regarded as one of the most violent areas in Jamaica.
A party statement said: "It is reported that community policing was nonexistent or very challenging in that area. Following the joint police/military operation of June 24, 2010 in Tivoli Gardens, the police are now able to go in there, step by step and win back the community through engaging the people in a new partnership. This is precisely how Urban Renewal was structured - the police would go into an area and conduct an assessment. Challenges relating to crime, disorder and social ills would be identified and addressed and then community policing officers would be there to sustain the efforts," the party said.
The PLP's statement claims this is how the party had structured the URP and it "worked".
"Jamaica along with all the other Caribbean countries that form the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) had the benefit of firsthand experience when they came to the Bahamas to witness for themselves the URP in operation. Further, Paul Farquharson, former Commissioner of Police made several presentations to these countries on URP and they have all embarked on introducing what we had established in the Bahamas.
"The URP won the ACCP Community Policing Award in 2003 for being the best (and most progressive) community policing programme in the Caribbean. Yet, the FNM Government cancelled the Programme. After much pressure, The FNM introduced a 'watered down' version of the Programme when other countries are now boasting of success," the statement read.
The PLP said they can confirm this is the case since the language contained in the report is attributed to research and documents from the URP that were shared with the Bahamas' Caribbean counterparts.
"The PLP invites the FNM Government to put aside its political differences to avoid further crime, social disorder and neighbourhood decay. The country's murder rate alone has already exceeded 65 cases and there are still three months left in 2010. The Bahamas has never seen such unprecedented killings and violence. This has all occurred since the 'altering' of the URP under the FNM Government.
"As a matter of fact, the Bahamas has recorded two record-breaking homicide rates (in 2007 and in 2009) and is on track for another record under the FNM administration. The significance is that most of these murders occurred in the areas where potent URPs once existed.
"The PLP has concluded that part of the solution lies within the URP as it was structured under the PLP. Return the Police to URP without further delay. This is time for action and the PLP stands ready to partner with the FNM to make our country safe again for our residents and visitors alike," the party said.
September 13, 2010
tribune242
tribune242
THE Progressive Liberal Party has again called for the Free National Movement government to alter its position on the current structure of the Urban Renewal Programme (URP) after Jamaica began reporting that its community policing programme is yielding results in that country.
The PLP said it is reported that the Jamaican Constabulary revitalised their community policing programme in the area known as "Tivoli Gardens", which is commonly regarded as one of the most violent areas in Jamaica.
A party statement said: "It is reported that community policing was nonexistent or very challenging in that area. Following the joint police/military operation of June 24, 2010 in Tivoli Gardens, the police are now able to go in there, step by step and win back the community through engaging the people in a new partnership. This is precisely how Urban Renewal was structured - the police would go into an area and conduct an assessment. Challenges relating to crime, disorder and social ills would be identified and addressed and then community policing officers would be there to sustain the efforts," the party said.
The PLP's statement claims this is how the party had structured the URP and it "worked".
"Jamaica along with all the other Caribbean countries that form the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) had the benefit of firsthand experience when they came to the Bahamas to witness for themselves the URP in operation. Further, Paul Farquharson, former Commissioner of Police made several presentations to these countries on URP and they have all embarked on introducing what we had established in the Bahamas.
"The URP won the ACCP Community Policing Award in 2003 for being the best (and most progressive) community policing programme in the Caribbean. Yet, the FNM Government cancelled the Programme. After much pressure, The FNM introduced a 'watered down' version of the Programme when other countries are now boasting of success," the statement read.
The PLP said they can confirm this is the case since the language contained in the report is attributed to research and documents from the URP that were shared with the Bahamas' Caribbean counterparts.
"The PLP invites the FNM Government to put aside its political differences to avoid further crime, social disorder and neighbourhood decay. The country's murder rate alone has already exceeded 65 cases and there are still three months left in 2010. The Bahamas has never seen such unprecedented killings and violence. This has all occurred since the 'altering' of the URP under the FNM Government.
"As a matter of fact, the Bahamas has recorded two record-breaking homicide rates (in 2007 and in 2009) and is on track for another record under the FNM administration. The significance is that most of these murders occurred in the areas where potent URPs once existed.
"The PLP has concluded that part of the solution lies within the URP as it was structured under the PLP. Return the Police to URP without further delay. This is time for action and the PLP stands ready to partner with the FNM to make our country safe again for our residents and visitors alike," the party said.
September 13, 2010
tribune242
Monday, September 13, 2010
Raynard Rigby - Former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman - Urges The Opposition To Reject Baha Mar Developers 8,150 Chinese Workers Proposal For Its $2.6 Billion Cable Beach Redevelopment Project
Former PLP chairman questions the need for 8,150 Chinese workers
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party chairman Raynard Rigby is urging the opposition to reject the "absurd" notion that Baha Mar developers need 8,150 Chinese workers to construct the $2.6 billion project.
Mr Rigby, partner of law firm Gibson, Rigby and Co, questioned how the PLP could support the proposal in face of a high unemployment rate, suggesting this did not coincide with the group's ideology of being the party of the working man.
"We should reject as absurd the need for 8,150 Chinese workers. Unemployment is reaching 25 per cent. How can the party of the working man agree to such a move without causing irreparable damage to our philosophy?"
Mr Rigby added that the party should only throw its full support behind the Cable Beach redevelopment if the current deal is the same one the PLP left on the table when they lost the general election in 2007.
Over the past few weeks, key members of the PLP have been meeting with trade unionists, Baha Mar officials, and stakeholders in the construction industry in order to formulate an informed position on the current deal.
However, Mr Rigby thinks the party should expand its discussions to public forums in order to glean a clear consensus on party supporters' concerns.
"The views of the unions and other civil groups do not represent the views of the PLP. This is a matter of national importance and the PLP should be taking the leadership on this issue by talking to the Bahamian people ... talking to them and not at them.
"We therefore should go throughout the country seeking the views and opinions of the Bahamian people, that is what a responsible opposition would do that is serious about winning the next general election. This cannot be a deal made in a dark room with the selected few," said Mr Rigby in a letter sent to PLP Leader Perry Christie, a copy of which The Tribune obtained.
The lawyer also cautioned officials in the party to analyse whether the Chinese involvement in Baha Mar will truly benefit the country in the long run, drawing examples with this deal and the Hutchinson Whampoa port, operated by a Hong Kong shipping giant.
"We must assess the Chinese involvement in this deal by looking at their impact in Freeport in the tourism product? Have they assisted with bringing Chinese tourists to Freeport? Have they demonstrated that they are resort/hotel savvy? It seems that the product in Freeport has declined and that no leadership has been brought by the Chinese. How do we know that the same dilemma won't occur at Cable Beach," he asked.
He also criticised statements made by Obie Wilchombe, leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly, who said there is "no chance in hell" that the party would abstain from voting on government's Baha Mar labour resolution.
"I thought that this was a mistake as it came too early in the development of the party's strategy," said Mr Rigby.
Last week, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham tabled a labour resolution which would pave the way for the approval of work permits for 8,150 Chinese workers on the Baha Mar project in the House of Assembly.
Parliamentarians are expected to vote on the resolution later this month.
September 13, 2010
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party chairman Raynard Rigby is urging the opposition to reject the "absurd" notion that Baha Mar developers need 8,150 Chinese workers to construct the $2.6 billion project.
Mr Rigby, partner of law firm Gibson, Rigby and Co, questioned how the PLP could support the proposal in face of a high unemployment rate, suggesting this did not coincide with the group's ideology of being the party of the working man.
"We should reject as absurd the need for 8,150 Chinese workers. Unemployment is reaching 25 per cent. How can the party of the working man agree to such a move without causing irreparable damage to our philosophy?"
Mr Rigby added that the party should only throw its full support behind the Cable Beach redevelopment if the current deal is the same one the PLP left on the table when they lost the general election in 2007.
Over the past few weeks, key members of the PLP have been meeting with trade unionists, Baha Mar officials, and stakeholders in the construction industry in order to formulate an informed position on the current deal.
However, Mr Rigby thinks the party should expand its discussions to public forums in order to glean a clear consensus on party supporters' concerns.
"The views of the unions and other civil groups do not represent the views of the PLP. This is a matter of national importance and the PLP should be taking the leadership on this issue by talking to the Bahamian people ... talking to them and not at them.
"We therefore should go throughout the country seeking the views and opinions of the Bahamian people, that is what a responsible opposition would do that is serious about winning the next general election. This cannot be a deal made in a dark room with the selected few," said Mr Rigby in a letter sent to PLP Leader Perry Christie, a copy of which The Tribune obtained.
The lawyer also cautioned officials in the party to analyse whether the Chinese involvement in Baha Mar will truly benefit the country in the long run, drawing examples with this deal and the Hutchinson Whampoa port, operated by a Hong Kong shipping giant.
"We must assess the Chinese involvement in this deal by looking at their impact in Freeport in the tourism product? Have they assisted with bringing Chinese tourists to Freeport? Have they demonstrated that they are resort/hotel savvy? It seems that the product in Freeport has declined and that no leadership has been brought by the Chinese. How do we know that the same dilemma won't occur at Cable Beach," he asked.
He also criticised statements made by Obie Wilchombe, leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly, who said there is "no chance in hell" that the party would abstain from voting on government's Baha Mar labour resolution.
"I thought that this was a mistake as it came too early in the development of the party's strategy," said Mr Rigby.
Last week, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham tabled a labour resolution which would pave the way for the approval of work permits for 8,150 Chinese workers on the Baha Mar project in the House of Assembly.
Parliamentarians are expected to vote on the resolution later this month.
September 13, 2010
tribune242
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sir Baltron Bethel: The Baha Mar project is one of the pillars for the continued expansion and development of the tourism industry
SIR BALTRON BIG ON BAH MAR
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com:
The planned transfer of more than 264 acres of publicly-owned land to the Baha Mar developers would be justified given the tremendous benefits the project would provide for the country, according to Sir Baltron Bethel, who was the chief negotiator for the deal under the Christie government.
"I think that both the original agreement and the supplemental agreement were fair agreements, having been involved with those,"said Sir Baltron, who spoke after he was approached by The Nassau Guardian for an interview yesterday.
"I say that because of what the project is all about. The project is one of the pillars for the continued expansion and development of the tourism industry.
"The Cable Beach resort area is tired and in order to put it right it needed a vision, a plan. Now it could be argued that this project could have been approached in phases, however, the developers'concept was to do the project all one time."
Sir Baltron served as managing director of the Hotel Corporation and also investments and tourism development consultant for the government. He spent many hours helping to arrive at a deal that former Prime Minister Perry Christie had repeatedly said would be transformational.
Unlike Kerzner International's Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, the Baha Mar project would not be developed in separate phases, Sir Baltron pointed out yesterday.
He noted that the thinking was that Baha Mar would complement Atlantis, and would occur simultaneously with the redevelopment of Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Sir Baltron indicated that when the original deal was being negotiated government negotiators looked closely at all issues surrounding the Cable Beach deal, including the controversial land issue.
"For purposes of finance the developer was unable to obtain financing without there being some provision for the freehold transfer(of publicly-owned land)so that has been the long and short of it and the current arrangement with the Chinese, as I understand it, is contingent upon the freehold being conveyed to the developer."
When he brought a resolution to the House of Assembly on the Baha Mar project on Wednesday, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who is also the minister responsible for lands, said approval for the Baha Mar project requires the transfer of 264.965 acres of publicly-owned land.
Among other properties, this would include the land on which the Wyndham Resort and casino sit; the Nassau Beach Resort; the Hobby Horse Hall parcel; Fidelity Bank; the Cecil Wallace-Whifield Centre; the Cable Beach Police Station and 50 acres on Gladstone Road.
Because of the conditions precedent set by Baha Mar's financiers--The Export-Import Bank of China and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation--these lands are required to be transfered in advance of the start of construction of the project.
"It is the position of my government that these lands will only be transferred for the expressed purpose of facilitating the development and that should the development not proceed the land must return to the government,"said Ingraham, who inherited the Baha Mar deal from the previous administration.
He has termed Baha Mar" a PLP baby "and on Wednesday outlined the requirements, consequences and benefits related to the deal.
Sir Baltron said the Baha Mar agreement must be looked at in the context of today's economic environment.
"The developer has secured the financing. There are very few projects anywhere in the world where financing to the tune of$2.5 billion is available for a tourism project in a developing country," he said.
"I think we have to weigh all of these things; your outlook with regard to how public lands should be transfered and the other demands which are being made in light of prevailing circumstances.
"So the arrangements that are now being proposed represent the best possible arrangements that the developers could secure and certainly it's a feather in the cap of the developer to have obtained such a gigantic amount of funding at the present time."
The Central Bank reported last week in its latest economic report that the outlook for 2011 is less favorable than originally forecast.
"However, upside benefits could accrue to the economy, if the proposed large-scale hotel investment projects gain traction in the coming months,"the Central Bank said.
There is a great deal riding on Baha Mar because of its promise of job creation--even with the 8,150 work permits factored in--and economic spinoffs.
Sir Baltron said given the current depressed climate, Baha Mar would provide"the push that we need".
"If the project gets off the ground it would not only be good for the Baha Mar project and for the economy of New Providence, but it can also be that which could jumpstart other smaller projects," said Sir Baltron, who currently serves as president of the Bahamas Baptist Community College.
These days he is an independent observer as it relates to Baha Mar, he noted.
Speaking of the project, he added,"It would be a good thing from where I sit as president of the Community College in terms of providing jobs and also of being able to continue to provide the kind of services that a growing college like this needs to provide, and we can only do that if the economy is growing."
When Sir Baltron helped negotiate the deal, the Chinese element was not yet a factor.
Asked yesterday what his thoughts are on the extraordinary work permit request, he said,"We all know with Chinese funding there comes the demand for use of a significant amount of Chinese labor, more than would be the norm, but the Chinese have also financed a project for more than the norm. It would be the largest touristic project ever financed in one shot in The Bahamas."
He added,"It's very important to see this project go forward. The government has invested a huge amount of money in the airport. We're going to have the finest airport in all of the Caribbean and the return on that depends upon its utilization which included the Baha Mar project coming to fruition."
9/10/2010
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com:
The planned transfer of more than 264 acres of publicly-owned land to the Baha Mar developers would be justified given the tremendous benefits the project would provide for the country, according to Sir Baltron Bethel, who was the chief negotiator for the deal under the Christie government.
"I think that both the original agreement and the supplemental agreement were fair agreements, having been involved with those,"said Sir Baltron, who spoke after he was approached by The Nassau Guardian for an interview yesterday.
"I say that because of what the project is all about. The project is one of the pillars for the continued expansion and development of the tourism industry.
"The Cable Beach resort area is tired and in order to put it right it needed a vision, a plan. Now it could be argued that this project could have been approached in phases, however, the developers'concept was to do the project all one time."
Sir Baltron served as managing director of the Hotel Corporation and also investments and tourism development consultant for the government. He spent many hours helping to arrive at a deal that former Prime Minister Perry Christie had repeatedly said would be transformational.
Unlike Kerzner International's Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, the Baha Mar project would not be developed in separate phases, Sir Baltron pointed out yesterday.
He noted that the thinking was that Baha Mar would complement Atlantis, and would occur simultaneously with the redevelopment of Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Sir Baltron indicated that when the original deal was being negotiated government negotiators looked closely at all issues surrounding the Cable Beach deal, including the controversial land issue.
"For purposes of finance the developer was unable to obtain financing without there being some provision for the freehold transfer(of publicly-owned land)so that has been the long and short of it and the current arrangement with the Chinese, as I understand it, is contingent upon the freehold being conveyed to the developer."
When he brought a resolution to the House of Assembly on the Baha Mar project on Wednesday, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who is also the minister responsible for lands, said approval for the Baha Mar project requires the transfer of 264.965 acres of publicly-owned land.
Among other properties, this would include the land on which the Wyndham Resort and casino sit; the Nassau Beach Resort; the Hobby Horse Hall parcel; Fidelity Bank; the Cecil Wallace-Whifield Centre; the Cable Beach Police Station and 50 acres on Gladstone Road.
Because of the conditions precedent set by Baha Mar's financiers--The Export-Import Bank of China and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation--these lands are required to be transfered in advance of the start of construction of the project.
"It is the position of my government that these lands will only be transferred for the expressed purpose of facilitating the development and that should the development not proceed the land must return to the government,"said Ingraham, who inherited the Baha Mar deal from the previous administration.
He has termed Baha Mar" a PLP baby "and on Wednesday outlined the requirements, consequences and benefits related to the deal.
Sir Baltron said the Baha Mar agreement must be looked at in the context of today's economic environment.
"The developer has secured the financing. There are very few projects anywhere in the world where financing to the tune of$2.5 billion is available for a tourism project in a developing country," he said.
"I think we have to weigh all of these things; your outlook with regard to how public lands should be transfered and the other demands which are being made in light of prevailing circumstances.
"So the arrangements that are now being proposed represent the best possible arrangements that the developers could secure and certainly it's a feather in the cap of the developer to have obtained such a gigantic amount of funding at the present time."
The Central Bank reported last week in its latest economic report that the outlook for 2011 is less favorable than originally forecast.
"However, upside benefits could accrue to the economy, if the proposed large-scale hotel investment projects gain traction in the coming months,"the Central Bank said.
There is a great deal riding on Baha Mar because of its promise of job creation--even with the 8,150 work permits factored in--and economic spinoffs.
Sir Baltron said given the current depressed climate, Baha Mar would provide"the push that we need".
"If the project gets off the ground it would not only be good for the Baha Mar project and for the economy of New Providence, but it can also be that which could jumpstart other smaller projects," said Sir Baltron, who currently serves as president of the Bahamas Baptist Community College.
These days he is an independent observer as it relates to Baha Mar, he noted.
Speaking of the project, he added,"It would be a good thing from where I sit as president of the Community College in terms of providing jobs and also of being able to continue to provide the kind of services that a growing college like this needs to provide, and we can only do that if the economy is growing."
When Sir Baltron helped negotiate the deal, the Chinese element was not yet a factor.
Asked yesterday what his thoughts are on the extraordinary work permit request, he said,"We all know with Chinese funding there comes the demand for use of a significant amount of Chinese labor, more than would be the norm, but the Chinese have also financed a project for more than the norm. It would be the largest touristic project ever financed in one shot in The Bahamas."
He added,"It's very important to see this project go forward. The government has invested a huge amount of money in the airport. We're going to have the finest airport in all of the Caribbean and the return on that depends upon its utilization which included the Baha Mar project coming to fruition."
9/10/2010
thenassauguardian
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