Epstein Expressed Interest in Long Island Science Centre, Emails Reveal
By The Long Island Runner News
Newly released U.S. Justice Department documents show that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once expressed interest in funding a proposed physics research centre on Long Island, The Bahamas, near the Stella Maris Resort.
The emails, part of millions of Epstein-related documents released last week, reveal that in 2015, approximately seven years after serving jail time for crimes involving underage girls, Epstein was approached about helping finance The Bahamas Centre for High Energy Physics, Astrophysics, Gravitation and Cosmology. The centre was intended to bring advanced scientific research and graduate-level physics education to The Bahamas for the first time.
The initiative came from Professor Eduardo Guendelman of Israel’s Ben-Gurion University, in collaboration with Professor Thomas Curtright of the University of Miami. Both scientists have maintained strong ties to Long Island, where they allegedly continue to host annual academic events at the Stella Maris Resort under The Bahamas Advanced Study Institute and Conferences (BASIC) banner.
In one February 2015 email, Professor Guendelman described the vision for the Long Island centre: a permanent staff of five senior researchers, ten post-graduate students, and ten doctoral students, offering high-level research opportunities and drawing international attention to the island.
Guendelman also suggested that the centre could boost tourism and local economic activity by hosting scientific conferences.
Epstein responded positively within days, writing simply: “Yes, I would be interested.” Guendelman quickly suggested the centre could be officially linked to the University of Miami, thanks to Professor Curtright’s involvement.
The emails detail ongoing discussions, including possible video calls with Epstein, interest from physicists worldwide, and potential funding from organizations such as the Lyford Cay Foundation. A local developer, Richard Keyworth, reportedly offered discounted land near Stella Maris and assistance in securing government support.
The project faced setbacks, including Hurricane Joaquin, which damaged parts of northern Long Island in late 2015. Guendelman argued that the hurricane could strengthen the case for government support, presenting the centre as both a scientific initiative and a way to boost the island’s economy.
Despite Epstein’s initial interest, the Long Island physics centre was never built. The Stella Maris Resort, which was mentioned in alleged discussions as a potential site, remains for sale today. However, Professors Guendelman and Curtright allegedly continue to bring international attention to Long Island through their annual BASIC conferences, which attract academics and researchers to the island.
The documents highlight Epstein’s attempts to engage with high-profile scientific projects even after his criminal convictions, and shine a light on Long Island’s potential as a hub for education, research, and international collaboration.
Long Island is not just a tourist destination, but also has the allure to attract and host world-class academic initiatives.
