By CHESTER ROBARDS
Tribune Senior Reporter
crobards@tribunemedia.net
THE GOVERNMENT moved to allay fears that Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island will be sold in a multi-million dollar land deal stating that the property “will remain in the hands of the Bahamian people.”
Speaking from the floor of the House of Assembly, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said that he, his parliamentary colleague Loretta Butler-Turner and Prime Minister Perry Christie all agree that the famous blue hole should not be lost to private interest.
The property, around what has been measured as the deepest blue hole in the world, is owned by several foreigners, according to Mrs. Butler-Turner, who is the island’s member of parliament.
While Mr Wilchcombe did not say what the government can and will do to secure the property, he said: “It will remain in the hands of the Bahamian people. We will not get rid of our treasures, it is a part of the Bahamas and we are going to keep it.”
Thirty acres around the blue hole has been listed for sale by local real estate company Durrant Harding at a price of $10 million and it has also been advertised for sale by Colliers, a Miami-based real estate firm.
Colliers’ Chairman, Michael Fay, told The Tribune yesterday that his company is an “exclusive broker” that is helping the land’s owners to market the Dean’s Blue Hole property and identify international buyers.
He added that they are seeking a local real estate partner to facilitate the sale of the property. By law only Bahamian real estate agents can sell land in the Bahamas.
Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust, Eric Carey, said yesterday that while the blue hole itself can never be sold because it is a part of the sea bed, the property around it should also be preserved.
“The blue hole is not private – it is sea bed and belongs to the government,” said Mr Carey. “My view is that the land should not be sold. This should not be sold to a foreigner who can sit on the porch.”
He added that the blue hole should have been declared a national park a long time ago, and been given an official designation. He said the site has been called a “natural wonder” but has not been given an official declaration – and as such is not protected.
While blue holes attract mass attention worldwide, Dean’s Blue Hole attracts special attention because it has been measured as the deepest blue hole in the world at 663 ft. The Vertical Blue freedive competition is held annually at the blue hole.
Currently, the blue hole and its beach and diving cliffs can be accessed by anyone wanting to visit the site.
Mr Wilchcombe said the government hopes to protect sites like Dean’s Blue Hole and possibly even register them with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
“People will always come for sun, sand and sea,” he said.
“What gives us the distinction is those unique features and we can’t let them get out of our hands.
“This is 2013. What is ours we have to hold on to, we have to protect it for the Bahamian people.”
Comments
jerzyski 10 years, 7 months ago
Thank God the Bahamian people will retain ownership of this most sacred treasure. My 25yr old son Jacob was recently killed in an automobile accident south of Clarence Town. Deans Blue Hole was his favourite place on this great planet of ours and after cremation we released Jacobs ashes into the Blue Hole. My family and I have been visiting Long Island since we purchased a lot in Turtle Cove back in 1996 (we are Canadian). Now my son will spend eternity in the place that he loved most. Never let foreign interests control your most beautiful asset.
alax5 10 years, 5 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
subhani 9 years, 4 months ago
Dell Battery power Latitude E6400 E6410 E6500 E6510 Fine detail M2400 M4400 M4500 Power packs had already been being actually the main chargeable notebook battery power anytime. Businesses revered her or him considering how the benefit seemed to be sensibly tiny and they also had already been being made up of a higher proficiency. http://www.electronicsegment.com/">electronicsegment.com
Alax5 10 years, 4 months ago
i am for the first time here. found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me. http://www.profischnell.at">hier
subhani 9 years, 4 months ago
When using the web web hosting situation at present relevant, you'll be able to state which frequently, totally free website hosting is just about the majority associated with difficult features online relating in order to today. Massive name associated with totally free website hosting ideas is going to be due to win associated with brand-new website to the concept without having sincerely calibrating the near future gains. http://www.webhostingsegment.com/">webhostingsegment.com
Alax5 10 years, 4 months ago
I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer.Thanks. http://www.nounplus.net/">grammar checker
subhani 9 years, 4 months ago
Have to know how you are able to enhance publicity for the web web page, within an optimistic along with steady indicates? You might not understand which yet many web site workers make use of the identical key to construct visitors with regard to essentially absolutely nothing. http://www.segmenters.com/">segmenters.com
dva24 10 years, 4 months ago
this is the best article i have read, learned so much from you, please write more of such good stuff. if you're looking for good property investments in singapore Sg, in fact, there's one good one coming up, called the panorama at ang mo kio ave 2, developed by wheelock properties, check this out-
alax5 10 years, 4 months ago
The Most Important Tip for Math Homework Now, the vital note at the end of the advice: You should spend no more than 10 to 20 minutes working through mathhttp://www.help-do-my-homework.com/math/">http://www.help-do-my-homework.com/math/ homework that neither you nor your child knows how to do.
alax5 10 years, 4 months ago
Proficient Physics Help in UKdo my physics homework; Physics is part science part mathematics. If you aren’t accomplished in both of these disciplines physics is a petrifying. If you need physics homework helps online in any feature of this science look no further than this company.
http://www.help-do-my-homework.com/math/">do my math homework
ahtisham 10 years, 4 months ago
Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Actually excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort.
https://www.rebelmouse.com/powerhouse...">https://www.rebelmouse.com/powerhouse...
SherriLee 10 years, 4 months ago
Fees were in the 10s of thousands at the final school I went to (UK), went to government school before that. Graduation and http://www.dressyprom.com">Prom is an American thing by the way (Bahamas has become somewhat Americanized) - for us when school ended that was it lol.
jhonpoliks 10 years, 4 months ago
hi good looking your site nice posting thanks for sharing information good color your site i enjoy this blog.
http://www.abstranslate.com/">http://www.abstranslate.com/
carlos6112 10 years, 2 months ago
I must say this is a good posting. I have read your last four blog posts on the same kind of subject and they were good too. Keep it up. http://www.bitcoincasinowin.com">http://www.bitcoincasinowin.com
taylorjohn 10 years, 1 month ago
This ambition can be to provide you with discounted web hosting, at this point amazing web hosting Pakistan for use on your cyberspace valuables that should be " up " and additionally on the market lacking forget. Everyone concentration on exertions and additionally benefit from this many about feel just for featuring bargain offerings for Pakistan. All of the this applications experience a free of cost website. http://www.cheapwebhosting.pk/http://">link text
taylorjohn 10 years, 1 month ago
As you can see El Born is perfect for families as well as tourists. Noise could sometimes be a problem depending on where you are but it's not as bad as in the very centre of town. It is a picturesque and cultural part of the city with a vibrant café culture and bar scene. http://citycentreretreat.com/">citycentreretreat.com
davidpool 9 years, 10 months ago
If you are looking at the availability of the medical malpractice insurance policies, you might well appreciate that there are several different types with each of these varying in the type of coverage provided to the medical professional. http://www.activeinsuranceadvisors.com/">activeinsuranceadvisors.com
davidpool 9 years, 10 months ago
Starting out on a new business venture with others you know and trust is normally about planning all things you will do to make your business a success. It will very likely involve a range of issues focussing on finances, how to promote and sell the product or service and providing excellent service. http://www.dopartnership.com/">dopartnership.com
davidpool 9 years, 10 months ago
Boutique hotels seek to fuse the atmosphere of luxury offered by global hotel organisations with the personalised service provided by its smaller cousins.At the beginning of the current global recession in 2008, the travel industry - which had experienced buoyant growth during the boom years - braced itself for a downturn. http://www.asiaboutiqueresorts.com/">asiaboutiqueresorts.com
davidpool 9 years, 10 months ago
eing in a foreign country is difficult enough as it is. Being a tourist in a foreign country can't be any easier. Finding your way around a new country could be difficult and filled with anxiety, especially, in countries where English isn't the first language. It can be frustrating for you, as well as people around you who try to answer your questions or help you. http://www.arubatriketours.com/">arubatriketours.com
sheeprunner12 9 years, 10 months ago
Who are these contributors to this column????????????????? Are any of these remotely Bahamian or Long Islander??????????
FYI............ Long Island is not BIMINI........... don't get any wise ideas like dredging our reefs!!!!!
squat 9 years, 10 months ago
great to read and largely informative stuff, thank you www.singaporepropertyplace.com sg condo
steve7876 9 years, 8 months ago
My very own husband or wife together with our partner as well as we hatch quite a few incredible partitioning the identical way My very own husband or wife together with our partner as well as we scorching heat cramp towards malignancies associated with the website. Please concerning articulating well-designed information.http://www.mcshep.com/">Watercolor Paintings
steve7876 9 years, 8 months ago
This particular ambition could be to offer marked down internet hosting, at this stage amazing internet hosting Pakistan pertaining to make use of on your own the net possessions to be " up " plus out there missing forget about. Everyone focus on exertions plus reap the benefits of this specific several with regards to think just for featuring great buy choices pertaining to Pakistan. The many this specific programs practical knowledge a free of cost web site. http://disabilityinsurancelawyer.tumb...">Disability insurance Lawyer
steve7876 9 years, 8 months ago
Some nice insight, and a refreshingly honest take on the creative process. Just goes to show that sometimes things just click with ideas generation. Love to know when the campaign is up and running.http://truststore.com">California Living Trust
squat 9 years, 7 months ago
good info, love tis site, keep it up marina one residences http://singaporepropertyplace.com/mar...">marina one residences
squat 9 years, 7 months ago
informative and refreshing read north park residence yishun http://singaporepropertyplace.com/nor...">north park residences
killemwitdakno 9 years, 7 months ago
interesting shape http://creativerules.com/deans-blue-h...">http://creativerules.com/deans-blue-h...
squat 9 years, 7 months ago
agree totally http://singaporepropertyplace.com/lak...">http://singaporepropertyplace.com/lak...
squat 9 years, 7 months ago
insightful and informative article, this site doesnt fail to impress http://singaporepropertyplace.com/">singapore property new launches
steve7876 9 years, 7 months ago
Enormous astounds and also the costs and the spots they've been through were incredible. A mess of fun throughout the Marathon.http://www.floodkings.com/">water damage dallas
adminpool 9 years, 4 months ago
World-wide law has had centuries to help you evolve though could readily fall recipient to potential if reason fails to evolve the nation's journey considering the changed issues. It is extremely important for internationalists to seize the significance of "change" brought in by coming subjects in international regulations. Responses which use familiarity through reality would most likely avoid misconstruing that purposes in international regulations. http://www.healthfreedomlaw.net/">health freedom law
adminpool 9 years, 4 months ago
Comprehending the many types of vehicles insurance can assist you find the vehicles insurance exposure you should have at an expense you are able to thereby enabling you to legally drive with the state one currently inhabit. Although with the outlay and price for one's next vehicles insurance document will be a good start up whist comparing vehicles insurance exposure providers it will be shouldn't just one factor would once determine recognise the business to obtain your future auto piece of content from if you actually decide to earn a purchase. http://www.noworriesluxuryauto.net/">no worries luxury auto
adminpool 9 years, 4 months ago
Simply the level of can a great software program that may be auto plethora maker price? The increasingly difficult accurate question for everyone is simply the level of do you desire variances many to be? Nicely, even while consumer, we wish to sample the routine also we wish to try over auto plethora maker In cases where it seriously brings bucks, you be required to can easily make money using it and be able to we're prepared to spend excellent price towards the too. http://www.autorentool.net/">auto rentool
adminpool 9 years, 4 months ago
Ones own economy open for complete control by way of few important steps. You will find yourself more pleasant in require healthier surrounding. 'House on order' provides you good peacefulness. When one build your private home you will be able to build the application more electric power efficiently. Display screen homes can be always captivating and tempting. http://www.switchome.net/">switchome
adminpool 9 years, 4 months ago
Future often hunt about for the ideal curiosity bill. It fails to make a difference what type home home loan often hold about and even review attraction rates. There is without a doubt one anxiety that 1 house hold loan will be distinct a powerful additional so feel the phrases and even situations. http://www.naturalhomecleaning.net/">natural home cleaning
steve7876 9 years, 4 months ago
I would like to thank you for the initiatives you have created in composing this content. I am expecting the same best perform from you later on as well. Actually your innovative composing capabilities has motivated me to begin my own BlogEngine weblog now. Really the writing a weblog is growing its pizza quickly. Your create up is a excellent example of it.online jewellery boutique.www.oliverstours.com">Private transfers from airpor
karylleishart29 9 years, 2 months ago
Dean's Blue Hole should not be sold to anyone because it can profit the community for having it as a tourist spot/destination. Try this out to http://getmoreplays.org/buy-soundclou...">get soundcloud plays
itsforthen 9 years, 1 month ago
It will be a progressive area. It just needs a little renovation to make it more welcoming and a lot of advertising of the place, of course. http://ledgrowlightsonline.com">full spectrum sun lighting
jamestom 8 years, 10 months ago
In the cocktail, you do not need to wear the floor length dresses that for the formal occasion; you also do not need to wear the ball gown, it is too grand. Homecoming dresses are good but not appropriate for any time. Just wearing a short and shiny dresses, simple but gorgeous. http://www.popprom.com/Prom-Dresses/U...">Under 100 Dresses makes you feel casual but sexy, You can enjoy chatting and dancing with your friends in a mini cocktail wedding dress; The cheap price will not spend you much money but give you much fun in the cocktail, you can affordable for your every cocktail dresses and to be wonderful like a queen.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID