The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A well-known QC has slammed as “politically irresponsible” the signing of the Heads of Agreement for Carnival’s $100 million east Grand Bahama cruise port a week ahead of the general elections, arguing there had been no public consultation over the project.

Fred Smith QC, the Callenders & Co attorney and partner, told Tribune Business: “Entering into a Heads of Agreement of such great negative and/or positive economic impact, one week before a general election, is an act of political irresponsibility on the part of this government.

“There has been no consultation of any sort with the thousands of stakeholders, GBPA licensees, the 50,000 or so residents and land owners, and other interested parties in Grand Bahama.”

Mr Smith added: “Secondly, I continue to lament and criticise this practice of entering into secret Heads of Agreements. I continue to criticise the centralised dictatorship of the Office of the Prime Minister in the political and economic management of the family of Bahama islands.”

The Government last week signed a Heads of Agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for the $100 million cruise port, a development Prime Minister Perry Christie said would generate significant “entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, and have a major impact on the communities of east Grand Bahama”.

Two hundred and twenty-six acres of land will be developed within two years after all relevant government approvals have been provided. Mr Christie said the new cruise port development will encompass numerous amenities, including restaurants, pavilions, nightclubs, aquatic and other recreational and sporting facilities.

Mr Smith, though, questioned what had become of the proposed terminal in Russell Town, Lucaya or the revamping of the harbour.

“The only saving grace are the regulatory bodies who will have to consider license applications. I know that many stakeholders and affected parties will be vigorously making representations to these decision makers in their deliberations. It is high time that the promise of true local government by both administrations is manifested,” said Mr Smith.