PI developer confident PM will ‘follow through on his word’

Toby Smith is sure Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis is a “man of his word” and he is looking forward to a favorable conclusion to his battle with the government and Royal Caribbean International (RCI) to develop a low-density beach club for Bahamians and visitors on the western end of Paradise Island.

Smith told Guardian Business yesterday that he is still primed and ready to go. He said funding remains in place and people have even offered to donate money to aid his restoration of the island’s lighthouse.

Royal Caribbean’s bid to develop a beach club for its guests on Paradise Island is now up in the air, when under the former administration it seemed a possible straight shot.

Both Smith and RCI are vying for a tiny piece of beach both investors say their projects cannot do without. Both investors apparently hold Crown land leases for that beach that overlap.

Smith has already taken his battle with the government to court and has also has conversations with RCI.

The government revealed to this paper that it has met with RCI and is waiting to converse with Smith about his project.

Smith said a meeting has not yet been called but he will have patience with this new government.

“I’m hopeful the government is going to resolve this on their own without the need for me to have to wait on the court, but my insurance policy is there is always the Supreme Court to revert to for my case and bring any other legal action that’s required,” said Smith.

“I’m not greedy, I understand that the PM has a full schedule and is still in the process of having the first session of Parliament in the House of Assembly, appointing his directors, boards, etc. He can take his time. He’s only been there for a couple of weeks, whereas former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis had the whole administration to deal with me. I think it’s fair to afford Prime Minister Davis some additional time. I don’t have any doubt that he’s going to follow through on his word.”

Smith’s surety of Davis’ word stems from Davis’ time as opposition leader, when he challenged the notion that government would favor a foreign developer’s project over a Bahamian’s.

Davis contended in a statement in March 2020 that the deal with Royal Caribbean would “set back Bahamian industries and block Bahamians from the enjoyment of asset use and value in what little is available for ordinary Bahamians”.

“This is grossly unfair to Bahamians and the next PLP government will terminate this agreement,” Davis said.

“There are many compelling reasons to support our position. First and foremost, any project of this type should be owned and operated by Bahamians, fully utilizing Bahamian entrepreneurs, vendors, artists, entertainers, retailers, tour guides, water taxis, etc. Secondly, no non-Bahamian entity should receive preferential consideration over the many Bahamian applicants who have attempted to procure this property. Thirdly, all attempts to purchase this property in the past have been denied for reasons overwhelmingly in the public interest.” 

Smith said he hopes the government will simply honor the lease he was given and allow him to move forward with his business with the same speed it seems to give to large, foreign investors.

“I’ve been ready to go, I’ve got my own money and I’ve got investors ready to go,” said Smith.

“People have pledged money and donations to help restore the lighthouse. I would like to see my project expedited through the government agencies with the same vigor and assistance that they rendered to Royal Caribbean.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/pi-developer-confident-pm-will-follow-through-on-his-word/