AN ARTIST’s impression of the Royal Caribbean project and (inset) Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg.
By LETRE SWEETING
Tribune Staff Reporter
lsweeting@tribunemedia.net
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg says Cabinet has not approved Royal Caribbean International’s Paradise Island project.
His comment was in response to Glenys Hanna Martin’s vocal opposition to the project, which critics say breaks the procedure that ministers present a united front on Cabinet decisions.
“There’s been no final decision made on that deal, so I don’t even know why it’s up for discussion right now,” Mr Bowleg said before a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “It’s again a deal that is in the making and when the final decision is made those responsible for that will make the notation on what it will be.”
Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis has said he expects ground to be broken on the project “almost immediately”.
Likewise, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, responding to Mrs Hanna Martin, said last week: “My only comment is that Cabinet approved the RCI project.”
Critics may see Mr Bowleg’s comment as the latest attempt to soften the Davis administration’s position on the project, the approval of which has sparked complaints from Atlantis and environmentalists.
An Office of the Prime Minister’s press statement over the weekend referred to a “draft deal” for the project.
Mr Bowleg said Mrs Hanna Martin has not broken Cabinet procedures.
“Glenys Hanna Martin, as each and every one of us as Bahamian citizens, has rights on our own opinion,” he said.
“And as a member of the Cabinet, you know, we all support each other and Glenys Hanna Martin is one who also supports us and everything we do and say.
“At the end of the day, she said what she said and the Cabinet supports her on her personal views. But again, the decision, like I say, has not been made on this matter, finalised.
“And when that happens, the minister responsible, which is the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister, will make mention of what the decision will be. And whatever the decision would be, I assure you the Cabinet will support it.”
Comments
Maximilianotto 1 year, 1 month ago
The deal is dead otherwise a PLP convention will fire Brave Davis and Chester Cooper and appoint Glenys Hanna Martin as PM. Black eyes black crabs.
Dawes 1 year, 1 month ago
Umm that is the exact opposite of what has been implied by the PM and DPM. So which is it?
TalRussell 1 year, 1 month ago
Until recently, I fully was in Toby's corner--- But I've shifted over to the unsure (were popoulaces like me.--- Smoke and mirrors corner, --- As more comes to light over Comrade Toby's --- 13 years record at his many attempts at being granted, --- Free Paradise (Hog) Island parcels of lands. --- Not that Comrade Toby,--- Hasn't said some things that needed saying.--- Yes?
hrysippus 1 year, 1 month ago
Tal; it is always all about the money. This land is the most valuable Crown land available in the country. If it was not so valuable then none of these people would be spending the large amounts of money that they have. The legal fees alone that RCL and Mr. Smith have incurred would be enough to scare many people. It was also not good when a Bahamian flag was tied onto the lighthouse and left up night and day with no spotlight on it. An act that was probably meant to demonstrate some sort of patriotism but in fact only rendered an insult to one our cherished national symbols.
TalRussell 1 year, 1 month ago
@ComradeHysippus, don't fall from the chair. --- Ah, aren't Comrade Toby and RCL --- Both, not relying upon other peoples' monies ((0PM) --- Of which their OP names have remained an anonymity to the premiership of "Brave". --- And, the Bahamian popoulaces', --- Even after a span of 13 years. --- Yes?
moncurcool 1 year, 1 month ago
I mean how often can these guys have issues and everyone saying something different. The PM says he break covid protocol, Darville say no. The PM say he didn't see fuel hedge. Sears said he did. PM says RCI deal done. Bowleg says not done.
WOW
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 1 month ago
You forgot the attorney general who now says Toby's claim isnt valid because his application wasnt filed under this administration. Well that puts the who crown land system into question, applications are invalidated when govts change? These guys are coming up with absolute nonsense to support their decision to walk away from a promise that not only Toby believed but every Bahamian who voted for them believed, that includes Antoine
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