The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A lawsuit against the Government and developerds could be filed on behalf of North Abaco residents opposed to dredging at the site of a proposed boutique hotel and fishing lodge Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Gary Smith, the North Abaco district’s chief councillor, revealed, “We’re going to do whatever it takes to try and stop that.

“We have begun communication with Fred Smith QC and his team concerning that. We haven’t  made a final decision as yet, but we are considering it. Early next week my council is going to meet and make our decision.”

Dredging in a creek near the entrance of Treasure Cay for a dock and mini-pier has sparked outrage from island residents, given that a ‘cease and desist order’ was supposed to have been issued to Sand Bar Club and Spa Ltd, locally known as the Treasure Sands Club.

Residents had subsequently filed an application to have the permit for the construction of the new pier revoked, and expressed dismay over the alleged lack of public consultation and the potential impact the dredging will have on fish breeding grounds.

According to Mr Smith, area flooding was also a major concern. “We’re taking this serious. We know that that area they are dredging is going to cause serious flooding problems in the surrounding area,” he said.

“We’re not just going to sit back and not do anything. We want it to go on record that we will go as far as a lawsuit. If the Government succeeds, then whatever happens, it’s on them. We know what we’re talking about.We’re going to do whatever it takes to try and stop that.”

Despite local opposition to the dredging, North Abaco MP Renardo Curry has thrown his support behind the development, denying that it has been fast-tracked.

He instead blasted the BEST Commission for dragging its feet  in granting approvals for the investors. Mr Curry also charged that opposition to the dredging work was politically motivated.

According to a letter from the Bahamas Investment Authority, dated May 27, the Sand Bar Club was granted approval by the National Economic Council (NEC) to develop a two-storey, 12-suite hotel with related facilities on the eastern beach front, and to receive concessions pursuant to the Hotels Encouragement Act.  

The letter continued: “Approved the application by the Sand Bar Club and Spa Ltd to develop a fishing lodge with a mini pier; a four-slip dock; picnic area; two tennis courts; two car parks; green areas; a yoga hut; nature trails and exercise tract on the western portion of the privately owned 9.2 acre property, subject to the submission of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to the Ministry of the Environment and the BEST Commission, approval by the BEST Commission for dredging and approval of the license relative to land reclamation by the Prime Minister.”