The Tribune

THE Downtown Nassau Partnership would strenuously oppose the development of a retail alternative for cruise ship passengers at Blackbeard’s Cay, a senior officer warned yesterday.

Several Bay Street merchants have already expressed concern that if the rumours of a shopping village at the new destination development are true, it will deal a fatal blow to the downtown shopping area which depends on cruise ship business to survive.

The developers, led by St Maarten businessman Samir Andrawos, have been tight-lipped on the details of the project, but the well placed Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) source said retail at Blackbeard’s Cay had better remain restricted to a gift shop, as originally understood.

“No one opposes more options for cruise ship passengers. Island excursions and water activities are not a problem, but we will not allow an alternative to Bay Street to be developed a few miles off the coast of New Providence,” he said.

“We will do everything in our power to prevent that.”

The DNP, formed in 2009, is a joint public-private venture created to achieve the progressive redevelopment of the city of Nassau.

The source did not wish to speak on the record yet, as he said the DNP is still looking into unconfirmed reports that several local retailers have been approached about having a presence on Blackbeard’s Cay.

Last month, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe pledged to support the establishment of an Environment Review Tribunal amidst ongoing protests against a planned dolphin facility at the development.

Although approvals for the Blackbeard’s Cay project were given under the former FNM administration, Mr Wilchcombe said the current administration gave the project the green light after it was reviewed and found to be in compliance with regulations.

But lawyer Fred Smith has confirmed that activists plan to file for Judicial Review proceedings against the government and developers.

Meanwhile, environmental activists have pledged to intensify protests against the dolphin facility.

Blackbeard’s Cay is located on Balmoral Island, opposite Sandals Royal Bahamian resort.