The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER PLP Cabinet Minister George Smith joined the debate over billionaire fashion mogul Peter Nygard’s applications for crown land yesterday, charging that Mr Nygard should “behave appropriately as someone who is a guest in another man’s country.”

Mr Smith found fault in what he says is Mr Nygard’s sense of entitlement towards crown land in the country and expressed concern about the support he has received from some Bahamians.

He said: “Mr Nygard is a guest in the country. We’re delighted when people come in the Bahamas and build second homes and all that. We appreciate the benefit to the economy of such people. Generally they’re welcome. My concern is that I believe there are many people throughout the country that has claimed land as he as done, some on the coastal areas.

“The thing that worries me is Mr Nygard has reclaimed the seabed, enlarging the property by twice the size. It worries me that an individual like himself, that his cause and desire to get hold of that land could dominate such public attention when Bahamians who have similarly reclaimed land can’t get the attention and have their issue resolved.”

Mr Nygard is embroiled in a bitter dispute with his Lyford Cay neighbours and environmental groups over plans to develop and rebuild his property at Simms Point/Nygard Cay.

Referring to a protest on Bay Street on Monday in support of Mr Nygard, Mr Smith said: “It’s troubling that a group of Bahamians can be manipulated to go down Bay Street in demonstration of support for him when there are problems that face poor Bahamians and I don’t see those same numbers going to demonstrate for it.

“I hate that the conduct of our people could be manipulated like that. Mr Nygard has to remember that he is a guest in our country and should behave appropriately and should not believe that his issue of getting hold of the crown land should take precedent over the problems of nationals.”

While Mr Smith stopped short of blaming politicians in any way for Mr Nygard’s “sense of entitlement,” he said the fashion mogul should not take advantage of his personal relationships with government officials.

“I’m a member of the PLP and we welcome contributions of people who want to assist the party and I’m sure FNM has its benefactors,” he said. “But that shouldn’t buy them the right to be treated any way other than courteously. It shouldn’t buy them what citizens don’t get. The minister responsible for crown land has a heavy responsibility as guardian of land and he cannot exercise his judgment in favour of someone that made a financial contribution when Bahamians who have rights to the land cannot make that kind of demands.

“I believe Mr Nygard has got to start to behave appropriately for someone who is a guest in another man’s country before it gets to the point where there could be a public outcry against him. His relationships with people is a private matter. I hope he doesn’t believe that the fact that they may be politicians gives him an advantage; it certainly shouldn’t. He’s entitled to personal friendships but they shouldn’t impact conduct of any politicians in how they deal with him.

“What we have to remember here is people with a whole lot of money have got to recognize that the money doesn’t buy certain things in this country. I hear people talk about his charities. Many Bahamians contribute tremendously to events, but it does not buy any preferential treatment. Those to whom much is given much is required. Other people give their sweat and contributions many other ways and they’re not making the demands he is making.”

Asked if the government should grant Mr Nygard’s requests for crown land, Mr Smith said: “It is public owned land. It ought to be either made available for the use of the public or returned to original state or maybe sold to the highest bidder for a reserved price. Many Bahamians have reclaimed land and not got sorted out. What makes him think he should be privileged above and beyond the other people?

“This is my country and Bahamians have got to cease being quiet when it comes to matters that affect their right to claim crown land. When you reclaim land you’re doing something that is illegal. You can’t be rewarded.”

Meanwhile, a press statement from Mr Nygard’s spokesperson yesterday said Mr Nygard is “touched” by the support he has been receiving as he seeks to expand his property.

“Peter Nygard is touched by the massive outpouring of love, support and appreciation that he has received through hundreds of phone calls and messages,” the statement said. “In particular he is grateful to the thousands of Bahamians who protested on July 14 for hours on West Bay Street in the heart of Nassau against Louis Bacon and in support of Peter Nygard for all he has done for the inner city Bahamians.”