The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FNM leader Michael Pintard yesterday criticised Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis for ongoing delays in the sale of the Grand Lucayan Hotel, noting that his recent pledge to finalise the resort’s sale “within the next two weeks or so” has yet to materialise.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Pintard expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s pattern of missed deadlines, arguing that the prolonged sale process has left Grand Bahama residents disappointed.

“Seemingly taking over from his Deputy Prime Minister who could not close the deal, the Prime Minister three weeks ago assured the Bahamian people that the Grand Lucayan Hotel would finally, this time for sure, be sold within two weeks. That pledge followed more than two years of similar idle promises from this rudderless PLP regime,” he said.

“Yet to the surprise of no-one, his earnest deadline has come and gone and still the people of Grand Bahama are left disappointed once again. The Grand Lucayan remains unsold.”

In August, Tribune Business reported that the hotel’s potential buyer plans to demolish all its existing properties to make way for three new hotel towers and two casinos as part of an investment that could hit $2bn.

Only one of the Grand Lucayan’s three resort properties, Lighthouse Point, is presently open to guests. Both Breaker’s Cay and the former Memories property have been closed for numerous years –– the latter ever since Hurricane Matthew struck the island in October 2016.

Yesterday, Mr Pintard also highlighted the government’s many promises regarding the Grand Bahama International Airport, noting that aside from some interior demolition of the terminal, nothing else is happening.

Mr Davis has previously said that he expected progress on the GBIA to be greater than it is now.

Mr Pintard added: “More flim and flam. As is standard for the PLP they talk a big game but cannot deliver.”

He said countless Grand Bahamians continue to be affected by the failed promises and untruths of this Davis administration.

“There are those who aspire to be hired directly by the hotel, others like taxi drivers, musicians, straw vendors and other entrepreneurs who stand ready to give the best in services and products. However, the government continues to tell them one story or another.”

Mr Pintard also raised concerns about the government allegedly breaking the law, citing its failure to release monthly budget reports, comply with the Public Finance Management Act, and adhere to public procurement policies.

He promised that if elected, his government would immediately enforce existing laws related to accountability and transparency and enact new laws to ensure that no future administration could follow the PLP’s current practice “of squandering tax dollars under cover of darkness and silence of the public service.”