The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said he has filed a criminal complaint with police over what he describes as “defamatory” and “deceitful” claims circulating online about a proposed $200m ultra-luxury resort in the Exuma Cays.

The origins of the video are unclear, but it targets a proposed development on Big Sampson Cay by the Yntegra Group. This project has faced pushback from a nearby development and a coalition of prominent private island owners and local businesses operating under the name Save Exuma Alliance.

Yesterday, Mr Cooper, the MP for Exuma, acknowledged the opposition surrounding the project, including from Bob Coughlin, SEA member and developer of the nearby Turtlegrass Resort and Island Club.

However, he said the people of Exuma welcome both developments and are of the view that they can coexist.

He said some people believe they can “bully” the government and dictate what is approved, but stressed this will not happen no matter what tactics they use.

The video makes unsubstantiated claims, alleging that the government granted nearly 140 acres of Crown land at $500 per acre.

It says the plan includes dredging Sampson Cay’s harbour, building water bungalows, and other developments.

It also claims that more than 100 work permits have been issued to allow foreign workers to dominate while Bahamians are sidelined, suggesting Mr Cooper is facilitating backroom deals.

Mr Cooper firmly denied the reports in the House of Assembly yesterday, describing the content as riddled with “outright lies and intentional distortion.”

He categorically denied that Chinese work permits have been issued and that Singaporean construction companies are involved.

He also refuted claims that there are approvals for water bungalows, labelling the assertions that Crown Land is being secretly given away as not only false but also dangerous misinformation.

“Let me also say this, I know who the people are behind these attacks and I say to them, you are not patriots, you are not whistleblowers, you are paid agents hiding behind lies and digital anonymity on the wrong side of the law, and the internet will not protect you,” he said.

While Mr Cooper did not name the person responsible, he described him as a convicted criminal and “known troll for hire” whose name has been associated with falsehood and defamation.

He said he has directed his lawyers to pursue civil action to hold the culprits accountable and confirmed that he has filed a criminal complaint with the police.

He said he will, under legal guidance, ask tax authorities at the Office of the Auditor General to investigate any local entities, particularly those suspected of receiving foreign funding under the guise of charitable work.

“I will not stand down. I will not be intimidated. I will not be silent,” he said. “Let this serve as a warning, therefore, to all who believe they can operate in shadows, manipulating facts and spreading lies to tear down what others are building and the great work of this administration.”