The Tribune

By ANNELIA NIXON

Tribune Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

DEVELOPER Jeff Jacobs has abandoned plans to pursue a public-private partnership with the government involving Crown Land in Governors Harbour after facing sustained opposition.

Governor’s Harbour residents questioned why a foreign developer should be given access to land that many Bahamians have struggled to obtain. Only one attendee spoke up in support of the proposed use of Crown Land for Mr Jacobs’ project, which ultimately led him to announce to residents that the controversial proposal was “off the table.”

"There’s a sentiment in the room for me not to propose to the government a public-private partnership… selling lots and using that money for the domestic walkway to the pathway, power grid for housing,” Mr Jacobs said.”

“I’m okay not being your partner,” he added.

He made his position clear adding: “So it’s off the table. We’re not going to propose to the government a public-private partnership that includes Navy Beach.”

The announcement came after residents repeatedly challenged Mr Jacobs over his proposal to incorporate Crown Land into a large-scale development around Governors Harbour while Bahamians themselves face difficulties securing Crown Land for homes and businesses.

Mr Jacobs had proposed a public-private partnership involving approximately 100 acres of Crown Land, saying the government and his company could contribute land to a partnership that would sell residential lots and use proceeds to finance infrastructure. He said approximately 30 percent of the proceeds could go toward infrastructure, with the remainder directed toward infrastructure improvements in Governors Harbour.

One attendee directly challenged Jacobs, asking why he was able to “demand” 100 acres from the Bahamian government when Bahamians themselves have struggled to obtain even one acre.

“Nothing against foreign investors—but why are you able to demand 100 acres to do whatever you want to do? And we as citizens don’t have the right to do that,” they said

Another attendee argued that the government should be using the taxes already paid by Bahamians to address infrastructure deficiencies rather than relying on a foreign casino developer.

“We are asking a foreign casino developer to fix BPL and water and sewer through a public-private partnership instead of demanding that our government use the taxes we already pay for reliable electricity and water,” the attendee said.

The resident also questioned what would happen if the development failed, warning that Bahamians could be left carrying the risk while private investors retained the benefits.

The Crown Land issue ultimately became one of the central points of resistance with Pastor Orlando Thompson stating that Governors Harbour is increasingly surrounded by foreign-owned developments while local residents were being left in a “little cubby hole”.

“If we’re going to come with these major projects like this, there needs to be some concessions so that the local people can participate in the growth of Governors Harbour,” Mr Thompson said.

Another attendee was even more blunt, describing the Crown Land proposal as “crooked” and a failure of government policy.

“There should be no reason why a foreign company should have to come to the island to provide Bahamian people with access to Crown Land,” the attendee said. “That’s crazy. That’s insane.”

A resident also took issue with Jacobs describing public beach access as something he was “donating.”

“As a media consultant, that is the last thing you should say to Bahamian people because access to the beach is a right that we have,” she said. “You can’t give rights.”

Mr Jacobs had proposed a public park and beach access as part of the Navy Beach concept, saying he wanted to increase public access and circulation. But following the backlash, he withdrew the Crown Land component.

Following the community meeting, residents continued to raise concerns about the Navy Base site, including its environmental legacy and the presence of asbestos left from the former American military facility.

Resident Juanita Pinder said the site remains a serious concern for residents, particularly because of its potential links to health problems. She said she was concerned about cancer among residents north of Governors Harbour and argued that any redevelopment of the site would need to address its environmental issues.

“We don’t mind a development being there, but we don’t want it to be where it’s just given away to a foreign developer to have as a part of his $40 million worth of whatever property he’s already gotten,” she said.

Resident Hartie Johnson similarly said the Navy Base contains significant amounts of asbestos but questioned whether giving Crown Land to a developer was the appropriate solution.

Following the meeting, residents continued to question whether the proposed development fits Eleuthera’s character and benefits the community. Horatio Smith described tourism as “the new slavery” and said foreign investment should create opportunities for Bahamians without compromising the country’s sovereignty or community identity. Other residents warned against developments that could redirect spending away from locally owned businesses, alter the island’s character or restrict access to land and roads.

Several attendees also criticised Mr Jacobs’ tone during the meeting, describing it as dismissive and condescending and arguing that his approach further fuelled opposition to the proposal.