Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis and Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Michael Pintard continued their war of words over the government’s agreement with Concord Wilshire to redevelop the Grand Lucayan Hotel on Thursday.
Mr. Davis has criticized Pintard for not attending the heads of agreement signing ceremony held in Grand Bahama last week Thursday. Pintard spoke with reporters outside the House of Assembly after viewing the remains of former Senator Rodney Moncur. He questioned whether the hotel was actually sold and accused the Prime Minister of sidelining Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper in the deal.
Pintard said, “the Prime Minister for whatever reason did not have confidence that the Deputy Prime Minister would be able to deliver on this and hence he and others worked on the arrangement which he refuses now to give us the details on.”
The Prime Minister responded saying, “instead of us coming together to ensure that this project is successful why just stand back and criticize. For years nothing has happened, something is about to happen. I’m about trying to ensure that this projects succeeds and that the Bahamian people particularly Grand Bahamian people benefit from it.”
Pintard did not answer questions about his absence from the signing ceremony. He instead said, “if they can show us that they have sold the hotel and they need our input we stand with them with the revitalization of Grand Bahama and that is the central issue. He know the details, unfortunately he’s not prepared to be candid about the details.”
Work is expected to begin shortlyon the $827 million Grand Lucayan redevelopment project. The project will employee at least 3,000 jobs during construction and operation.
