In Grenada and in our Caribbean region, Sir, many of our decision makers and policy makers who manage our affairs, demonstrate time and time again a failure to differentiate between “caca poule” and egg white. And even when they are aware that it is/could be “caca poule”, they let political expediency determine their decisions.
In respect of “done deals”, lest you forgot, Editor, it was the Prime Minister and his team who promised to review all the questionable contracts that the previous administration made with foreign investors/speculators. A Task Force was set up and the people are patiently awaiting disclosure about these deals. We expect the new administration to honour its commitments and put to rest all speculations and questions about the Port Louis transactions.
We take this opportunity to draw your attention, Hon. Prime Minister, to an interview with Mr. Clyde Rawls of Camper and Nicholson, in the August 2009 issue of the Barnacle paper, page 11. In response to a question from the Barnacle about cottages being constructed on the Lagoon, Mr. Rawls responded as follows, “ No, I’ll never say never. We have no immediate plans,(my emphasis). We own freehold but we haven’t got plans to do anything with it right now_.”_ It is clear, Hon. Prime Minister, that the declarations of Camper and Nicholson are in conflict with the commitments made by yourself in respect of the Lagoon Park and the rights of traditional users.
Fishermen were rather shocked when persons from Camper & Nicholson approached them to remove their boats and advised that the area would be FENCED right up to the sidewalk since Camper & Nicholson OWNED the land. This was repeated by the Manager of Camper & Nicholson, Grenada in a news interview.
It is our view that the Camper and Nicholson marina development project can proceed without interference to the Lagoon Park and the Lagoon shore – either backfilling or fencing. Camper and Nicholson have alternatives available including use of its property or use of a barge to facilitate its construction operations.
It seems to us that there has been a blatant disregard for fishermen, water taxi operators and the community of Lagoon Road-Belmont by all departments of government and statutory bodies charged with making decisions regarding the implementation of the Camper and Nicholson development.
Mr. Clyde Rawls, General Manager of the Camper and Nicholson Port Louis marina told the meeting that the boats on the Lagoon Park were on Camper and Nicholson’s property and he was appealing to “local neighbours” to respect Camper and Nicholson’s rights to use ITS property. He also stated that Camper and Nicholson was willing to sit with “anyone who ought to be involved” in order to work out a solution to the issue of the Lagoon Park.
The delegation updated the Prime Minster on the various concerns in respect of the Camper & Nicholson marina project and the most recent move to remove boat owners and fence the Lagoon Park. He was brought up to date on all the exchanges (correspondence and meetings) between concerned citizens and organisations and various Ministers and regulatory bodies such as the Grenada Ports Authority and the Physical Planning and Development Control Authority.
Port Louis Camper & Nicholson marina is an integral part of the Port Louis development, around which there has been and continues to be many concerns and controversy in respect of its environmental and social impact. Given that the Blue flag certification is an “eco-label”, permit us to share the following concerns and reservations in respect of the Port Louis Camper & Nicholson marina.
For securing the sum of USD 25,000,000 in favour of Bank of Nova Scotia………………..
