National

P.I. Crown Land Bigger Fight Than One Man

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The land dispute that has been the center of a battle between Royal Caribbean International and Bahamian businessman Toby Smith is now before the Court of Appeal.

Published

3 years ago

April 5, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The land dispute that has been the center of a battle between Royal Caribbean International and Bahamian businessman Toby Smith is now before the Court of Appeal.

Smith says that the matter is not about him but instead a fight for Bahamians.

Attorneys for the Paradise Island Lighthouse and Beach Club Co. Ltd. have filed a notice of appeal seeking to repeal Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder’s dismissal that the company claims that the government breached a crown land lease agreement.

Winder found that Smith did not have a claim to the land in the vicinity because the lease for five acres was never executed. He also said that the project got cabinet approval under the former Minnis administration before RCI expressed interest in the land.

Despite Education Minister Glenys-Hanna-Martin expressing her disagreement with RCI’s deal, Smith believes that the Davis Administration supports his project. However, he says there has been an 11-year delay.