Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines applied to the Bahamian Department of Physical Planning to have the private, residential land on the western side of Paradise Island rezoned for commercial activity in April, 2021.

Under the former Prime Minister, the Department of Town Planning was headed by Executive Chairman Adrian White. During his abbreviated tenure, there was one single virtual conference call allowed for public consultation and Bahamians were vehemently opposed to RCL’s plans! It was supposed to be a call for us to being able to express ourselves, however it was overrun with RCL’s representatives pitching financial pie in the sky numbers. RCL illustrated to have “Royal Caribbean Crown Land Lease” only to be caught in their lie when it was revealed they didn’t actually have a lease. That is untruthful and misleading. They are simply eroding a very frail trust factor.

For the benefit of Bahamians, I would be grateful to know, from the new board of the Department of Town Planning, what is the status of RCL’s rezoning application? Bahamians should be included in the decision to keep the land as private, residential. We do not need even more competition with Bay Street against Bahamians. Also, why does RCL and Department of Town Planning (under the previous government) refuse to make an electronic version of the call available? Is honesty no longer best prophecy?

Thank you.
Best wishes,

Capt. Toby Smith. Lighthouse Keeper, Paradise “Hog” Island Lighthouse.