Prominet human rights and environmental attorney Fred Smith, QC, claimed he was assaulted and his car was damaged during a visit to Jaws Beach yesterday. Mr Smith, who was still visibly shaken when he visited The Tribune, said he went on the beach to take photos of ongoing construction when he was assaulted by a small group of the workers. “Everything was fine when I first got there.

I was talking with some of the workers and even gave them some money for drinks. I was explaining to them about the group I was associated with and they were open to it. When they broke for lunch some more people came and one of them was Koed Smith,” he said. “The next thing I know, I was being pushed and shoved and cursed out and I was in fear for my life. I got into my car and tried to get away but a few of the guys got into the back and the front and I was boxed in. They surrounded the car with crowbars and hammers and steel.

“There was a heated exchange and when I realised nothing was being resolved I tried to escape by driving on the beach. At one point I got stuck in the sand and then I heard a loud crash and realised my rear windshield was broken. Someone threw a piece of steel and completely shattered my glass.”

Mr Smith said he took some video as he was leaving and is pressing charges. In fact, he says he is looking into filing a civil suit. He said he was afraid for his life and will do whatever it takes to ensure the person or persons who assaulted him are held responsible. Mr Smith is a member of The Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay – a group of concerned individuals and organizations that are committed to preserving and protecting Clifton Bay and other common marine environments surrounding New Providence.

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