NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Despite the mutual cancellation of the deal between the Government of The Bahamas and Bahamas Moorings Ltd., the opposition insists that the scandal cannot simply be swept under the rug, stressing that serious questions remain about illegal actions, conflicts of interest, and the use of taxpayer dollars.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard stated: “There must be accountability for the litany of transgressions that accompany the Bahamas Moorings deal, despite the Davis Administration being forced to abandon this fiasco under pressure. Bahamas Moorings Ltd. reportedly began installing moorings in the Exuma Cays without authorization from the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP), which is illegal under Section 11 of the Environmental Planning & Protection Act.”
On Monday, both the Government and Bahamas Moorings Ltd. released statements confirming they had mutually agreed to cancel the deal after concerns over premature mooring installations and the involvement of an Office of the Prime Minister employee. The government had issued a cease-and-desist order to Bahamas Moorings Ltd. for beginning preliminary activities related to the mooring installations without obtaining the necessary approvals.
Bahamas Moorings Ltd. had been granted a seabed lease to install 253 moorings at key locations throughout the Exuma Cays (excluding the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park), with a $2.5 million private investment aimed at advancing marine conservation and sustainable boating infrastructure. The Cabinet approved the project in June 2022, and Bahamas Moorings Ltd. was granted the lease in January 2025.
Pintard continued: “We expect DEPP to have the full support of the Cabinet in carrying out the necessary sanctions. Additionally, the Prime Minister has acknowledged a blatant conflict of interest involving his Deputy Director of Communication. This must be addressed immediately. But beyond the Deputy Director, we are certain the Prime Minister is aware of other conflicts of interest linking the President and other Bahamas Moorings principals to a senior advisor in his office. This advisor, along with any other public officials aware of these conflicts, must also be dismissed.”
He added, “The Prime Minister must tell the nation how much money has been spent—and the value of any human resources used—on this failed project. Does the government have to compensate Bahamas Moorings or its affiliates for money spent on this now-abandoned deal? The Bahamian people demand answers.”
Despite the deal’s cancellation, questions remain about the $2.5 million investment and breakup fees, which require 50 percent reimbursement of provable expenses if the deal is canceled within seven years. While Bahamas Moorings is removing the moorings at their own expense and the leases have been surrendered, the potential for a payout still raises concerns about how this will be handled.
