LAWYERS for the Bimini Bay project have denied claims that the resort has tried to stifle free speech. The law firm of Carlos A Velasquez issued a statement yesterday responding a story in Tuesday's Tribune, which quoted environmentalists as claiming that the resort developer's threat to sue them for defamation was an attempt to muzzle criticism of the project.

"We take exception to the assertion that Bimini Bay Resort is seeking to retard the democratic process in free speech," the firm said. "Bimini Bay Resort has endured unwarranted criticism attached to this development." The firm said that the "false statements and disparaging comments" levelled at the resort had resulted in economic hardship and damage.
"Bimini Bay Resort welcomes all expressions of opinions as it relates to this project. What it opposes and will no longer accept is misinformation and misrepresentations that have cast a negative light on the project and Bimini Bay Resort's reputation.

The firm said Bimini Bay Resort "has always been and will continue to be committed to the socio-economic impact of Bimini and the Bahamas and has done and will continue to do all that is necessary to assure that the project is environmentally sustainable and that the heritage and culture of the island are preserved and enhanced."

An August 30 letter sent from the law firm to Dr Samuel Gruher, head of the Bimini Biological Field Station and a University of Miami professor who has been among the development's most vocal critics, warned that any failure by him to 'cease and desist' from publishing negative comments about Bimini Bay would result in legal action – both in the Bahamas and the US. The letter noted that the project had been approved by the Bahamian government, and met "all environmental requirements".

It added: "Please be advised that we have been authorised by our clients to seek all appropriate remedies to recover damages. As such, demand is hereby made that you 'cease and desist' from these actions. "Your failure to comply with this immediate request will result in our clients seeking injunctive relief and other damages recoverable under both United States and Bahamian law."

In an open letter to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on the threat of legal action by the developers, Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch, of Shark Trust UK, said Bimini Bay developer Gerardo Capo "has now resorted to threatening to sue several individuals in an attempt to silence criticisms of his actions. "Dr Gruher resigned from the Bahamas National Trust after many years of selfless service in protest at what Mr Capo is being allowed to do at Bimini. Since then Dr Gruber, as the world authority on the region, has offered scientific advice on the damage to the environmentthat this mega-resort will bring. "In contrast, Mr Capo has refused to release details of the Environmental impact Assessment, Hilton Hotels have refused any detailed communication and Mr Capo is now threatening to sue individuals to silence criticisms."

Source: The Tribune