St. Kitts-Nevis Government Under Prime Minister Drew Accused of Selling Frigate Bay Golf Course

Dwyer Astaphan, a prominent social activist and commentator in St. Kitts, has launched a scathing attack against what he describes as a clandestine effort to dismantle the Frigate Bay Golf Course, a cornerstone of the island’s tourism industry. Astaphan argues that the proposed sale of a section of the golf course represents a grave threat to St. Kitts’ economic well-being and a betrayal of the public trust. His accusations center on a lack of transparency, alleged procedural violations, and a disregard for the potential environmental and social repercussions of the development.

The heart of Astaphan’s argument lies in the historical significance and economic contribution of the golf course. Built in the 1970s as a key component of a national economic diversification strategy, the Frigate Bay Golf Course has served as a catalyst for job creation, tourism revenue, and international recognition for St. Kitts. It has provided opportunities for countless citizens and elevated the island’s status as a premier golfing destination. Astaphan contends that jeopardizing the integrity of the course through the sale and development of this parcel of land undermines decades of progress and threatens the livelihoods of those who depend on the tourism sector.

Central to the controversy is the alleged involvement of Hamir Sabnani, the head of Rams Supermarket. Astaphan claims that Sabnani was granted provisional approval to purchase the contested land in November, bypassing the necessary approval from the Frigate Bay Development Corporation. This alleged circumvention of established procedures raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within the government’s decision-making process. Furthermore, Astaphan asserts that the purported approval was granted despite the mandatory requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a clear violation of the Development Control and Planning Act. He alleges that land clearing activities have already commenced, compounding the alleged breach of regulations.

Astaphan further elaborates on the potential detrimental consequences of the proposed development. He warns of increased flood risks due to disrupted water flow, displacement of local taxi drivers who rely on the area for their livelihood, and the overall degradation of the island’s tourism product and cultural heritage. The construction of a multi-story hotel on the site, Astaphan argues, would transform a cherished green space into a concrete eyesore, diminishing the aesthetic appeal and environmental integrity of the area. He questions the wisdom of sacrificing a valuable natural asset for a development that he believes offers limited long-term benefits to the people of St. Kitts.

The crux of Astaphan’s outrage lies in what he perceives as a blatant disregard for the interests of ordinary citizens. He frames the issue as a battle between powerful economic interests and the well-being of the community, accusing those who support the sale of acting against the public good. He contends that the government lacks the mandate to compromise this national treasure and calls upon the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to resist any attempts to diminish the golf course’s value. He characterizes the golf course as a “people’s golf course,” emphasizing its importance to the community and its role in the island’s identity.

Astaphan concludes his impassioned plea with a resounding call to action. He urges citizens to hold their government accountable and to actively oppose any development that threatens the integrity of the Frigate Bay Golf Course. He invokes the adage of being fooled once, implying that the government may have misled the public in the past. He emphasizes that repeated instances of such deception will not be tolerated, concluding with a forceful demand: “LEAVE THE PEOPLE’S GOLF COURSE ALONE!” This final statement encapsulates his unwavering commitment to protecting what he sees as a vital national asset from exploitation and mismanagement.