Tourism Minister Condemns BPM’s Court Action

The decision by the Barbuda People’s Movement to hold-up the Paradise Found Development in Barbuda through court action has again been criticized by a government official.

This time it’s the Tourism and Economic Development Minister, Hon Asot Michael, who says the BPM’s action is motivated by politics.

Minister Michael says the BLP’s action reminds him of what happened during the 1990’s when then opposition leader Baldwin Spencer took Asian Village investor to court.

According to Michael that action held up the development for several years and it eventually became a victim of the Asian Village Financial crisis that would follow.

The principals of Paradise Found – Robert DeNiro and James Packer – have bought the lease for the now defunct K-Club in Barbuda and have pledged to spend US$250 million on a major tourism development on the island.

The BPM took the matter to court and lost in the High Court…but they have appealed to the higher court. The matter comes up for hearing next month.