Clearing way for Hyatt

IT LOOKS LIKE all systems are go for the much debated and highly controversial Hyatt Hotel along lower Bay Street, St Michael.

Workmen were on site yesterday apparently clearing the land in preparation for construction.

Since news of a proposal for the 15-storey hotel was made public, there have been many arguments both for and against the resort going there. Recently, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart clearly stated the hotel would be going ahead with his permission and no environmental impact assessment study was necessary.

In addition, many of those living and working in the area threw their support behind the building in the hopes of new jobs or increased business for them.

However, social activist David Comissiong has promised to take legal action challenging Government’s decision to approve construction of the property inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

He said more than a week ago that he would be going to the Supreme Court to have Stuart’s permission set aside, adding he expected to file his suit sometime this month.

“I am definitely going to ask the Supreme Court of Barbados to carry out a judicial review to grant [developer] Mark Maloney’s company permission to build a 15-storey hotel on Bay Street,” he said. (CA)