Opposition Leader wants more details about Harrison’s Cave lease deal

Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley has rejected an “insufficient” explanation from Tourism Minister Senator Lisa Cummins about the terms and conditions of a 25-year lease of Harrison’s Cave granted to Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

In a statement released on Thursday, the lone Opposition Member of Parliament demanded that Barbadians be given the “specifics of the arrangement”, including information on concessions, the proceeds of foreign exchange earned, and the extent of local investment in the Jamaican-based company.

“It is the view of the Opposition that the Government should detail the arrangements relative to concessions which the company will be afforded, in light of the outcry over such arrangements with other foreign entities in the past,” Atherley argued.

“Of important interest also is the matter of the level of foreign exchange anticipated to remain in Barbados from the operations.

“It is understood that the company awarded the contract would meet the severance payment liability. If this is so, was this stipulation applied relative to Chukka?” the Opposition Leader further probed.

Bishop Atherley was responding to assurances from Senator Cummins that the first-rate tourist attraction would continue to be a Barbadian-owned asset.

During a press conference on Wednesday, the Tourism Minister likened the agreement with Chukka to the relationship between the Hilton Barbados and the global franchise which manages the hotel.

She further stressed that a successor company would be established to return management of Caves of Barbados to the Government.

The explanation, however, has not found favour with Bishop Atherley, whose political faction, the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP), has been questioning the proposal for months.

“It is of interest, certainly to the Opposition, to know what is the advantage which Chukka brought to the table that gave their bid superiority of claim to the award of contract over other entities, domestic or foreign, which also tendered bids,” he contended.

He further questioned whether Chukka’s business model would facilitate or disadvantage small businesses including taxi drivers and tour operators which have traditionally benefited from the existence of attractions like Harrison’s Cave.

“Finally, the Government should make clear whether there is any local ownership or investment interests associated with Chukka,” added Atherley.

“Barbadians are entitled to know and must be told the specifics of the arrangement attendant upon the management contract,” he insisted.