Written by: Timothy Roberts, The Abaconian
Above: Walker’s Cay – a Sportsfishing paradise when it was in its heyday.
Recent reports suggest that the Government is hoping to close on a sale of Walker’s Cay to a US real estate billionaire and return it to its “boater’s paradise heyday” soon.
According to Tribune Business sources Jeff Greene, an investor with substantial high-end real estate investments in Palm Beach and New York’s exclusive Hamptons area, is the potential buyer of the northernmost island in the Abacos.
Khaalis Rolle, minister of state for investments, declined to confirm whether Mr. Greene was the potential Walker’s Cay buyer, but said he understood a deal for the property was close to completion.
“The last I heard, they were very close to a deal,” Mr. Rolle. “I haven’t gotten an update recently to determine whether it was finalized or not. They were having some discussions and going through the normal process for a transaction like this.”
Mr. Rolle said that the Government wants to see Walker’s Cay to return to, or exceed, the economic impact it had in North Abaco when it was known as the automatic first stop for visiting boaters making their way down the Bahamian island chain.
“I believe it would be great for the Bahamas if it does happen,” Mr. Rolle said. “Walker’s Cay, in its heyday, was the most popular boating spot in the Bahamas. When the Abplanalps were there and operating it, that was a boater’s paradise and contributed to a lot of economic activity in that area.”
He added that “We [the Government] would like to see that area live up to its former potential, and like to see the same level of activity.
Read more in The Abaconian here: http://www.theabaconian.com/2014/08/29/us-billionaire-in-walkers-cay-talks/
Here’s are a few images of Walkers Cay from BBC 2002 and after the hurricane Andrew in 2004. If you have any images you would like to share with us about this island and its sportfishing history please send them to info@inthebite.com. Thanks, ITB Staff We hope one day this Island will one day mirror the glory days of it’s history.
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