Prime Minister Perry Christie provided the sportfishing world (and anyone else who cares about the Caribbean) with some reassurance. Rumors of a 10 year, $2.1 billion deal to grant the Chinese government fisheries and agricultural rights to territorial waters and land in the Bahamas scared many. From marine conservation organizations to travelling sportfishermen, the proposed deal caused a public outcry. In a statement, the Prime Minister assured the world that there will be no such deal and that it would not have been considered by the government.

Here is the official statement:

“The government of the Bahamas did not agree to any such proposition,” Christie said, “did not consider any such proposition, it did not come before the government as a proposal, and it would not have reached the government because it would have been rejected outright. We do not do that in the Bahamas, and I keep on saying you cannot have a debate where you miss the fact that it did not happen. Therefore, you are attributing to the government in debate what could have happened if the government had agreed, and you’re planting in people’s mind and this is more than disingenuous, it is a commitment they have made to trying to exploit an issue that is a non-issue.”

This is good news to all involved. InTheBite joins the chorus of those thanking Prime Minister Perry Christie for his perspective in the matter. Let us all hope that this is the last word in the matter…