BREAKING: Court Dismisses Claim Against Land Acquisition of Stake Bank Island

The High Court has ruled that the intended acquisition of 23.4 acres of land, known as the Extension of Stake Bank Island, does not violate any provisions of the Constitution.

In its decision, the court declared that the acquisition, as published in the Gazette on August 27, 2024, is consistent with the requirement for a “public purpose” as outlined in Section 3 of the Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Act and the Constitution.

The claimant was unable to substantiate the claim, leading to its dismissal. The court further ruled that the respondents are entitled to costs, while the interested parties, having joined the legal proceedings voluntarily, will bear their own expenses.

The High Court was asked to review the government’s decision to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of Stake Bank Island, a property owned by developer Michael Feinstein and earmarked for a cruise port project. The land is set to be transferred to OPSA, a Honduran company and former partner of Feinstein, sparking legal challenges.

Feinstein was represented by Godfrey Smith, while Eamon Courtenay represented OPSA, and Dean Barrow acted for the receiver. The government’s legal team included Magali Marin Young and two senior attorneys from Trinidad, whose fees are taxpayer-funded.

Feinstein’s attorneys argue that the acquisition lacks a legitimate public purpose, claiming it benefits OPSA in a private title dispute. The government and OPSA counter that the acquisition is constitutional and supports public interest by advancing cruise tourism.