Controversy surrounds Waterfront development

Jersey's States are being taken to court for an alleged breach of contract.

Developers Harcourt say they had been given the job to develop the Waterfront, but were later unfairly dropped by the States.

They are now seeking compensation and the States deny the claim.

The Royal Court heard the case outlined this morning and in two weeks will make a decision on whether it should go ahead.

Quote:

"We cannot have done a more thorough review. There is no basis whatsoever that justifies a reference back. I have no hesitation in recommending Harcourt".

"The ruler has been run over Harcourt thoroughly and they have come up A1 every time"

"To suggest that there is a legal dispute is very misleading, No legal motion has been filed to Harcourt in Las Vegas".

Words used in a Statement to the assembly by ex Chief Minister Frank Walker supported by ex Treasury Minister Terry Le Suer in a bid to persuade States members to allow Harcourt to develop prime public land in St. Helier with six office blocks, apartments etc.

Deputy Baudains went on the internet and proved that the Chief Minister was utterly wrong, what ruler what checks ? The assembly smelled at rat and turned down the proposition. Harcourt now under the spotlight had to prove that they could finance the development, but it transpired they owed an Irish bank 250 million Euros and could not guarantee funding and were indeed embroiled in two expensive ongoing court cases.

Many local people could not understand why the chief minister supported by other ministers at the time, put Jersey in this position to push the Harcourt development plans. He said checks had been carried out, how could this be reconciled with the truth offered by Deputy Baudains which so alarmed his fellow backbenchers. Just one piece of information there is a lot more.

http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2008/05/12/news/iq_21367257.txt

Boatyboy.