In a significant reversal, West Grand Bahama and Bimini Member of Parliament Kingsley Smith has walked back previous comments that cast doubt on the completion of the Grand Lucayan resort sale, despite official government assertions to the contrary. Serving as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Grand Bahama, Smith acknowledged in an official statement that his word selection during a recent media interaction could have been improved to prevent misinterpretation regarding the project’s status. Smith emphasized his unwavering alignment with the government’s position, stating: “My position is, and remains, entirely consistent with the government’s stance. Having been personally present for the execution of the legal documents and the signing of the conveyance, I have no doubt about the reality of the sale.” The controversy emerged following Smith’s Sunday remarks to journalists that “the hotel transaction did not happen at this time” – a statement that directly conflicted with Prime Minister Philip Davis’s confirmation that the resort had been sold and the government awaited the operator’s development plans. Smith attributed the discrepancy to misunderstandings arising during “the heat of a media scrum” amid complex international business negotiations. He vehemently denied any rift with the Office of the Prime Minister, characterizing the incident as a communication issue rather than a policy disagreement. The Davis administration had announced the $120 million sale to U.S.-based Concord Wilshire Capital in May, with the company pledging an additional $827 million investment toward redeveloping the Grand Lucayan property and adjacent 160-acre Reef Golf Course. While visible construction remains absent at the site, Smith maintained that substantial progress is occurring behind the scenes, dismissing opposition claims that the deal had faltered. “Where the opposition is concerned, because they cannot see the internal work being done, they would have the public believe the deal is nonexistent. I refuse to let my words be used to support that lie,” Smith asserted. “A delay in visible activity does not equate to a non-sale.” Concord Wilshire Capital officials had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.