La Pleasure Beach has rejected claims that it is operating as a squatter on the beachfront, following the recent demolition of its facility.
In a statement, the management said it had taken note of statements attributed to the management of Labadi Beach Hotel suggesting that La Pleasure Beach was occupying the beachfront without lawful rights.
La Pleasure Beach disputed that position and maintained that it has a legitimate claim to the land on which it has operated over the years.
“We wish to categorically state that La Pleasure Beach rejects this characterization. We are not squatters, nor have we encroached on the beachfront as alleged,” the management stated.
The management said its position is supported by what it described as a history of correspondence between La Pleasure Beach and Labadi Beach Hotel concerning access to and use of the land.
According to La Pleasure Beach, Labadi Beach Hotel first approached its management in 2007 to request access to or use of the land. The request was reportedly granted.
The hotel allegedly made another request in 2010, seeking a renewal that La Pleasure Beach said was granted for 10 years.
La Pleasure Beach further claimed that Labadi Beach Hotel returned in 2022 to seek another renewal, this time for 20 years.
The management said the correspondence raises questions about claims that the hotel has always owned the entire beachfront area where La Pleasure Beach operates.
“If Labadi Beach Hotel’s position is that it owns the entire beachfront on which La Pleasure Beach operates, a legitimate question arises: why would the hotel repeatedly write to the management of La Pleasure Beach seeking to rent land to enable its guests to access the beach?” the statement said.
La Pleasure Beach said the demolition has affected its business, employees, customers and other people whose livelihoods depend on the operation.
It has therefore called on the relevant authorities and stakeholders to review the land documents, historical correspondence, agreements, renewals and other records before reaching conclusions about ownership or occupation.
The management also argued that disputes over land ownership and use should be addressed through legal and administrative processes rather than unilateral actions.
“La Pleasure Beach is not a squatter operation. We stand by our claim to the land on which we operate and are prepared to substantiate our position with the relevant documents,” it stated.
The management said it remains prepared to present the relevant documentation to the appropriate authorities and pursue the matter through the legal process if necessary.
It also appealed to the public, media and other stakeholders to allow documentary evidence to guide the discussion surrounding the beachfront dispute.
Read the statement below:
