Government Cancels Controversial Blue Waters Lease Amid Police Investigation

Government Cancels Blue Waters Land Deal, Orders Police Investigation

A major State land deal involving approximately 450 acres at the Orange Grove Estate has been thrown into the spotlight after the Government cancelled three proposed land leases to Blue Waters Products Ltd and ordered a police investigation into how the approvals were granted.

The move, announced through correspondence dated May 5, 2026, saw the Minister of Lands and Legal Affairs notify Blue Waters founder Dominic Hadeed that Cabinet had rescinded earlier decisions approving the leases. On the same day, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, informed Hadeed that all matters connected to the proposed leases had been referred to the Commissioner of Police for investigation.

The land in question has a long history. It was originally leased to French spirits company Pernod Ricard in 1995 before Blue Waters acquired the company’s local operations in 2007.

According to an affidavit dated July 3, 2026, prepared by former Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, Hadeed said discussions with State agencies about securing agricultural and commercial leases began shortly after the acquisition. He stated that negotiations continued for 19 years under four successive administrations.

The affidavit further states that Blue Waters continued occupying and developing the property based on repeated assurances that formal leases would eventually be granted. The company says it invested substantial sums in infrastructure and improvements while awaiting completion of the leasing process.

Official records indicate that an offer letter was issued by the Commissioner of State Lands on September 26, 2022, and accepted by Blue Waters on October 14, 2022. The company also reportedly paid the required premium and processing fees on September 7, 2023.

Despite those steps, the leases were never formally executed. The Government has now reversed the approvals entirely and initiated a police investigation into the events surrounding the transaction.

Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific issues that prompted the investigation, but the probe is expected to examine whether the approvals complied with the law and established procedures for the disposal and leasing of State lands.

The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the management of State-owned lands and future public-sector land transactions, as questions surrounding transparency, accountability and governance continue to attract national attention.