The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) today applauded the passion of Exumians who turned out by the hundreds to hear a presentation on a controversial development and answered it with a resounding reply – no dredging of the pristine waters that have made the Central Exuma cays the natural treasure it is.
The Department of Physical Planning Town Planning Committee meeting held at LN Coakley Senior High School in George Town on February 20 was the second of two town halls offering Miami-based investment group Yntegra an opportunity to present its proposed Rosewood branded resort on Sampson Cay to the public. Discussion of the project which has raised environmental, social and economic concerns since it was first announced drew a standing room only crowd including a noticeable police presence.
Members of SEA – the coalition of Central Exuma business owners, tour operators and residents of Staniel Cay and Black Point formed to address myriad issues posed by the proposed project including dredging, sheer size and safety, said they were stunned at the turnout and the passion displayed, one member of the audience later referring to the crowd as Pompey Warriors.
The project calls for dredging of the North Bay of Sampson Cay, a massive seawall that will alter the flow of water, more than 90 structures, two mega yacht marinas, a supply dock serviced by barges in an area now frequented by swimmers, removal of wetland and mangrove areas and a site plan that opponents say does not suit the fragile ecosystem or the character of the central Exuma Cays.
Leading environment expert Eric Carey called the project “monstrous, destructive and unprecedented.”
“You have selected the most difficult, incompatible island to develop,” Carey said, “and now you have to find impossible solutions to make your development work.”
SEA said it was proud that people were not afraid to speak up.
“Tour operators, fishermen, and residents traveled nearly 60 miles by boat from Black Point and Staniel Cay to make their voices heard. That kind of turnout speaks volumes about what’s at stake. The community’s message was clear: You cannot ask people who make their living from a healthy marine environment to support a project that would dredge in areas of coral reef and seagrass.
At this same time, while residents were lined up to ask questions with only one minute to share their concerns, one resident was quoted asking how the math works with all the jobs they are talking about and 130 work permits granted – what jobs will Bahamians actually get?
Attendees raised pointed questions about Yntegra’s track record, specifically referring to a $300 million Cave Cay development announced by the same investment group three years ago that never materialized.
“The passion was undeniable and the message was clear, members of the community are not anti-development, but they do not want to see the environment unnecessarily destroyed when other alternatives exist.
A petition calling for a halt to environmental clearances for the project has received more than 7,100 signatures. You can add your name to the petition at https://www.change.org/stopsampsoncayproject
