A recent poll released by Public Domain and commissioned by the developers of the proposed Rosewood resort on Sampson Cay in the Exuma cays claims broad public support for the project. But an alliance of local residents, businesses, tour operators and neighboring island owners and managers today dismissed the poll as not reflecting the views of those who will be most directly impacted if the project is approved as proposed.
“Statistics based on answers to general questions from respondents throughout The Bahamas do not reflect community consent, especially when the public has not been fully informed about what’s truly at stake,” the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) said in a prepared statement. “Asking someone in Nassau or Bimini how they feel about a project that promises jobs in Exuma is like asking an Alaskan how they feel about a proposed development in Miami-Dade.”
SEA’s comments included a call for transparency, accountability, and realistic expectations about the true impact of this project that includes dredging of one of the country’s most biodiverse and pristine marine environments, displacing sea turtle populations, killing thousands of baby conch and wiping out vast meadows of sea grass that scientists say can help mitigate the impact of climate change.
The poll, based on 1,000 responses from across The Bahamas, does not reflect the views of the fewer than 1,000 people who live within a 40-mile radius of Sampson Cay, the individuals who will be most directly affected by the development, according to SEA.
“Survey participants were unlikely to be fully aware of the scale of environmental destruction the project would cause, including dredging through healthy coral reefs and seagrass meadows, bulldozing native coppice, excavating wetlands for two marinas, and disrupting sandbars and other valued recreational areas. These actions would cause irreversible harm to Exuma’s fragile ecosystems and threaten the livelihoods that depend on Exuma’s marine environment,” the statement said.
The poll also claims that respondents support the proposed resort because of its supposed potential for job creation and economic opportunity.
“However, Yntegra’s promises of jobs and economic growth are not new. In 2023, CEO Felipe MacLean pledged that the company’s Cave Cay resort development would employ between 250 and 500 people and deliver its first phase within two years. Yet three years later, there is no completed development, no employment, and no sign of progress. Now those same empty promises are being repackaged for Sampson Cay, despite a documented pattern of delays and unfulfilled commitments,” the statement continued.
The proposed resort on Sampson Cay would introduce over 90 structures and accommodate more than 500 guests and staff on a small island.
“This scale of development is wildly out of step with Exuma’s infrastructure and culture. It would strain local resources such as water supply, waste management, and healthcare, while disrupting the peaceful way of life that defines the Exuma experience and sustains its tourism economy,” said the statement.
“Despite Yntegra’s public relation tactics, there is no guarantee that the project will meaningfully benefit Bahamians. A resort of this type, designed in the style of exclusive exotic mega-developments, will rely heavily on imported contractors, imported materials, and imported staff. The reality is that most long-term jobs will go to outsiders, and most profits will leave the country.”
SEA said since coming together as an alliance, it has gained increasing support and represents a clear majority of those impacted, including its two largest employers. Among the members are Bahama Boyzz Adventurezz, Embrace Resorts, Hattie Cay, Little Major Spot, Flying Pig, Over Yonder Cay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club, Wild Tamarind Cay and Makers Air.
“The Save Exuma Alliance is not opposed to development. What we oppose is the notion that progress must come at the cost of our environment, culture, and community. There is space in Exuma for thoughtful, inclusive investment, and development that protects what makes these islands special while creating real opportunities for local people. But that is not what Yntegra is offering with its proposed megaresort on Sampson Cay,” the statement said.
“This is a moment for Exumians, and Bahamians everywhere to insist on responsible development that respects the way of life and integrity of our communities. Yntegra’s broken promises at Cave Cay offer a warning. If we fail to demand answers now, we risk paying the price later with a devastated coastline and empty job sites. Bahamians deserve the full picture, not selective polling, vague commitments, and more foreign-led disruption dressed up as opportunity. Progress should enhance our islands, not sacrifice our irreplaceable heritage and natural wonders.”
