Two and half years after Resorts World Bimini (RWB) launched its SuperFast ferry service from Bimini to Miami amid great fanfare and with high praise from Prime Minister Perry Christie, the company has discontinued the service. The dredging of the ferry terminal to accommodate the service had created widespread controversy about the environmental impact.
In a statement, RWB said it will embark on a multifaceted transportation initiative, including increased commercial flights.
Cape Air will offer seaplane flights five times daily to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale. The journey by SuperFast ferry takes approximately three hours, compared to the 20-minute flight, RWB said. Officials said the ferry service will be replaced with a more efficient ferry operation this spring.
"Our guests want to spend more of their vacation enjoying our beautiful resort and less time spent in transit," said Ed Farrell, president of RWB. In advance of the grand opening of our 300-room, luxury hotel in Spring 2016, the resort is embarking on a comprehensive transportation improvement initiative.
"The 'Break for Bimini' initiative will provide all of our guests with faster, more direct access to the island. Guests will be able go from their hectic lives to the bliss of Bimini quicker than ever."
Following an announcement, attorney Fred Smith yesterday cautioned the government on rushing major projects while allowing damage to the environment for jobs.
The dredging of the Bimini ferry terminal, which expanded to three times its original scope, led to environmental advocacy groups raising concerns about the protection of the delicate surrounding environment.
"We need regulated development, proportional development," Smith said... As I said in the Bimini judicial review, once it is no longer economically feasible for them, they are just going to pull out and leave us holding the dregs of the dredging."
Smith said anchor projects continue on various Family Islands in absence of a long-term development plan for these islands.
He claimed too often the government approves development before the developer makes good on obligations such as improvements to infrastructure and services in the heads of agreement.
"Has anyone calculated the economic losses [based on what] we have given away in stamp duty exceptions, real property tax exemptions, crown land and customs duty exemptions?" Smith asked.
He added that politicians are too keen to "cut a ribbon and just proclaiming a new development, and saying they got jobs for Bahamians".
Resorts World Bimini quoted Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe as saying, "Thanks to the Resorts World Bimini team, the island of Bimini once again has daily, commercial air service to the benefit of both the resort's guests and Biminites.
"The new air options, coupled with the enhanced ferry service from Miami, will further cement Resorts World Bimini as one of the Caribbean's most modern, luxurious resorts. On behalf of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I thank Genting for their confidence in and commitment to investing in our country."
Resorts World Bimini sits on a 750-acre property and offers condos, villas, a 300-room hotel, 280-slip marina and casino.
The Genting Group owns the development.
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