The Bimini Blue Coalition is calling the proposed plans for Resorts World Bimini, like the construction of a cruise ship terminal off North Bimini, "unsustainable and misplaced."

In a statement issued to Guardian Business, the Bimini Blue Coalition (BBC) has declared that "outlandish and absurd" proposals being put forth by the developers have prompted the group to speak out.

The BBC claims to be a partnership between Biminites, residents, second homeowners, and frequent visitors to the island, "working together to promote sensible, sustainable tourism for Bimini".

The group has outlined three main issues it would like both the Genting Group and government to address when it comes to the future development of the Bimini resort: Community involvement, a new plan for ferrying people on the island, and the implementation of a marine reserve for North Bimini.

"We have tried to reach out to the developers and our elected officials, but have heard little to nothing in response. There is supposed to be community meetings and public consultation with proposals of this magnitude, but the people here in Bimini are being left in the dark regarding what is going on," said the BBC.

"Many people have no idea what is being proposed, and when they find out they are furious. There are also a lot of questions regarding the island's ability to deal with the number of people Genting claims to be bringing, in regards to the capacity of our utilities and resources."

The BBC called the alleged lack of consultation with residents and key stakeholders on the island from the resort's developers "disrespectful and wildly offensive".

The coalition's comments came as ground was broken on the second phase of the Genting Group's Resorts World Bimini yesterday. The Genting Group acquired the Bimini Bay Resort and rechristened it Resorts World Bimini in March.

The Malaysian conglomerate's $150 million expansion plans for the resort are intended to be completed within three years and will include two luxury low-density hotels with a total of 600 rooms and numerous added amenities.

In July, Genting launched a fast ferry between Bimini and Miami, with the capacity to bring 1,600 passengers to the island per trip, and up to 400,000 per year.

"The Resorts World Bimini Super Fast cruise ship is far too big for this island, and their proposed jetty off North Bimini's western beaches would have catastrophic consequences for Bimini's coral reefs, as well as diminish property values and the quality of life for everyone within sight of it," claim the BBC.

The BBC is calling on Resorts World Bimini to declare their support for the final and full implementation of the North Bimini Marine Reserve.

North Bimini has been deemed the highest-priority site for a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in The Bahamas since 2000, and the NBMR was finally declared in December of 2008.

''Since then, every single resort and hotel owner, except Resorts World Bimini, signed on to the letter, as well as all of Bimini's bonefishing guides, numerous church leaders, resident researchers, and our Chief Councilor.

"Enough is enough, one foreigner should not be able to hold this critically important Marine Reserve hostage any longer."

While there are no plans for the BBC to seek legal action against the developers or the government, the group said developers "need to recognize that none of them live here in Bimini and they must involve the community with these decisions."

"We are the ones who will be left to deal with the messes that are made, and we are the ones who will be here long after these politicians and investors have moved on.

"Due to Bimini's small size, special considerations have to be made, and lately that seems to be seriously lacking." The BBC said it is "not anti-development" and is in "full support of the upgrades being done to the airport on South Bimini."

"We fully support the Balaeria Bahamas Express fast-ferry that ran earlier in the year and landed at the Government Dock in Alice Town."

However, in order for Genting to receive the group's endorsement it would need to improve transparency, support the North Bimini Marine Reserve, and "develop an alternative plan to constructing a cruise-ship terminal over our reefs and beaches," said the BBC.

The group has put forth a "Better Plan for Bimini" that they believe will be a win-win situation for all so that the island's existing tourism and natural beauty are "not diminished."

Christie has expressed his hope that the Genting Group's further development plans for Bimini will inject millions of dollars into the small island economy and create hundred of jobs for local people and many more spin-off opportunities.

Several attempts to reach Resorts World Bimini were unsuccessful yesterday.

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