NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The $250 million Calypso Cove luxury resort and cruise port development planned for South Long Island has reignited enthusiasm and optimism among Long Islanders eager to come back home, according to the project's principals.
Ground was broken for the development nearly a year ago and on Tuesday the development's principals gave an overview and update on the project during a public consultation meeting.
Calypso Cove is touted as a luxury resort and cruise port development in Gordon's South Long Island. The development will include a port area, a 200-room hotel, an 18-hole golf course, a casino, a waterpark, and marina facilities for mega-yachts.
Thomas Dean, partner, Dupuch and Turnquest Counsel and Attorneys-at-Law, and Principal, Azul Destinations, the Calypso Cove project developer, noted that buzz around the project has sparked renewed optimism among Long Island residents and those looking to return to the island the call home.
Dean remarked that the island's economy has been in a slump for some time, with very little economic activity.
"What I am seeing with the announcement is renewed interest and renewed hope that Long Islanders will be able to come back home. I have spoken to Long Islanders and they are looking for a reason and an opportunity to earn a living in a place they call home."
Dean described the development as a unique offering, unlike other developments across the country. "I think it has something very different to offer. It is not Nassau and it is certainly not Exuma. What it is is Long Island and it is special."
Dean acknowledged that the development will require a significant workforce which presently does not exist on the island and also noted the need for infrastructural upgrades to the roads, airport, and the island's health care facilities, all of which he said were issues that necessitated the government's involvement.
While many welcomed the project and its potential to provide a much-needed boost to the island's economy, questions were raised regarding the environmental impact of the development with its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) said to be in the final stages of approval.
The project is said to be on track for the summer of 2026.
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