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Work begins on $1.5 million roll-on, roll-off facility in Exuma, Turtlegrass Resort developer maintains commitment to preserving the environment and using all-Bahamian contractors

Mon, Dec 11th 2023, 10:34 AM
Business Environment

Work began this week on the $1.5 million cargo shipping dock area of Big Sampson Cay, paving the way for roll-on, roll-off (roro) vessels to deliver and offload goods and supplies for the construction of the planned Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club.

“We are very pleased to report that every aspect of the roro project is being done by Bahamians,” said Bob Coughlin. “We have contracted with CMS Marine Construction which brought in the barge, tow, heavy equipment and a full crew from Spanish Wells and Eleuthera.”

Coughlin said CMS Marine Construction was selected because its owner, Bruce Wilson, understood the importance of protecting the marine environment while engaging in activity that touched it.

“They know and easily agreed to the strict guidelines and protocol of the job, objective - careful handling of any displaced materials so as not to disturb existing marine life and careful restoration of any upland impact,” Coughlin explained.

According to Coughlin, who plans to leave 90% of the 121 acres of Big Sampson Cay in a natural state or dedicated to sustainability, preserving the beauty of Exuma, known as the boating capital of The Bahamas, while making it accessible for others to enjoy is top priority.

“These are the most beautiful waters in the world, and islands like Big Sampson Cay are national treasures that should be treated with great respect,” said Coughlin, who is also founder and president of the non-profit Friends of Exuma. Last week, the Bahamas National Trust credited Friends of Exuma with helping to underwrite the partnership between Elizabeth Harbour and Moriah Harbour National Park that will restore the health of the harbour. Part of that campaign involves installation of dozens of mooring buoys, lessening the danger to marine life by the hundreds of vessels who anchor in the harbour riding out the winter.

Work on the roro docking facility will wrap up by the end of January, and assuming resolution can be reached with the government on certain matters impacting the development, construction of the first phase of the $50 million Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club should begin in early 2024.

At a launch event in October, the project was heralded as “the kind of development The Bahamas needs,” by State Minister of Environment Zane Lightbourne. And the former Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust, Eric Carey, said Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club should be used as a model for Family Island resorts going forward. Plans call for a low-rise, low density, Bahamian style traditional cottages, a central pavilion overlooking the sea, fine culinary experiences highlighted by fresh food and produce grown or raised on property and freshly caught and locally sourced fish. Coughlin says he would like to see the site become the host for an annual marine environment conference. 

Work began this week on the $1.5 million cargo shipping dock area of Big Sampson Cay, paving the way for roll-on, roll-off (roro) vessels to deliver and offload goods and supplies for the construction of the planned Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club.
“We are very pleased to report that every aspect of the roro project is being done by Bahamians,” said Bob Coughlin. “We have contracted with CMS Marine Construction which brought in the barge, tow, heavy equipment and a full crew from Spanish Wells and Eleuthera.”
Coughlin said CMS Marine Construction was selected because its owner, Bruce Wilson, understood the importance of protecting the marine environment while engaging in activity that touched it.
“They know and easily agreed to the strict guidelines and protocol of the job, objective - careful handling of any displaced materials so as not to disturb existing marine life and careful restoration of any upland impact,” Coughlin explained.
According to Coughlin, who plans to leave 90% of the 121 acres of Big Sampson Cay in a natural state or dedicated to sustainability, preserving the beauty of Exuma, known as the boating capital of The Bahamas, while making it accessible for others to enjoy is top priority.
“These are the most beautiful waters in the world, and islands like Big Sampson Cay are national treasures that should be treated with great respect,” said Coughlin, who is also founder and president of the non-profit Friends of Exuma. Last week, the Bahamas National Trust credited Friends of Exuma with helping to underwrite the partnership between Elizabeth Harbour and Moriah Harbour National Park that will restore the health of the harbour. Part of that campaign involves installation of dozens of mooring buoys, lessening the danger to marine life by the hundreds of vessels who anchor in the harbour riding out the winter.
Work on the roro docking facility will wrap up by the end of January, and assuming resolution can be reached with the government on certain matters impacting the development, construction of the first phase of the $50 million Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club should begin in early 2024.
At a launch event in October, the project was heralded as “the kind of development The Bahamas needs,” by State Minister of Environment Zane Lightbourne. And the former Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust, Eric Carey, said Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club should be used as a model for Family Island resorts going forward. Plans call for a low-rise, low density, Bahamian style traditional cottages, a central pavilion overlooking the sea, fine culinary experiences highlighted by fresh food and produce grown or raised on property and freshly caught and locally sourced fish. Coughlin says he would like to see the site become the host for an annual marine environment conference. 
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