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Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) warns over changing model for resort projects that could affect the whole of The Bahamas

Fri, Apr 10th 2026, 11:03 AM
Environment

Projects being developed or proposed in Exuma and now Eleuthera show The Bahamas is at risk of moving to new models for developments that could change the nature of our island communities, says the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA).

Reports in the media yesterday highlighted a $650m project in Eleuthera, with consultant Eric Carey, president and chief executive of ONE Consultants, cautioning that the development was “too large, too dense and not what we want for Eleuthera”.

This echoes concerns raised by SEA in Exuma over the size and density of the proposed Yntegra Rosewood development at Sampson Cay – a project which the Town Planning Committee said could become a model for how such developments were dealt with across The Bahamas.

“It is a concern, not just in Exuma, not just in Eleuthera, but across the country. These things set a precedent, and what is approved in one place can become a model for what is approved elsewhere, which is clearly what we were told by town planning,” said Mr. Carey.

“We want to ensure that plans are appropriate for their environment – whether that is Exuma, or Eleuthera, or Abaco, Long Island, wherever it is. The developer in Eleuthera has been open to discussion, that is great to see, but that is not the same in every case. What we need to ensure is that local opinions are taken into account.  We cannot end up with developments that are too big, too dense, too damaging to the environment, and where residents who know the islands better than anyone are ignored.”

At the end of the most recent town planning meeting for the proposed Yntegra Rosewood project, Exumians chanted ‘no dredging’, while those speaking at meetings held in both Black Point and George Town repeatedly called for changes to the Sampson Cay project.

Those changes include proposals to move the service dock and back of house facilities to a new location which would mean no dredging in the North Bay, as well as scaling back the density of a project that currently calls for a covered area greater than five times the size of Baha Mar Convention Center. However, last week, Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma was given preliminary approval without any changes, despite the significant objections of residents to a project plan being proposed by a Miami-based investment group with no experience in real estate development. The proposed plans require dredging through coral reefs in the North Bay, destroying a thriving marine ecosystem that includes a 15 acre seagrass meadow full of sea turtles and a conch nursery.

 “Wherever you are in The Bahamas, what happens in Exuma could happen on your doorstep next. If we move to a new model of resorts, that are bigger, more densely packed and have a major negative impact on the environment, that is something that is going to affect you. We deserve a broader discussion about what we want for our islands, and how the planning process ensures that the voice of residents is not lost,” said SEA.

“We would urge people to take part in that conversation – follow us on social media and let us know your views. We also have a petition calling for a halt of approvals to the proposed Sampson Cay project, available at www.saveexumaalliance.org. Do not let your voice go unheard,” said the alliance of individuals, hospitality businesses, dive and tour operators.

Projects being developed or proposed in Exuma and now Eleuthera show The Bahamas is at risk of moving to new models for developments that could change the nature of our island communities, says the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA).
Reports in the media yesterday highlighted a $650m project in Eleuthera, with consultant Eric Carey, president and chief executive of ONE Consultants, cautioning that the development was “too large, too dense and not what we want for Eleuthera”.
This echoes concerns raised by SEA in Exuma over the size and density of the proposed Yntegra Rosewood development at Sampson Cay – a project which the Town Planning Committee said could become a model for how such developments were dealt with across The Bahamas.
“It is a concern, not just in Exuma, not just in Eleuthera, but across the country. These things set a precedent, and what is approved in one place can become a model for what is approved elsewhere, which is clearly what we were told by town planning,” said Mr. Carey.
“We want to ensure that plans are appropriate for their environment – whether that is Exuma, or Eleuthera, or Abaco, Long Island, wherever it is. The developer in Eleuthera has been open to discussion, that is great to see, but that is not the same in every case. What we need to ensure is that local opinions are taken into account.  We cannot end up with developments that are too big, too dense, too damaging to the environment, and where residents who know the islands better than anyone are ignored.”
At the end of the most recent town planning meeting for the proposed Yntegra Rosewood project, Exumians chanted ‘no dredging’, while those speaking at meetings held in both Black Point and George Town repeatedly called for changes to the Sampson Cay project.
Those changes include proposals to move the service dock and back of house facilities to a new location which would mean no dredging in the North Bay, as well as scaling back the density of a project that currently calls for a covered area greater than five times the size of Baha Mar Convention Center. However, last week, Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma was given preliminary approval without any changes, despite the significant objections of residents to a project plan being proposed by a Miami-based     investment group with no experience in real estate development. The proposed plans           require dredging through coral reefs in the North Bay, destroying a thriving marine ecosystem that includes a 15 acre seagrass meadow full of sea turtles and a conch nursery.
 “Wherever you are in The Bahamas, what happens in Exuma could happen on your doorstep next. If we move to a new model of resorts, that are bigger, more densely packed and have a major negative impact on the environment, that is something that is going to affect you. We deserve a broader discussion about what we want for our islands, and how the planning process ensures that the voice of residents is not lost,” said SEA.
“We would urge people to take part in that conversation – follow us on social media and let us know your views. We also have a petition calling for a halt of approvals to the proposed Sampson Cay project, available at www.saveexumaalliance.org. Do not let your voice go unheard,” said the alliance of individuals, hospitality businesses, dive and tour operators.
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