BIMINI, The Bahamas -- Biminites who have been quietly talking among themselves as heavy equipment stands at the ready to alter their lifestyle and their environment are "petrified with fear" about ongoing expansion efforts by Resorts World Bimini, but too scared of victimization to speak out publicly, says Bimini Waterkeeper Joseph Darville.
Speaking on a popular radio show being broadcast live from Bimini recently, Darville -- who also serves as a director of the fast-growing environmental movement Save the Bays -- said the majority of Biminites are resisting the development the central government thinks is good for them, but as scared as they are of the changes to lifestyle and environment, they are even more afraid to voice their opinion.
"What is happening on and around that little gem in the ocean, Bimini, will go down in the history of the Bahamas as the greatest potential tragedy to an eco system," said Darville.
The tiny island, with a population of less than 2,000, has been grappling with considerable changes as construction ramps up by Genting Group, a giant conglomerate originating from Malaysia. The resort developer is targeting up to 1,500 tourists daily from nearby Florida following the construction of a cruise ship terminal.
"There were hundreds of people who signed a petition against that particular development, but people are afraid to come out and face them publicly because they fear possible political and economic repercussions," said the retired educator, environmental and human rights advocate. "They are afraid. They are petrified with fear."

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