Bahamas Court Reviews Luxury Resort Plan
A luxury Rosewood resort development in Exuma, Bahamas, is now under review by the country's Supreme Court. The case, highlighted by the Save Exuma Alliance on World Seagrass Day, is seen as a major test of how The Bahamas will apply modern marine protection laws as it expands its luxury tourism sector. The Yntegra Group's development model is under particular scrutiny.
The $200 million Rosewood Exuma project is planned for East Sampson Cay and includes 33 bungalows and two marinas with 69 slips for large yachts. The developer, Miami-based Yntegra Group, projects the resort will generate a $1.6 billion economic impact over the long term and create 533 full-time jobs annually. Construction on the first phase has already begun, with a full opening slated for late 2028. The development has sparked significant opposition from the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA), a coalition of local businesses and residents. Their primary concern is the potential for irreversible environmental damage, specifically the dredging of a 15-acre seagrass meadow and the construction of a large seawall. These actions, they argue, threaten coral reefs, marine life, and the clear waters that are central to Exuma's tourism appeal. A neighboring resort, the Turtlegrass Resort and Island Club, has been granted a judicial review of the project's Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC). The legal challenge argues that the approval process by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) was "fundamentally flawed." This court case is seen as a significant test of The Bahamas' 2019 Environmental Planning and Protection Act. The Bahamas National Trust has also voiced concerns, stating the development's scale "far exceeds what is appropriate for Sampson Cay." Environmental advocates have labeled the potential impact as "catastrophic," warning that it could permanently alter the underwater landscape. Despite the opposition, which includes a petition with over 7,000 signatures, the developer maintains it is committed to responsible development. Yntegra Group states that less than half of the 124-acre site will be developed and that they will use native plants and aim for 30% renewable energy. The company also points to its community investments in local schools, healthcare, and infrastructure as evidence of its commitment to the region. The project has received support from some local businesses and has reportedly attracted nearly 200 individuals interested in employment.
