Fears That The Rosewood Exuma Project Could Bring Permanent Damage

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EXUMA, BAHAMAS – Kieran Miller is just one of many that make their living off the natural beauty of our islands.

The owner of Staniel Cay Adventures is an outspoken critic of the Rosewood property, which is about to be built by the Yntegra Group.

Kieran Miller – Owner, Staniel Cay Adventures

“I think the common denominator of what brings people to the Exumas [is] that remoteness, that quietness, that charm. Whereas they are here to disconnect and unplug.

That’s what he fears will be lost.

“I point to you, the failed projects of the past, the mega resorts…for whatever reason, it doesn’t work, it’s not a good fit for this place,” he said.

He and others point to the existing, highly successful boutique-style resorts with minimal impact.

Then, there is Tito Baldwin, an internationally certified Bahamian boat captain, whose made a living in these waters – whose questioning the viability and safety of the proposed marinas.

“The marinas they want to do on that side are exposed to the open ocean”

“It might damage the yachting community for a very long time, and so a lot of yachts that come here, you don’t see them anchoring in here, the currents are ridiculous,” Baldwin said.

However, what’s likely the most contentious is the proposed dredging within the North Bay for a service dock, and the proposed sea wall.

Aniska Rolle – Employee, Turtle Grass

“You can’t put a sea wall where the tide goes in and you. It’s not gonna ever work. [Doesn’t] matter how you put it, it’s not gonna work [sic],” she said.

The fear is, it could permanently damage the food chain and natural marine habitat of this area.

With now only days to go before the government and Yntegra come together for the groundbreaking. The groups’ opposition grows louder, hoping for a change in course on this project.