Yntegra Responds to Misleading Claims About Seawall: Structure Was Public, Design Was a Good Faith Concession to Neighboring Developer

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Yntegra Group categorically refutes the false and misleading claims made in the recent press release issued by the Save Exuma Alliance regarding the proposed service dock and seawall at Sampson Cay.

The assertion that this structure was “hidden until now” is patently false. The seawall and associated service dock have been disclosed in official regulatory filings since March 19, 2025, and Yntegra formally published the revised document once instructed by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) on May 21, 2025, as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

In addition, it is important to clarify that the current location and design of the seawall are the direct result of Yntegra acting in good faith at the request of Bob Coughlin, the developer of Turtlegrass Resorts. The original dock was to be located approximately 300 feet from the Turtlegrass property and required less substantial engineering. However, in response to Mr. Coughlin’s objections, Yntegra voluntarily relocated the dock four times further away—approximately 1,200 feet from the neighboring property—to be a respectful neighbor and accommodate concerns.

This relocation, developed in close consultation with DEPP and environmental engineers, required necessary adjustments to the engineering of the seawall and dock and came at a significant cost increase of $2–3 million to Yntegra.

It is both disingenuous and unfair for Turtlegrass Resorts and its affiliates to demand concessions from Yntegra in the spirit of cooperation and only for SEA to weaponize those accommodations as if they were new or hidden developments.

Yntegra has consistently sought to be a transparent and respectful participant in the community and regulatory process—participating in numerous public consultations, community meetings, working with local government, and voluntarily responding to community input.

In parallel with these regulatory efforts, Yntegra is moving forward with tangible benefits for Bahamians. In partnership with Bahamas Industries, nearly 150 local workers from the Exuma Cays and across the country have already been identified and screened for employment opportunities. Additionally, Yntegra is now opening its first round of entrepreneurial opportunities within the resort’s “heart of house” operations—including a café, bakery, barbershop, and Captain’s Lounge. These initiatives are part of our long-term commitment to ensure that the people of Exuma not only benefit from, but help shape and grow with this development.

We remain confident that thorough review and oversight by the Bahamian scientists and professionals at  DEPP ensures all elements of the project—including the service dock—are grounded in sound environmental science and align with national standards. At the same time, Yntegra continues to work towards  both LEED and Fitwel certifications, representing our commitment to creating a sustainable  development and creating a healthy place for employees to live and work.

Yntegra continues to believe that the Rosewood and Turtlegrass projects can coexist. However, repeated public misrepresentations and misleading attacks make it increasingly difficult to maintain that spirit of collaboration. We call on all stakeholders to act in truth and good faith, in service of the Exuma communities we all care about.