EXUMA, THE BAHAMAS– A petition calling for a halt and further review of the proposed Yntegra Rosewood project, which would include massive dredging in the fragile Exuma Cays in the Central Bahamas, has surpassed its goal of 7,000 signatures. Citizens, visitors, and members of the international community are united in expressing everything from concern to outrage about the project—and are calling for voices to continue to be raised.
Residents and visitors to Exuma who have signed the petition—now at 7,031 signatures—are also finding support in the Exuma Cays Community Survey, conducted by ORG (Organization for Responsible Governance), which shows almost unanimous support for protecting the environment.
The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) today issued a rallying cry for people to continue speaking up to make officials aware of the strength of feeling on the issue. Since the petition first appeared on Change.org, locals and supporters from around the world have posted comments.
One marine scientist warned that the dredging and construction involved in the project would mean “the surrounding coral reefs, seagrass beds, and nursery habitats for fishery species would be seriously harmed, if not destroyed outright.”
In response to the petition, the scientist, named Clay, said: “I have spent many years in the waters around Big Sampson Cay and am close to the Bahamians who used to own and steward it. From my knowledge and experience as a marine scientist who has conducted research in Bahamian marine ecosystems, I have major concerns about a project of this scale being carried out in an environment as sensitive as this.”
Another signer, Lisa, called for officials to “listen to the people and go somewhere else.” She said: “This is truly the most beautiful place on Earth, and it should be treated as such. I come here for the beauty and tranquility. I don’t want crowds, noisy jet skis, or people screaming while hanging from parachutes in the sky. Preserve Exuma as it is: no huge cruise ships, loud boats, or rowdy crowds… don’t destroy this island just to fatten your wallet.”
Shawn, a travel agent who signed the petition, said he was “totally against this,” adding: “We visited Exuma years ago, and it needs to be left untouched!”
Steve, a diver, said he has been snorkelling in the affected area for the past 16 years. He said: “My heaven; I’ve drifted over the turtle grass, weightless, in silent tranquil bliss, swimming with the turtles. The colors, the reefs, the fish are mesmerizing. An area so sensitive and flourishing that it supports hundreds, if not thousands, of living creatures. To hear that this area could unimaginably be ripped up and destroyed so someone can deliver more diesel fuel and toilet paper to an area of this majesty really puts their intentions in perspective. You have to ask yourself: is it worth it? Does money have to be the final answer in so many conversations these days?”
The recent survey by ORG bolsters the views of those who have signed the petition, making clear that the thousands of voices who have already said no also have widespread support.
The survey showed that 96 percent of Exumians want the environment protected, while 75 percent were worried about the impact of the planned 390-foot seawall on the area. The Yntegra Rosewood plan for a seawall and dredging in North Bay will directly impact a 176-acre seagrass meadow—roughly the equivalent of 100 professional soccer fields.
Meanwhile, 72 percent of local community members who participated in the survey expressed concern about dredging plans that would be detrimental to the existing healthy seagrass, coral, and juvenile conch.
The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) said: “The strength of opposition to the plan is no surprise to us—time and again, people have told us their concerns, and when it comes to a seawall, that becomes a hard ‘no.’ That seawall will change the tidal flows in the area and reshape the marine landscape. For everyone who signed the petition, this shows you are far from alone, and you are in fact in the majority. Most people do not want this and want officials to listen to the public’s concerns.”
SEA added: “What we would urge anyone with concerns to do is to keep speaking up—sign and share the petition, write to the newspapers, and speak to your MP. The time to raise your voice is now.”
