NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In the two months since its launch, a growing number of Bahamians have signed the online petition weighing in on the Royal Caribbean Beach Club project on Paradise Island.
Concerns about the environmental impact and the shift of income and profits away from straw vendors, hair braiders, taxi drivers and local excursion operators were among the primary issues raised about the cruise line’s proposed $110 million project.
The petition, launched by advocacy group Protect Our Islands Fund (POIF) in November 2021, garnered over 1,000 signatures and comments from concerned Bahamians. Many participants urged the government to reconsider the Crown land lease deal signed under the former Free National Movement (FNM) administration.
Shonalee Johnson, spokesperson for POIF, said the comments reflect a growing number of everyday Bahamians concerned about the impacts to the environment and the economics of the deal on Paradise Island.
“Responses continue to come in through our online petition even as critical questions remain unanswered regarding the proposed project,” Johnson said.
Petitioners urged the government to review the impact the Royal Caribbean Beach Club deal may have on the natural environment and suggested Royal Caribbean (RCL) has a “poor track record of handling environmental issues in the region”.
Several questioned the economic benefits promised by RCL. To some participants, the project seemed like a shifting of revenue and profits away from the many small business operators, straw vendors and taxi drivers who have supported their families over the years from cruise arrivals in Downtown Nassau.
It might be that this development on Crown land is not in the best interest of Bahamians.
– POIF Spokesperson Shonalee Johnson
POIF is calling on the Davis administration to address the concerns of ordinary Bahamians and consider them when making decisions on the Royal Caribbean Paradise Island deal.
Johnson said: “We’ve raised questions on the environmental impact of the project specifically related to waste management.
“Many Bahamians are now aware of the project and want to be assured that the government will carefully consider the potential environmental impact of the project and weigh the real, incremental economic benefits against the negative impacts.
“Our government must act in the best interest of the Bahamian people and for future generations.
“It might be that this development on Crown land is not in the best interest of Bahamians.”
To learn more about how the petition, visit https://www.protectourislandsfund.com/take-action.
