NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Opponents of the proposed Rosewood-branded resort on East Sampson Cay are celebrating what they call a “huge victory for the rule of law” after developer Yntegra Group confirmed it will withdraw its initial site plan approval and restart the entire Town Planning process. The decision—described by critics as Yntegra “crumbling under pressure”—comes amid a surge of environmental activism, a petition surpassing 7,000 signatures, and an active appeal from neighbouring properties.
In a statement released by Turtlegrass Resort hailed Yntegra’s retreat as “a huge victory for the rule of law… an important win for grassroots community efforts to protect the environment from overdevelopment, and a clear vindication of Turtlegrass’ effort to protect our own small, eco-friendly retreat from massive encroachment.” The groups said the abandoned approval had been under appeal due to “lack of proper public consultation and other serious procedural flaws,” asserting the project “could not withstand scrutiny and collapsed before a ruling was issued.” According to their statement, the development is now “back to square one” and must restart approvals, with hopes that any new submission “embraces low-density, environmentally responsible principles worthy of this pristine and ecologically sensitive area.”
Yntegra confirmed it will submit a revised site plan to the Town Planning Committee—characterizing the move not as a retreat, but as a proactive step to clarify concerns and advance the project. “Yntegra wishes to peacefully co-exist with its neighbouring resorts for the benefit of the community in the Exuma Cays, and we are committed to transparency and responsible development,” said Yntegra CEO Felipe MacLean. “In light of recent claims that have contributed to delays in the project’s progress, we have chosen to submit this revised plan to bring clarity and resolution to the concerns raised.”
Yntegra said the revised plan stems from community feedback during the Certificate of Environmental Clearance process, prompting a relocation of its service dock to further distance it from Turtlegrass Resort. That adjustment triggered the need for updated Town Planning approval. Having now received its environmental clearance from the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, Yntegra says resubmitting its site plan will give all stakeholders another opportunity to review the proposal. “Yntegra remains eager to resume progress as soon as possible and to fulfill its commitments to create local employment and meaningful, long-term benefits for Exuma and the Cays, and opportunities for Bahamians across the country,” MacLean added.
The developer’s move follows weeks of mounting opposition. A petition demanding a halt and further review of the project surpassed 7,000 signatures on Change.org, with residents, visitors, and an international network expressing concerns about dredging, a proposed 390-foot seawall, and threats to a 176-acre seagrass meadow. Signatories included marine scientists, divers, long-time visitors and travellers who warned the development could irreversibly damage coral reefs, seagrass beds, and nursery habitats for fish and conch.
The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA), which has led much of the resistance, said the strength of public sentiment mirrors the findings of the Exuma Cays Community Survey conducted by the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), which showed 96 percent of Exumians want the environment protected and 72 percent are concerned about proposed dredging. SEA urged residents to continue raising their voices, noting: “For everyone who signed the petition, this shows you are far from alone… Most people do not want this – and want officials to listen to people’s concerns.”
With Yntegra preparing to restart the approval process and opponents vowing to maintain pressure, the future of the $200 million Rosewood Exuma resort is now set for renewed public scrutiny. Opponents insist they will continue monitoring every step. As they put it: Yntegra’s withdrawal is a reminder that “the detail and spirit of the law” must govern development in one of The Bahamas’ most fragile and treasured marine environments.
