NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Davis says South Eleuthera is poised for transformation, as ground was officially broken on the $200 million Cotton Bay Holdings Project—a development he described as a model for inclusive, responsible investment and a turning point in how progress reaches every island in The Bahamas.
“This project reflects the confidence international investors have in our country, our economy, and our people,” said Davis. “It also reflects something more profound—the belief that growth should reach every corner of our nation, and that no island should be left behind.”
The first phase of the development will span 320 acres and includes a 115-room luxury hotel, 40 private villas, a restored 18-hole golf course, restaurants, a commercial centre, employee housing, and supporting infrastructure. The project is being designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
During construction, the project is expected to create 200 jobs. Once operational, it is projected to provide stable employment for 250 to 300 Bahamians.
“And that is what good government is about,” Davis said. “Creating the conditions for working people to build better lives—for themselves, for their children, for their communities.”
However, Davis emphasized that economic growth must be equitable and inclusive: “Growth cannot come at any cost. It must be responsible. It must be fair. It must include the people who call this island home. This government has made it a requirement—across every major investment—that Bahamians be involved from day one. Not only in labour but in management. Not only in service, but in ownership. The days of being observers to our own development are over.”
He noted that developers have worked closely with the Bahamas Investment Authority, local government, and community stakeholders to ensure the project aligns with the island’s needs. Plans to realign Chris Brown Boulevard—formerly Coco Plum Road—have also been subject to community consultation, with a focus on improving access, mobility, and safety.
The Prime Minister praised the developers’ approach to workforce planning, highlighting employee housing, back-of-house utilities, and nursery services as part of a people-first model. “These aren’t extras—they’re essentials,” he said. “We will hold every developer accountable to these commitments. Because the future we are building demands more than ribbon cuttings. It demands results. It demands integrity.”
Addressing South Eleuthera residents directly, Davis acknowledged past frustrations. “Your patience has not gone unnoticed. Too often, you have seen grand promises without follow-through. Today, you are seeing action. Real equipment. Real capital. Real momentum.”
He also called on young people to seize the opportunity: “This is a door opening. Train. Prepare. Step forward. This isn’t a handout—it’s a hand-up. Your government has fought hard to create the conditions for opportunity. Now we need you to seize it.”
Earlier this month, during the Eleuthera Business Outlook, Daniel Zuleta, Managing Director of Construction at Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd., confirmed that construction mobilization is already underway.
“We’re bringing 110 guest rooms and 97 residences, expanding the scope beyond initial projections,” Zuleta said. “The development will also feature an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.”
