NASSAU, BAHAMAS- A Supreme Court ruling has allowed certain preparatory activities to proceed on the proposed Rosewood Exuma resort development on Sampson Cay, while partially restricting other works, as a legal challenge over environmental approvals continues.
The restrained works, as outlined in the environmental approvals, include dredging and related activities tied to the development of marinas and other resort infrastructure. The broader project involves a mixed-use resort in partnership with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, featuring residential components, dining facilities, and staff housing.
However, the Court declined to halt the project in its entirety. In paragraph 113 of the ruling, Justice Farquharson stated:
“I am not persuaded that the injunction need necessarily restrain work undertaken (or to be undertaken) in connection with the activities referred to in CEC 2884… I would also not be prepared to restrain all of the works contemplated by CEC 2894 and would confine any order to dredging activity and the works contemplated to be done within North Bay.”
The judge also noted that while Turtlegrass raised a “serious question to be tried,” the case was not considered particularly strong at this stage.
As part of the decision, Turtlegrass was ordered to provide $3 million in financial security within 14 days to support the limited injunction—an amount significantly lower than the $30 million reportedly sought. The developers retain the right to seek an increase in that amount while the injunction remains in place.
In response, developer Yntegra said it welcomed the ruling, noting that it allows the project to continue progressing through geotechnical investigations and other preparatory works, while emphasizing that dredging had not yet begun and remains subject to regulatory approvals.
Turtlegrass, meanwhile, maintains that the environmental approval process was flawed, citing concerns over consultation, disclosure of key materials, and decision-making transparency.
The matter will be further examined when the judicial review is heard.
