NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) is raising serious concerns about the public consultation process surrounding Yntegra’s re-filed site plan application for the proposed Rosewood Exuma development on Sampson Cay, citing insufficient time, limited access to information, and significant logistical challenges.
According to SEA, a representative recently reviewed the newly submitted documents at the Town Planning Committee headquarters and found the filing to be extensive, highly technical, and detailed. The alliance says that properly evaluating the material would require expert analysis, but copies of the documents were not available for distribution to consultants or advisors.
SEA also notes that, given the environmental sensitivity of Sampson Cay and the potential long-term ecological implications of the proposed development, additional time may be required to consult legal counsel and environmental professionals before meaningful feedback can be provided.
The alliance argues that the current consultation window — which runs until February 5 — is inadequate for thorough review and informed public engagement.
Further compounding concerns is the scheduling of the consultation meeting for evening hours in Black Point, Exuma. SEA describes the location as a small and isolated community with no air access after dark, making travel difficult and, in some cases, unsafe. Nighttime boating, the alliance noted, poses well-documented risks, and the limited availability of accommodations in Black Point makes overnight stays impractical.
SEA members are based across Exuma, New Providence, and other islands, and many have work and family obligations. As a result, the alliance says it would be logistically impossible for a significant portion of its membership to attend the meeting on short notice.
In light of these challenges, SEA is urging the Town Planning Committee to reconsider its approach and grant an extension of several weeks before holding any consultation hearing. The group maintains that without adequate time, accessibility, and the opportunity for informed public participation, the consultation process risks being fundamentally flawed.
SEA emphasized that meaningful consultation is essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making, particularly for developments proposed in environmentally sensitive areas.
