NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Nearly 80 percent of residents say a proposed large-scale resort development would significantly alter the character of Governor’s Harbour, according to an independent survey that underscores deep community concerns over the project’s environmental and social impact.
The findings, based on responses from 401 residents across central Eleuthera, point to strong opposition to key elements of the proposed development, including fears over environmental damage, reduced beach access, and limited Bahamian participation.
Conducted by the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) between February and March 2026, the survey found that 92.3 percent of respondents view a healthy environment as critical to both the island’s economy and their personal livelihoods, while 88 percent said marine and coastal ecosystems are personally important.
Environmental risks tied to large-scale tourism development — including dredging, marina construction, golf course operations and waste management — were cited as major concerns by nearly 74 percent of respondents. At the same time, 69.6 percent said they have little to no confidence that environmental safeguards would be properly enforced.
Access to beaches and public land also emerged as a central issue. Among those expressing a view, respondents expecting reduced public coastal access outnumbered those expecting improvement by more than three to one. French Leave Beach was repeatedly identified, with 32 percent expressing extreme concern about potential changes to public land use.
Only 15 percent of respondents said they support the use of public land for large resort or casino developments, while fewer than one-third expressed any support for a casino component, with many questioning its fit with Eleuthera’s character and tourism model.
The survey also highlighted a preference not against development itself, but for a different approach. Nearly half of respondents favored a mixed-use model over large resort-scale projects, with strong support for smaller, boutique-style developments aligned with the island’s infrastructure and environment.
There was also overwhelming support for greater Bahamian involvement, with 86 percent saying local ownership, leadership and contracting opportunities are very or extremely important.
The findings come as a US developer advances plans for a proposed resort, marina and boutique casino development in the Governor’s Harbour area, a project that could span hundreds of acres and represent one of the largest tourism investments in central Eleuthera.
However, the survey suggests many residents feel they have not been adequately included in the process. Some 74.6 percent said opportunities to learn about and provide input on developments have been “not at all sufficient.”
Our Governor’s Harbour, a community advocacy group, said the results reflect a population seeking a stronger voice in shaping the island’s future.
“This survey shows, in clear and documented terms, that people care deeply about Eleuthera’s environment, beaches, public access, and community character,” the group said. “Residents want development that protects what makes this place special while building a stronger, healthier community for Bahamians. They want a real voice in decisions that will shape the future of their island.”
