NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Developers behind the proposed Rosewood Exuma project are rejecting accusations that legal correspondence sent to critics amounts to an attack on freedom of speech, as the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) claims Exumian residents and businesses are being threatened into silence by lawyers acting on the developer’s behalf.
Yntegra said it “fully respects the right of every Bahamian to express their views,” particularly on matters affecting their communities and environment, but maintained that public discussion must be rooted in what it describes as accurate and verified information. The company said legal correspondence was issued only in relation to specific statements it considers defamatory and factually incorrect, naming Bob Coughlin, Eric Carey and Kearje Smith.
“Protecting against demonstrably false allegations is not an attempt to suppress free speech,” the company said. “It is a lawful step available to any individual or company when reputational harm arises from unverified or inaccurate statements.”
The developer’s response comes after SEA alleged that freedom of speech is under attack following legal threats issued by lawyers acting on behalf of Yntegra, a Miami-based investment firm proposing to develop a Rosewood resort in the Central Exuma Cays.
The alliance said it is aware of letters sent to outspoken Exumians, media outlets and other Bahamians by Schillings, the London law firm acting for the developer behind the proposed project on Sampson Cay, Exuma. According to SEA, the letters included demands for apologies and requests that recipients agree to limit what they say in the future, despite widespread concern among residents over the proposed development and potential environmental damage to the North Bay of Sampson Cay through dredging.
“The effect of this is unsettling as it refers to the matter of free speech. You cannot have a consultation process where the developer’s lawyers are warning people what they can and can’t say. We are aware that letters have been sent – and people should not fear legal retribution for speaking up on an issue of genuine public concern. It is unconscionable to think that Bahamians can be threatened into silence by a foreign developer and its high-powered lawyers,” SEA said.
The matter first drew national attention in December when it was reported that Turtlegrass Resort owner Bob Coughlin received correspondence from Schillings warning of potential legal action against him, his company, and environmental consultant Eric Carey over what the firm described as “false and defamatory material” about the Rosewood Exuma project. Turtlegrass rejected those claims, characterizing the move as an attempt to silence opposition.
SEA said additional letters were also sent and warned that fear of legal consequences has made some residents hesitant to speak publicly. Kearje Smith, a Black Point tour operator who said he received one of the letters, maintained he would continue to voice his views.
“I have heard from several people in the community who are hesitant to speak out because they fear legal threats,” Smith said. “Others have told me they feel unable to share their views because they worry about potential repercussions. That is not how we should operate in the modern-day Bahamas. People must feel free to express their opinions on any issue — especially one that directly affects their environment and the way they live and work. I intend to exercise my right to free speech and will not be intimidated into silence.”
SEA further argued that the issue goes beyond individuals to constitutional protections, citing Article 15(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and Article 23, which states that no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of that freedom.
Yntegra, however, said freedom of expression and factual accuracy are not mutually exclusive and that it remains open to dialogue, adding that it is prepared to provide documentation and technical studies reviewed by relevant government authorities.
The Rosewood Exuma project has faced sustained opposition from some residents and stakeholders, who cite potential irreversible environmental harm, safety risks from increased boat traffic, changes to water flow from a proposed seawall, and damage to coral reefs and seagrass. The developer voluntarily withdrew its original site plan, made several key revisions and restarted the application process, holding two meetings in Black Point and George Town.
SEA said petitions calling for a halt to environmental clearances for the project have drawn thousands of signatures and reiterated calls for revisions, including relocating the proposed dock to avoid dredging and scaling back the size of the development.
