By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS at Sandals have insisted it has the correct permits to construct a waterfront wedding chapel after concerns were raised by neighbours.  

Kevin Clarke, general manager of Sandals Royal Bahamian, said the resort has “most definitely” received the necessary approvals to construct its waterfront wedding chapel and is open to discussing the project with neighbours.

“At the end of the day, we have to exercise good community relations. I have spoken to them on several occasions, and I’m available for a consult, and we would have never done anything to jeopardise the brand or the authorities in The Bahamas,” he said. 

Mr Clarke, while not providing details about the layout of the chapel, said the building will not be a two-storey structure as they have not been granted approvals for a venue of that size.

He maintained the structure will not impede nearby residents from conducting water sports in the area and will not block the ocean view of nearby residents.

“It’s no way close to their property or would impede them from kayaking or jet skiing, based on how it’s drawn,” said Mr Clarke.

“We’ve actually proposed before a drawing, and they made an injunction that we will be impeding on their property, and we revised it. So, we’re working with approval now that is a revised version of it, so there is no way that would be able to impede or block their property or view or access thereof.”

He said the structure is “quite safe” and will not cause damage to neighbouring property during a hurricane.  

“Based on the construction and the approval and the permits that we’re doing, the structure is quite safe, and it’s not a thatch roof that we’re doing as well. So that shouldn’t. And it’s not directly across from their property, where it would cause damage to affect their property.” Mr Clarke explained.

Speaking to Tribune Business, nearby residents voiced concerns about the lack of consultation done by the resort and authorities prior to giving Sandals the green light for the project.

They noted that Department of Environmental Planning and Protection guidelines require a public consultation process to be undergone prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) and questioned why they were not allowed to voice their objections or view the necessary approvals.

Residents said the construction of the wedding chapel would obstruct their views and impede their ability to enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and kayaking.

They raised further concerns about the structure causing damage to their property during storms as debris from the thatch roof on the previous building at that site landed in their yards during hurricanes.

The neighbours allege that the concrete structure stretches beyond the previous structure, extending about 40 feet past the sea bed and could damage the fragile ecosystem of the area.

In a letter sent on August 30, 2023, to Acting Port Controller Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright residents documented their objections to the project and requested “wide consultation” by all stakeholders prior to approval being granted.

“We wish to record our objection to the plan by Sandals to expand the eastern dock beyond the footprint of the existing structure that was previously damaged. We met with representatives from Sandals today who confirm that it is their intention to construct an enclosed building that will serve as a wedding chapel and a venue for small dinners and parties,” said the residents.

“We were advised that the proposed structure will extend an additional 40ft into the seabed beyond the existing structure. The proposed structure will be fully enclosed and significantly larger in width, length and height. In our view the proposed structure is excessive and obstructive.

“We believe that if this structure is permitted as presented it will not only negatively impact the ocean views for ourselves and our neighbours but will lower property values in the area. We strongly object to this expansion and we believe that Sandals should not be given approval to rebuild the dock beyond the existing footprint. The structure should be rebuilt in a style consistent with the existing gazebo structure.”