By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s environmental agency is still reviewing a controversial proposal for a $200m ultra-luxury resort in Exuma, which has stirred opposition from some residents and a nearby development.

The Rosewood Exuma Resort, proposed by the little-known Yntegra Group for development on Big Sampson Cay, would involve major dredging work, which critics argue could irreparably harm the area’s fragile marine ecosystem.

Dr Rhianna Neely, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), said her office has reviewed “several iterations” of the project and noted changes have been made, though she did not provide a timeline for a final decision.

The project has drawn criticism from groups such as the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) — a coalition of local business owners and private island stakeholders — who argue the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) released in July 2024 failed to adequately assess the seabed dredging the development requires.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club president David Hocher, SEA’s leader, said the project might be viable elsewhere but not on a cay as small and sensitive as Big Sampson.

“I think this project will be fine on an island like Guana Cay. They’ll be fine on greater Exuma. It would be fine on certain bigger islands but this small area where the boating and recreation is so important,” Mr Hocher said.

He noted the EIA mentioned the excavation of pond material to create two marinas but failed to specify how much dredging would be done in the ocean or where it would occur.

Despite the strong pushback, Dr Neely cautioned that not all residents share the same views.

“That is a very subjective statement and not all residents have that same view,” she said of the view that the project should move to a bigger cay.

“The department is working with the developer to ensure that whatever is approved in the final analysis is done in an environmentally sustainable manner and is consistent with any activity that we would approve elsewhere,” she added.

A formal petition previously called on the government to deny environmental approvals until a more comprehensive study is conducted.

SEA’s members include the owners of Hattie Cay, Over Yonder Cay, Wild Tamarind Cay, and Bob Coughlin, developer of Turtlegrass Resort and Island Club. The alliance also includes Makers Air, a charter service company serving the Exuma area.