By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A $20,000 fine slapped on a multi-millionaire developer for environmental damage in Bimini has ignited fury among residents, who say the penalty is a mere slap on the wrist given the widespread destruction of marine nurseries, sea beds, and beaches.

However, Dr Rhianna Neely, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) defended the fine yesterday, saying it is legally bound by limits set in law and “can’t just pull numbers, because somebody rich”.

The fine follows widespread backlash sparked by a viral video showing dredging activity on Rockwell Island, North Bimini.

Yesterday, Dr Neely confirmed that Bahamas Bay Development was fined $20,000 on Wednesday and issued a cease-and-desist order due to the infraction.

The developer was previously granted a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) for specific activities related to its Bimini Bay project. However, the actions shown in the video were in violation of that certificate.

Bimini resident Denver Stuart said he was disturbed when he saw a tractor dredging the beach, prompting him to take out his phone to record. He said locals are raising the alarm as developers continue to damage the island’s fragile ecosystem to build multi-million-dollar resorts and homes.

Mr Stuart added that Bimini, once known as a fishing capital, now faces a decline in marine life, which he fears will affect future generations.

Another resident, Paul Rolle, said the developer showed blatant disregard for the environment by destroying mangroves, which are vital to protecting the coast from floods and storm surges. He said he recently visited a beach where baby conchs had been swept from their seagrass beds because of rock dredging.

“The fine should be in the millions,” Mr Rolle said, calling the $20,000 penalty insufficient.

Cecil Dames, also of Bimini, said the fine was “a drop in the bucket” and that substantial funding is needed to undo years of environmental damage. He warned that without collective action, Bimini’s future is at risk.

Last year, the House of Assembly passed an amendment to the Environmental Planning and Protection Act, setting penalties between $1,000 and $20,000 for environmental infractions. These include harming coral reefs, discharging hazardous substances, and breaching protected area laws. Funds collected are to be used for restoration, pollution control, and conservation via the Environmental Administration Fund.

The Bimini incident has renewed public calls for stronger penalties to deter large-scale environmental violations.

The DEPP stressed that officials can only act within the law.

“The department will continue to do its job, and if the developers continue to do what they’re not supposed to do, there’s another recourse,” Dr Neely said.

Environmental activist Joe Darville urged the government to be more cautious when granting development rights to foreign companies, warning that unchecked exploitation will leave The Bahamas stripped of its natural treasures.