Strange that 'environmentalists' are stealing private documents and talking about finances now. This deal looks even better now that it has been carelessly 'exposed' by a sloppy press as if its some kind of scoop. We accuse developers of being foreign devils but who is acting shady or unethical here? Lord knows we need the investment and jobs this could bring.

Those without internet have been at a severe disadvantage, ask around. Something should be done to level the field.

"High net worth individuals contribute little". This is a trope of the variety Dr. Johnson makes reference to. It seems rooted in anti foreign sentiment, or, at best, a rose-colored view of this country which ignores its very real limitations in a globally competitive landscape. Atlantis, Baha Mar, entire service industries, construction etc all stem from the high net worth individuals and FDI some seem intent to shrug off as though this small and indebted nation runs off straw market sales. We do have clear examples in the Caribbean of nations that have opened up and benefited immensely, and those who have doubled down on nationalistic policies to nowhere fast. There need not be any tension between opening up and safeguarding what is cherished about this beautiful land. But odes to socialism at this time do us little good.

This man makes eminent good sense. The tide has gone out and we are left swimming naked. Liberalizing this economy and opening up to foreign investment without the ridiculous hurdles, red tape and waiting games that scare good capital away would benefit every tier of this country, and it would cost us nothing. It was the obvious answer years ago, now it's the only one. We will either sink or swim depending on decisions being made now.

This is the smartest thing I've seen written here in weeks.
One small correction:
- Grant Residency, not Citizenship. But make it a seamless process.

If Government eliminated real estate approvals and freed the market we would see a substantial boom in jobs-creating foreign investment (and correlated tax revenue). It is such an obvious move to make and so easy to implement. Bahamians need to consider that a big reason we see shady characters they like to label foreign devils come here is because of the onerous approvals process, not in spite of it. The smart and reputable investor goes where he/she is welcome, and there is plenty of opportunity across the globe to choose from. If we liberalized like Turks or Cayman we would get a much bigger slice of the pie.

Maybe we should start seriously considering the myriad costs of this lockdown vs. a policy of cautiously opening up. With a population of 300K people, we essentially risk 7-10K hospitalizations on a rolling basis and 700-1000 deaths - if we were to do nothing at all. We are all already social distancing and wearing masks. There is a serious argument to be made for letting the young and healthy achieve herd immunity here, in the face of what joblessness and crime would bring from an extended period of lockdown and economic inactivity.

What a surprise.. The competing interests in South Abaco have an objection to a competitor! Shameful that they would hide behind concern for 'historical sites'. A small pile of stone rubble covered in bush that can easily be preserved. Where was Blackfly Lodge's concern when a pristine beach was torn up at Schooner Bay for their marina? Islands by Design made good money working on that development too! Same old same old in this nation...These jackasses do real preservationists a disservice.

This is a good thing for the country. All in favor. And will actually put us ahead of Canada & the US. Hotels will want to join as public opinion is with them.

The national park is 30 TIMES the size of Paradise Island. How is a small development the size of the Ocean Club outside of the park going to wipe out anything? You don't need to be an environmentalist to see how ludicrous these claims are. Parrot doesn't even breed in the park, breeds north of it. No wonder this nation is starved for cash.

What remarkable disinformation.

The enormous Cross Harbour National Park was created 10 miles north of the site in 2015 specifically for the bonefish. This marina would be nowhere near it.

The developer has committed to 80% Bahamian workers, at a minimum, and will be bound by law to that figure.

Do you work for Ed Newell? Sounds like you're doing his bidding here.