Balancing the Need for Development vs. Environmental Protection

2026-03-03 - 00:04

& Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MAYAGUANA , THE BAHAMAS – There is an ongoing dispute between Yntegra, the developers of the Rosewood Resort and the Save Exuma Alliance over the proposed resort’s construction has put a spotlight on the issues some developers face. This comes into place especially when looking to bring big or luxury hotel brands to Family Islands. With a brand-new airport now open in Mayaguana, there are already discussions for several major developments there. Our Jerome Sawyer took a look at the efforts to strike a balance. Mayaguana — the easternmost island in The Bahamas — largely undeveloped and untouched. Known for its great eco-tourism experiences — snorkeling, fishing, and birdwatching — yet there is very little economic activity and opportunity here. However, a new airport commissioned over the weekend could be the windfall needed to get this southern jewel going. The new facility is a $2.1 million investment in a public-private partnership with the Mayaguana Island Developers Group. That same group already has its sights set on a hotel development project — a prime opportunity for an island desperate for economic activity. Stephen Roy — Chairman, Mayaguana Island Developers “I think that there is a strong movement for luxury-designed hotels with independent residences. So, we are discussing right now ultra-luxury brands — at least one, if not two, hotel developments just north of here on the beach.” These developments come with a cost — and not just a big price tag. In some instances, we see Family Island communities pushing back on resorts and developments with potential impact on pristine environments. Step forward, the Yintegra Rosewood development in Exuma, and the continued opposition raised by the Save Exuma Alliance. It’s the kind of delicate dance Tourism Minister Chester Cooper is finding himself facing more and more, as the government seeks to bring viable investments to these areas. Chester Cooper — Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation “So each island has something unique. We don’t want to build skyscrapers in Mayaguana, Exuma, or any other islands for that matter. But we want to ensure there is orderly development — small resorts, big ports that will attract a lot of business that will cause there to be development of housing, etc.” As the need for development meets pressure to maintain the native topography, the government continues to push these out-island developments with a greater plan in focus — now justified in projects like this new airport in Mayaguana. Philip Davis — Prime Minister “This is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that each island has some form of construction, support, investments to attract people to stay and to come back home.” As the debate continues over needed development versus environmental protection, now more than ever, the government is pushing what it describes as a Family Island Renaissance.