To: Dr. Rhianna Neely, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Exuma, Hon. Philip "Brave" Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas

We, the undersigned Bahamian nationals and concerned environmental advocates, call on you to halt any further permits to authorize seabed dredging and construction activities associated with the Rosewood Yntegra project at Sampson Cay, despite the recent issuance of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC).

We urge you to ensure a thorough environmental analysis is completed before any dredging or construction activity proceeds, particularly focusing on the significant environmental impacts associated with dredging in the North Bay of Sampson Cay, where the proposed works would cut through living coral reefs and extensive seagrass meadows to facilitate access to the project’s planned supply dock and marinas.

Key Concerns:

Incomplete Seabed Dredging Analysis: Despite DEPP’s issuance of a CEC, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) released in July 2024, as well as the subsequent submissions to the Bahamian Physical Planning Council at Black Point, have failed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the full environmental impacts of seabed dredging necessary for the project’s current plans. The March 10, 2025, response to public comments to their EIA inadequately addresses the scope of dredging, mentioning only briefly the removal of at least 2.57 acres (12,439 sq. yards) of material through coral reef and into a seagrass meadow for the north bay supply inlet. This cursory analysis notably omits any detailed consideration of the full access route, which traverses recreational swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking zones, coral reefs, extensive seagrass habitats, and shallow sandbars critical to local marine ecosystems and recreational boating.

Absence of Meaningful Public Consultation: To date, the public has not been adequately informed nor meaningfully consulted regarding the specific dredging plans, which compromises community oversight and the ability to safeguard and advocate for environmental resources effectively. Robust public engagement and transparent consultation processes must precede any approval of further permits.

Unclear Economic Benefit and Foreign Work Permits: Despite repeated promises of substantial local jobs and economic gains for Exuma, the Heads of Agreement made public in March requests approval for 100 work permits for skilled construction workers and authorizes two overseas construction contractors to obtain an undisclosed number of additional permits. It also allocates 30 work permits for key managerial positions during resort operations. These terms raise serious questions about which construction and operational roles are genuinely reserved for Bahamians, the scale of foreign labor the project intends to rely on, and whether the promised economic benefits will meaningfully reach the people of Exuma.

On Free Speech and Public Participation: A meaningful consultation process requires that people feel free to speak. It has been reported that the developer's lawyers have sent legal letters to vocal opponents of this project, including to community members, media outlets, and the author of this petition, demanding apologies and calling on recipients to limit their public statements. This is unacceptable. No foreign developer should be able to use legal pressure to discourage Bahamians from participating in decisions that affect their environment and their islands.

Marina Safety Risks: The proposed marina designs remain problematic, particularly concerning safety risks for boats and personnel due to their eastward-facing openings on a barrier island vulnerable to adverse wind and tidal conditions. A thorough, independent safety review is necessary to address these risks comprehensively.

Inland Excavation Concerns: The proposed inland excavation and dredging exceeding 240,000 cubic yards in two wetland areas has not been sufficiently analyzed for its extensive environmental repercussions and collateral damage, posing severe threats to these ecologically sensitive habitats.

Seawall Impact on Tidal Flows and Ecological Areas: The addition of a proposed 390-foot long and 40-foot wide seawall through a 7-foot-deep tidal cut at the east end of the North Bay poses a significant risk to local tidal flow dynamics. No analysis has been provided to the public detailing how this seawall will impact neighboring beaches, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine life, thereby jeopardizing the ecological balance of the entire area.

Our Request: We respectfully request that you:

• Immediately halt further permitting for seabed dredging or seawall construction associated with the Rosewood Yntegra project pending a rigorous and complete environmental review.
• Ensure transparent and inclusive public consultations occur to incorporate essential community input on proposed dredging and seawall impacts and ecological concerns.
• Require a thorough, independent review of marina safety risks before project approval.
• Publicly disclose detailed environmental impact assessments addressing all aspects of the project, including inland dredging, seawall construction, and marina development.

The Central Exuma region is a precious part of our national heritage, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it for future generations. We urge you to prioritize community wellbeing, environmental integrity, and safety, in your ongoing decision-making processes.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH "SAVING THE CUT FROM YNTEGRA"