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The Nassau Guardian

Bimini Bay to be Scaled Down

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe made the announcement in the House of Assembly yesterday during an ongoing debate, as members expressed thanks to the Governor-General for reading the Speech from the Throne.

"The developers of Bimini Bay have informed the Prime Minister that they will further reduce the density of the project and, will forego usage of the controversial eco-sensitive land and will return it to the government and to the people of Bimini and The Bahamas," Mr Wilchcombe said.

Since signing an Agreement under the Free National Movement administration in July 1997, the project faced a number of hurdles, including financial set backs and demonstrations held by residents and environmentalists opposing its size and environmental soundness.

In June 2004, project developer Geraldo Capo, signed an amended agreement with the Progressive Liberal Party government which called for the scaling down of the 700-acre development project.

The original agreement provided for 930 hotel rooms, 3,500 condos and 611 single-family homes. The revised numbers are namely, 410 hotel rooms, 1,080 condos and 440 single-family homes. And the government has agreed to add 200 timeshare interval ownership facilities.

In the original agreement, the units amounted to 5,041; under the revised agreement, that number has dropped to 2,130, or more than a 50 per cent reduction.

The resort was also set to feature a 410-room luxury hotel, along with a small casino, restaurants, a fitness centre and other amenities. It also designed to include a 18-hole Links Golf Course and a first-class marina capable, which is designed to accommodate 150 pleasure vessels and other yachts.

However, up to press time yesterday, The Guardian was unable to ascertain how much of a scaling down would be carried out, in this second exercise.

In an interview with the developer's lawyer, Valentine Grimes, it was confirmed that dialogue has begun with the government.

"There have been some preliminary discussions with the Government of The Bahamas by the developer, to further scale down the size of the Bimini Bay development. Those discussions have not yet been concluded," Mr Grimes, said. "It's all in the spirit of my client seeking to ensure that the project continues to be as environmentally friendly as possible."

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