The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

While welcoming the increased tourist business cteated by Resorts World’s investment, many Bimini residents have expressed serious concern over the project’s size, one saying: “It’s like me trying to fit into my son’s pants.”

Todd Rolle, a Bailey Town resident said: “I’m a bit concerned over the fact that the project is a bit too big for the island.

It’s like me trying to fit into my son’s pants, bursting at the seams. While I do welcome the economic boost, it all could be scaled down a bit. I don’t want anything to take away from the nature, beauty of the island.”

Almost two-thirds of Biminites surveyed for the Resorts World/Genting ferry terminal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) said they did not want an increase in the island’s existing 52,000 annual visitor numbers.

The Resorts World/Genting EIA said that just 50 Biminites, or 3 per cent, of the island’s 1,700-plus population were interviewed for the EIA. And several residents who subsequently spoke with Tribune Business expressed concern over accommodations, the scope of the development and mainly its environmental impact.

The EIA, prepared by Bahamas-based Blue Engineering, with assistance from Coastal Systems International and Ocean Consulting, also noted that housing, both for the construction workers and estimated 600 full-time employees at Bimini Bay when expansion is completed, was a major issue, given that it was already a concern for the island.

“I don’t have a problem with Bahamians finding jobs. It is what it is. If I had to go somewhere to work I would want the people to be receptive,” said Mr Rolle on the issue.

Esther Edgecombe, owner of Captain Bob’s Restaurant & Deli, in Alice Town, acknowledged that accommodation was her primary concern.

“Bimini needs the business. My main concern is the accommodations, where people are going to stay. I’m talking about the people coming here to work,” said Ms Edgecombe.

Edith Romer, owner of Edith’s Pizza, Kings Highway, said: “I welcome the business, being a business person myself.”

She added: “I feel like they are going too far as far as the mangroves are concerned. It seems like they keep going and going. It’s not all about money all the time, even though we all have bills to pay.

“ I still don’t know what’s going on with the dock. There are a lot of good fishing grounds in that area. That’s my favourite fishing spot, the Three Sisters Rock.”

Resorts World/Genting’s ferry terminal and jetty will accommodate the daily arrival of Resorts World’s cruise ship from Miami.

“I feel that development is good. I do, however, wish that they would do it in such a away that it does not significantly impact the environment,” said another Bimini resident, who wished to remain anonymous.

“I think crowding, the traffic is a concern. In some places it’s really tight when you’re talking about the traffic, where only one vehicle can pass at a time. They have to find a way to fix that, especially when the boat comes in with groceries and you have the trucks going to collect. That creates issues with the traffic here.”

The EIA said the increased demands placed on Bimini’s infrastructure and transportation systems by the influx of tourists would be “somewhat controlled” by getting them to sign up to activities while en route from Miami, with these included in the cost.

According to the EIA, the estimated 570,000 annual visitors that will be attracted to Bimini are “greater than appropriate” for the island’s size, ecology and socio-economy.