The Tribune

The Bahamas National Trust is continuing to press for a Marine Protected Area (MPA) for Bimini, and says the Government has yet to provide it with plans for the proposed Genting cruise ship dock.

Acknowledging that the Bimini Bay project has been the focus of attention for 13 years, the most recent discussions have focused on its proposed expansion and development towards - and beyond - the mangrove area at the top of North Sound.

The developer, the BNT said, was proposing the construction of a golf course for the area. Yet it area had been identified by scientists at the Department of Marine Resources as the westernmost edge of the proposed Marine Protected Area.

The Government held a Town meeting in January 2009. During that meeting, and in subsequent meetings with the developer, the then-minister said the Government was committed to the Bimini MPA and would not allow the destruction of the sensitive mangrove area at the top of North Sound. The proposed golf course was, therefore, taken off the table.

The developer, RAV Bahamas, argued that a golf course was part of their marketing plan, but the Government held firm on their position of no development at the top of North Sound.

The BNT said it has continued to advocate for the establishment of the Bimini MPA but, in October 2012, reports resurfaced about the proposed golf course.

It added that it wrote to the Prime Minister stating that the BNT remains opposed to the golf course.

Recent concerns have centred around the berthing facility proposed for the Resorts World Super Fast ferry on the west side of North Bimini, particularly the 1,000 foot dock created from dredged fill to create the deep-water dockage.

The BNT said it has requested documents on the facility from both the BEST Commission and the Bahamas Investment Authority.

It added that, to-date, the Gvernment has not provided the requested documents, and until these are received, the BNT cannot provide informed comment on the proposed facility.

The Trust added that the debate over the Bimini Bay development has been ongoing for many year,s due mainly to the ecological sensitivity of the area.

It said the wetland ecosystem at the top of North Sound is significant from an ecological perspective and also as a buffer against hurricanes.

The loss of the mangrove system would forever change the fisheries of Bimini, and the BNT said it continues to advocate for the establishment of the Bimini Marine Protected Area and awaits sight of the documents on the berthing facility for the Superfast Ferry.