Bimini dredging will go on as injuction is considered

As of Friday, May 16, 2014

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DREDGING in North Bimini will continue over the weekend as Court of Appeal Justices consider whether to grant an injunction stopping the activity amid concerns that Resorts World Bimini developers have not complied with a Court undertaking they made last week.

A decision on the injunction, which has been requested by the environmental group Bimini Blue Coalition, is expected to be made on Monday when the hearing resumes at 1pm.

Attorneys for the Coalition wanted the Court to have dredging activities stopped until Monday but Court of Appeal President Justice Anita Allen noted that activities will be allowed to continue as they are now.

Dredging in Bimini began on Thursday, despite frantic last-minute legal efforts by environmentalists to block it.

The activities comes as part of Resorts World Bimini’s controversial construction of a cruise ship terminal, 1,000-foot pier and man-made island.

The proposed construction has drawn fierce opposition from environmentalists who claim that it will cause irreparable damage to Bimini’s ecosystem. Government officials, however, say the project will result in profound economic benefits for the country.

DillyTree 10 years, 6 months ago

Where is the dredger registered? If in the Bahamas, they can be held responsible for damages to the marine environment. Even if not registered in the Bahamas, a lawsuit would perhaps cost them more than they would make in the dredging job, or at the very least stop dredging until other avenues can be echausted. Maybe another way to approach the issue.

BiminiHomeowner 10 years, 6 months ago

The Bahamas is doing unbelievable damage to this country's reputation right now by allowing these corrupt developers to destroy the very things that people come to Bimini for.

Cobalt 10 years, 6 months ago

Ha! Damage was done to the reputation of the Bahamas back in the 70's and 80's under the corrupt, drug-running regime of Sir Lynden Pindling's PLP. Since then, the Bahamas has always been known for it's "destruction for money" practices.

olyellowdog 10 years, 6 months ago

sad that the beings that are supposed to be in charge don' understand what the end result will be.................they only see $ signs and later will not be able to buy conch

BiminiRick 10 years, 6 months ago

Stupid, stupid, stupid people. Government of the Bahamas is filled with people who can't comprehend an EIA that basically states this "cruise terminal" will destroy the very essence of Bimini. The people in power are absolutely clueless! We, as Bahamians, are rightfully regarded as ignorant. WE elect these people. WE put up with this blatant disregard for constituents. WE allow them to line their pockets while our very livelihood is destroyed. WE are the ones to blame. Now go ahead and elect these same clowns next time! Stupid, stupid people!