The Tribune

An advocacy group has warned that the decision not to require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Gillam Bay project on Green Turtle Cay threatens to further undermine transparency and trust in regulatory processes.

Save Exuma Alliance, in a statement, warned that Green Turtle Cay residents are being ignored by the planning process following a ruling that the project presented by developer Ronald Curry did need an EIA. More than 1,500 people have signed a petition seeking to protect Gillam Bay, which calls the site “not only a place of extraordinary natural beauty but also one of significant ecological importance”.

The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) determined that an EIA was not required because the project involves construction on pilings rather than excavation, mining and marine works. A Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) has been granted, allowing the developer to proceed. 

“With so much public concern about this development and its likely impact on the environment, it is hard to understand why an EIA would be waived,” said Save Exuma Alliance (SEA). 

“The people of Green Turtle Cay and Abaco know this area better than anyone. They shouldn't have to depend on an official in an office elsewhere deciding the environmental impact isn't worth assessing. What residents need is confidence that every decision is made with the best interests of the area at heart, and a full EIA is how that confidence is earned.”

SEA added: “We've been through this ourselves in a similar situation in Exuma where we have campaigned for transparency in the planning process. An EIA would allow a proper assessment of how this would affect the environment, while also triggering a formal public consultation process that would give Bahamians and local residents an opportunity to review the proposal and provide informed public comments.

“By not requiring an EIA, the public, particularly the local community most directly affected, is denied the opportunity to weigh in on a development that impacts their environment, livelihoods and quality of life. This leaves residents unheard when it comes to stating their case on the development.”

The move comes amid recent proposed changes to the Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendments) Regulations 2026, which have seen a shift away from mandatory public consultation and toward greater administrative discretion. 

Earlier this month, SEA warned: “We must be very careful that we don’t weaken the need for consultation, especially in cases where there are genuine concerns over the impact of proposed developments on the environment. Striking the right balance between the interest of developers and communities cannot happen if we further reduce the opportunity for people to have a say.”

SEA added of the Green Turtle Cay case: “The goal must always be to make sure that communities are included and feel their views have been adequately considered. Not all development is bad development - and the likelihood of good development is all the greater if the views of those who know the area, who know the environment, the landscape and the wildlife, are taken into account. We support the residents in calling for every step necessary to make sure that the right outcome is reached.”