The Nassau Guardian
PM says some Biminites resistant to change
Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday suggested that some of the people in Bimini who are against the major developments currently underway on that island are "resistant to change".
Some Bimini residents have voiced their opposition to the Resorts World developments in Bimini, which include the construction of a 4.5-acre docking island for its SuperFast ferry and two luxury resorts, among other amenities.
"When you read the newspapers and see what is happening in Bimini, when people live in traditional areas and change comes in, there are people who are resistant to change," said Christie during the Office of Data Protection Commissioner’s first National Training Symposium at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.
"There are people who believe that their existence should conform with their own philosophy of living and that the intrusion of more capital, more money, more jobs and more Bahamians coming into their community, changes the character of their community.
"And so... as we modernize, as we grapple with the distinction of this country as compared to its neighbors, these are the issues that we have to deal with…There is so much work to be done in the country."
Christie underscored the need for various islands in the country to be further developed.
Project Manager and Partner at Bimini Sands Frank Cooney offered similar sentiments.
When asked earlier this week how most Biminites view the project, he told Guardian Business that most Biminites are "not in favor of change".
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a Resorts World ferry terminal project in Bimini, noted the concerns of some of the residents.
"A polling of 50 residents found that while many feel the project would create an economic benefit, they also feared the impact the project would have on the marine environment,” according to the EIA summary.
Additionally, almost two-thirds of Biminites surveyed said they did not want an increase in the island’s existing 52,000 annual visitor number.
According to the report, the project may potentially introduce an additional 570,000 tourists per year to Bimini — a factor of 11 more than the number of tourists currently visiting Bimini — and thereby boost the local economy and employment.
Christie said previously that the project is expected to result in the creation of hundreds of jobs.
The Malaysian conglomerate, the Genting Group, acquired the Bimini Bay Resort and rechristened it Resorts World Bimini in March 2013.
In the months after, the company announced plans to undertake a $300 million expansion of the resort within three years.
Resorts World Bimini has also confirmed that it has received construction permits which would allow it to build a 1,000-foot pier and the docking island.
Resorts World is expected to invest around $2.7 million on various island-wide projects, including a clean up and beautification initiative.
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