Fact vs. Fiction: The truth about Resorts World Bimini
From Bahama Islands Info
Resorts World Bimini’s commitment to showcasing Bimini to the world while creating jobs and revenue in the Bahamas will be greatly enhanced by a new cruise ship jetty along the island’s western shore. The plan has received all necessary approvals and the project has undergone rigorous environmental protocols to ensure Bimini’s natural habitats are preserved.
A supermajority of local Biminites are fully in support of all aspects of our project, but a small group of outside special interests are committed to delaying the project at all costs.
It’s time to separate fact from fiction:
FICTION: There have been no permits issued in accordance with the Protection of the Physical Landscape Act
FACT: Resorts World Bimini has applied for, and received, each and every permit required to accommodate direct ferry service between South Florida and Bimini. The project has adhered to the highest standards of environmental protection, as dictated by the government.
FICTION: The developer’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been kept secret and the document’s warnings have been ignored
FACT: All of the government’s environmental requirements have been strictly followed to both the letter and spirit of the language We have implemented environmental mitigation tactics that will prevent loss of marine habitat, ensure dive sites are protected and protect the island’s North Sound. Documents outlining these plans are available to the general public through the BEST Commission.
FICTION: There are world-class dive sites and some of the most important reef systems on earth within the project’s footprint
FACT: Resorts World Bimini evaluated numerous locations for the project and selected the west coast of North Bimini because it will have the least impact on marine life. Major dive sites have been avoided altogether. Bimini’s natural habitats are doubtless among the island’s greatest assets – and a destination for tourists from around the world. Preserving these ecosystems was – and is — a top priority. Any marine communities found within the footprint will be relocated to a new artificial reef which will be monitored regularly.
FICTION: The jetty project has faced a wave of credible opposition from day one
FACT: From Day One, the project has earned support from all corners of the Bahamian government and from everyday Bahamians. The opposition is comprised of a small group of individuals who are against progress on the island, most if not all of whom do not live on the island.
FICTION: Dredging in Bimini will cause more irreversible damage to reefs in 30 days than would normally occur in 30 years
FACT: Reviews by independent contractors have concluded that the jetty project will have no significant long-term impact on Bimini’s ecosystem. In conducting due diligence, Resorts World Bimini addressed a range of issues raised by the BEST Commission, and ultimately earned that Commission’s approval.
FICTION: Resorts World Bimini is freely pumping silt into Bimini’s precious waters
FACT: The project plan includes four ponds created on the island with embankments measuring 10 feet tall. These ponds will receive the excavated materials produced during the dredge. Hourly turbidity measurements are recorded to ensure compliance with the approved plan. A full team headed by an independent inspector is monitoring activity around the clock, with authority to halt the project if needed.
FICTION: Impacts to water quality could be long term and extend beyond the property
FACT: Water samples are being taken at least every 6 hours within 2,000 feet of the project site. All findings thus far have been well within the levels of compliance. The EIA anticipates no long-term impacts to the area’s water quality as a result of the dredge.
FICTION: The project’s monitoring systems are inadequate
FACT: A rigorous monitoring program has been put into place to observe water quality, shoreline impacts, fisheries, biological resources, noise, beach access and social impacts while the dredge is in process. The evaluation methods in use have been approved by the Bahamian government and the BEST Commission.
FICTION: This project is going to ruin Bimini’s character forever
FACT: Multi-million dollar investments in the island’s infrastructure are creating jobs, generating revenue for locals and allowing more people to experience the richness of Bimini’s character without changing the character of this precious landscape.
For more on this story go to:
See related iNews Cayman story published May 25 2014 “Cayman Islands looking at Bimini for what not to do” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/tough-lessons-cayman-islands-looking-at-bimini-for-what-not-to-do/
IMAGE: www.cnn.com
