One of the founders of a fast-growing alliance of Exuma businesses, island operators and residents is calling for a commitment to environmental stewardship in the Central Exuma cays, questioning whether the proposed Yntegra Rosewood project was a right fit for Big Sampson Cay or if a development of that scale belongs elsewhere.
David Hocher, owner of Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Makers Air, and a founding member of Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) was speaking while as a guest on Guardian Talk Radio’s “The Foundation” hosted by Howard Grant. He emphasized that SEA’s growing alliance is not opposed to development—but firmly believes that the scale of Yntegra’s dredging and disruption is out of step with the Central Exumas and should be reconsidered in a more appropriate location.
“On a general level, what we would like to see is stewardship. And that entails a lot of things, obviously. But we would like a recognition that Central Exuma Cays might be different than the southern Exuma Cays or Great Exuma,” said Hocher.
“A recognition that some areas deserve protection and what’s appropriate in one area might not be appropriate in another. A recognition that there’s a brand now with the Central Exuma Cays and by departing so severely from it, it’s a big risk and you do so at your own peril. And we believe it’s not in the best interest in the Exuma Cays or The Bahamas to do so, which is really the point we’re trying to drive home.”
The longtime resident who grew up on Staniel Cay and now operates its two largest businesses, questioned the viability of Yntegra Group’s plan. That plan, which has been revised several times, is outlined in an 81-page Environmental Impact Assessment now being reviewed by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection.
Hocher noted inconsistencies between what the plan contains and what some of Yntegra’s principals have stated in public meetings.
“One example, on page 55, shows villas and cottages along the west coast with 24 docks, starting on the southwest corner and going up the west coast of Big Sampson Cay. These docks are in, what they call, ‘between the Sampsons’, which is that sandbar area – probably the most popular recreational area for anybody visiting Staniel Cay or nearby. But with docks, of course, you don’t put a dock on dry shore; you’re going to dredge along it to allow boat access to these docks,” Hocher explained.
“But when I attempted to question directly one of the principals of Yntegra about the intent, the answer was less than satisfactory. There was some avoidance and some other statements, but it does not match the plan. So, if the public, like myself, can’t look at a plan made available by Physical Planning and have confidence in it, what else will we not have confidence in? It’s a big issue.”
Hocher, who has been the owner and operator of Staniel Cay Yacht Club for the past 25 years, says he is not anti-development, but is solely concerned about the irrevocable damage of overdevelopment.
“It’s not just me; there’s a lot of like-minded individuals on Staniel Cay. We’re not against all development, but when we look at this and how it’s drawn out, we all agree that [Yntegra Group] doesn’t have to do nearly the extent of degradation and sea bottom destruction to achieve at least some of what they really want to achieve. There’s ways to do it,” he said.
“I own and operate Staniel Cay Yacht Club. We have 14 bungalows, a small marina where we hold about 18 boats depending on the size, a restaurant and bar. So, I think the development part of things is a matter of where you draw the line sometimes.”
With scientists having recently discovered that The Bahamas has the largest seagrass meadow in the world, which aids in storing carbon and delaying climate change, Hocher and SEA stressed even more of a need for “relatively small and low-impact development”, suggesting Great Guana Cay and Great Exuma as viable landmasses large enough for Yntegra’s proposed hotel.
If approved, the Yntegra Rosewood project would be the only mass development in the Central Exumas.
“There’s nothing like this between the northern tip of the Exumas, which is Ship Channel Cay, basically, all the way to Great Exuma,” said Hocher. “There’s nothing like it and the question is should there be. And if so, is this the right little island for it in the right area.
“Many people, environmentalists, in the Exuma Alliance, and Staniel Cay locals, feel like this project would’ve been perfect on the island of Great Guana Cay, which is where Black Point is, just a few miles south of Staniel Cay. That island stretches well over 10 miles, going down to Farmers Cay. It might be suitable for that amount of property, and it might be suitable for Great Exuma – that’s 100 per cent.”
The petition calling for a halt to Yntegra’s current plan has now reached 1,899 signatures, reflecting broad support for protecting the Central Exumas from large-scale dredging and over development.
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