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Bahama Journal

Bimini Bay Gets Off The Ground

Macushla N. Pinder

10/06/2004

After years of fighting environmental challenges, the developer of The Bimini Bay Resort & Casino has finally received approval from the government to proceed with his plans.

            Gerado Capo on Wednesday signed an amended Heads of Agreement with the government. The agreement assures that provisions are in place for the protection, preservation and promotion of the environment.

            “The amended agreement represents a significant improvement over the provisions of the previous one,” said Prime Minister Perry Christie during the signing ceremony at the Cabinet Office Wednesday.

            “We have undertaken to gain a greater appreciation for the sensitivity and uniqueness of Bimini’s environmental habitat and wherever possible to protect the natural resources of the community,” he said.

            The prime minister added that the developer has agreed to submit regular Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and management plans to the government.

            “Plans exist that have been specifically designed to govern future development opportunities to make certain that mitigation measures are established for the preservation of the environmental integrity of that island,” Mr. Christie said.

            Over the years, some Bimini residents and environmentalists have expressed concerns regarding the possible degradation the development could cause to the island’s ecology.

            But Mr. Capo has since indicated that all such environmental concerns have been resolved in close consultation with the Bahamas Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Commission, to which it has provided numerous environmental reports.

            Initially approved by the Free National Movement government in July 1997, the 700-acre project has been substantially scaled back by some 50 percent with fewer housing units, condominiums and hotel rooms.

            The original agreement provided for 930 rooms. The revised amount is now 410.

There were also provisions for 3,500 condominiums, which have been revised to 1,080. The original agreement provided for 611 single-family houses. This figure is now 440.

            According to Mr. Christie, such a substantial reduction has consequently resulted in an overall property density factor of 3 units per acre, down from the initial figure of 7.2 units.

            “This is a wonderful testimony to the good faith that has been established between this government and the developer…and the winner happens to be Bimini, which will be second to no destination in The Bahamas. In that context, I embrace Mr. Capo’s enthusiasm and commitment,” Mr. Christie said.

            The resort will include a small casino, restaurants, spa, and fitness centre. There will also be an 18-hole Links golf course and a first class marina capable of accommodating 150 pleasure vessels and mega yachts.

            Other features will be a commercial centre, boutique, marine shop, marina village and beach and swim club.

            According to Mr. Capo, the development has proven more of a success than expected. To date, some $42 million in real estate has been sold. Additionally, 71 units have been sold, some of which will be completed in the next 60 days.

            One hundred workers will be hired during the construction phase of the development.  An additional 300 persons will be hired to operate the resort.

            The developer has committed to using Bahamian contractors, construction firms, design professionals and to establishing job training programmes.

             “Bimini is a small community, but I still intend to train those individuals who want to work and to learn not only in the construction field, but also in the service, accounting, technical sectors,” Mr. Capo said.

            Mr. Capo, who developed the Treasure Cove community in New Providence, also spoke of other benefits his new development will bring to Bimini.

            “I hope to create something not only to be proud of but also to do things for the island and its people,” he said. I think the developer and the people should be married in a relationship where both sides work hand in hand. We have to create permanent employment for all Bahamians, particularly the young generation of Biminites.”

            Mr Capo has also pledged to construct a primary school on the island to accommodate 250 children and he has committed to purchasing a fire truck and related equipment

            Among those on hand for the signing were Financial Services and Investments Minister Allyson Gibson-Maynard; Works and Utilities Minister Bradley Roberts; Tourism Minister and West End and Bimin MP, Obie Wilchcombe; Ambassador to the Environment and BEST Commission Chairman Keod Smith; and Mr. Capo’s attorney Valentine Grimes.