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Bimini Bay is under fire by protesters.

The Tribune, June 18, 2005

The controversial Bimini Bay development has come under sustained attack from American environmentalists.

The prime minisrer's office has been bombarded with letters from protesters saying the island's delicate eco-systems must be protected.

Mary Williams from Ohio expresses concern over the mangroves and other marine resources.

In her letter to Prime Minister Perry Christie, she says: "I urge you to halt construction at phase one and immediately implement the Bimini protected area to protect the mangrove eco-system."

Ms. Williams says such systems protect humans from major storms and provide habitat for many valuable species.

"I love to travel to areas where the natural resources are protected, and I love to visit and see these areas myself," she adds.

Elizabeth Bouma-Holtrop from Indiana says she would never patronise any country which destroys such eco-systems.

Alan Grossberger says: "The North Sound nursery supplies large areas of the Bahamas with fish, lobster and conch.  It is also the site of the longest-running shark research station in the world."

Dagmar Smith from Yellow Springs, Ohio, echoes their messages, saying Bimini Bay had already damaged marine resources during the first phase of its development.

Miki Magyar from Colorado writes: "It is very distressing to learn that your wonderful mangrove ecosystem is on the verge of being destroyed.  Please do everything in your power to save this invaluable resource."

And R R Burnam says: "Please reconsider the merits of preserving the natural resources of Bimini Bay.  The wealthy of Miami have already caused enough problems in your country, the United Sates and the world."

The letters appear to be part of an orchestrated international protest campaign.

The Bimini Bay resort has been under fire for several years, with protesters claimiing it has destroyed a significant part of the island.