The Tribune

BY ANNELIA NIXON

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNOR’S Harbour and central Eleuthera residents yesterday asserted they remain opposed to a proposed large-scale $650m resort project, arguing it threatens the island’s tourism product, environment and social fabric despite promises of major infrastructure upgrades and 500 full-time jobs.

Renewed concerns were voiced after Jeff Jacobs, chairman and chief executive of Jacobs Investments and its affiliate, Jacobs Entertainment, unveiled revised plans that would dedicate 30 percent of residential lot sale proceeds towards affordable housing, water and power infrastructure, and a proposed public-private partnership with the Government valued at up to $50m.

However, many residents remain unconvinced. Doon McKinney, a Governor’s Harbour resident, said Eleuthera welcomes development but believes it should come from financially strong investors with proven track records.

“We want sustainable development, and we want development that’s done by someone who is well-funded and knows what they’re doing,” she said. “How are they funding it? That’s another big part of it.” 

Ms McKinney challenged whether the developer can fulfil his promises, pointing to what she described as commitments that have not been met with Mr Jacobs’ development projects in Reno, Nevada, and Cleveland.

She argued that failed developments often leave governments and taxpayers responsible for environmental clean-up and unfinished projects. “You know what happens,” Ms McKinney added.

“People try things, and then the island is left with all the mess and all the failure and all the clean-up. There’s not a bond posted for clean-up. We’ve seen that all over; they just walk away, and all the mess and the expense is left behind for the Bahamian people.”

Ms McKinney also challenged the inclusion of a casino, saying previous Family Island gaming ventures have not succeeded. “Gaming has never worked in the Family Islands,” she said. “Bimini was a complete disaster. The whole project failed.”

Beyond the economic concerns, Ms McKinney warned that a casino would fundamentally alter Eleuthera’s identity. “Eleuthera is known for being family friendly, safe,” she said. “The minute you start getting casinos, it’s different. It’s really different.”

While Mr Jacobs has promoted the project’s proposed solar farm, water plant, affordable housing and expanded public access to beaches and roads, Ms McKinney dismissed those commitments as unrealistic.

She also questioned the scale of the development, arguing that over 300 homes would compete with existing vacation rental operators while placing pressure on the island’s resources. “It’s too big for this island,” Ms McKinney said. “The rental houses are not for Bahamians.”

She added that the proposal’s reliance on Government-owned Crown Land was among her greatest concerns. “I think it would be very risky for the Government to go into business with him,” she said, adding that Governor’s Harbour is already expecting significant investment through two other developments.

“We’ve got two other developments currently. One already started and another one proposed on the old Club Med site. It’s too big, and it’s not in keeping with who we are as Eleuthera people,” Ms McKinney said. “It’s not environmentally right. It’s not socially right, and I think the gaming would really destroy the social fabric of who we are.”

Carol Davis, a property manager and Governor’s Harbour resident, said she has heard similar concerns from visitors and overseas homeowners who own properties on Eleuthera. “It’s an absolute no…straight across the board,” she said.

Ms Davis, who has worked in property management for nearly 30 years, said many of her clients have already indicated they would sell their properties if the casino proceeds. She said visitors choose Eleuthera because of its peaceful atmosphere rather than entertainment associated with large-scale resort destinations.

“Most of our guests that are coming here… are now saying that they’re going to find another place to go to if that project happens,” Ms Davis said. “They come to Eleuthera to get away from city life for peace of mind, for its quietness, to relax.”

According to Ms Davis, while residents recognise the need for better infrastructure, they do not believe it should be tied to a casino development. “We need those things, but we don’t want to get those things through that route,” she said, questioning what safeguards would ensure the developer follows through on promised investments.

“What is in place to hold them accountable?” Ms Davis asked. “We need our water system. We need better water. We need better lighting, but we don’t need you to help us because you want something in return.”

Like Ms McKinney, Ms Davis opposed the use of Crown Land for the project. “Crown Land belongs to the Bahamian people,” Ms Davis said. “The Government of this country needs to give the Crown Land to the Bahamian people… not to the developers.”

She said making housing more affordable for Bahamians should take priority over allocating public land to private investors.

Horatio Green also voiced reservations about the casino while expressing support for some marine-related infrastructure. “The casino, we don’t need that,” Mr Green said. “But a marina with fuel docking areas for boats, because we don’t have fuel on the water in central, so that would be good.”

Still, he acknowledged that the ultimate decision rests with policymakers. “We can say anything, but the Government still have to give them approval. You vote against a lot of stuff, and… they’ll still go and do what they want,” Mr Green said.