The Tribune

The planned $200m-$250m revival of the former Club Med resort site has drawn backing from the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, which yesterday praised the project as a “real opportunity” for Bahamian businesses.

Thomas Sands, the Chamber president, said the Myles Ahead project, which is aiming to develop a 40-60 key boutique hotel and up to 100 residences on the now- vacant 93 acre site, and its principals have pledged to support commerce-related initiatives on the island.

Speaking after Myles Ahead’s August 6 town meeting with Governor’s Harbour residents, Mr Sands said: “As the Chamber of Commerce, we are glad to see an experienced Bahamian-led team bringing this kind of investment to Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera, and that they are starting the conversation with the community early.

“From what I heard and saw, a project like this has the potential for real opportunity for local businesses, and we look forward to the continued engagement as it moves forward. We are encouraged that the developer has committed to supporting commerce initiatives and fund-raising efforts to execute those efforts.”

Myles Ahead, in a statement, said the project is expected to generate around 250 construction jobs at peak development plus some 165 permanent, full-time positions once complete. It is targeting a mid-2027 construction start, and aiming for a partial opening in 2029 with full completion of the redevelopment occurring in 2030.

The developer is headed by Bahamian businessman Anthony Myers, the Bahamas Hot Mix chairman and founder, and James Lyle, founder of Lyford Cay-based investment management firm, Fulmar Advisors.

Myles Ahead added that it will also partner with Bahamian training institutions, local schools and hospitality partners to create apprenticeships and long-term career pathways, not just entry-level positions.

On local business engagement, it added that it is committed to sourcing Bahamian-made products and services during construction and throughout operations, alongside mentorship, hospitality-readiness training and ‘preferred vendor’ pathways to help local businesses grow through the resort. 

In response to community feedback, Myles Ahead said it has committed to specific community projects in Governor's Harbour, including a playground, dock and ramp access, plus fencing improvements at Cupid's Cay, while continuing to engage the community to help shape additional initiatives.

“Support like this from the Chamber means a great deal to us,” said Mr Myers. “It reflects exactly the kind of partnership we're hoping to build with this community as the project moves forward. As we continue our engagement and learn more about the community’s expectations, we intend to provide greater details on our commitments.”

The former Club Med site has been abandoned for more than 26 years since Hurricane Floyd’s passage in 1999. Myles Ahead had previously pledged to Tribune Business it will preserve beach access and rights of way for Bahamians and the local community after concerns over this issue resurfaced. And it also confirmed that it is in a legal fight with the nearby French Leave Resort over allegations relating to “dune destruction” and property access, although it declined to give further details.

“For clarity, Myles Ahead has no intention of eliminating public beach access. Public access to the beach will be maintained as part of the proposed development. Our intention is to provide access in an environmentally-responsible manner, including properly designed elevated wooden walkways over sensitive dune areas. This will allow residents and visitors to reach the beach without trampling vegetation, destabilising the dunes or contributing to further erosion,” Myles Ahead said.

“On the question of legal action involving French Leave Resort, there is a matter presently before the courts relating to dune destruction and access across the property. As it remains before the courts, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on it at this time.”