The Tribune

Opponents of the $200m Rosewood Exuma resort project yesterday voiced concern that the public planning consultation over its application for site plan approval risks being “fundamentally flawed”.

The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA), a collection of other business operators from the island, in a statement argued that more time should be granted to review the “substantial volume of highly technical and detailed material” that has been filed with the Department of Physical Planning by developer Yntegra Group.

And, urging the Department and Town Planning Committee to reconsider their approach, the Alliance also argued that the timing and location of the public hearing - February 5, at night at Back Point All-Age School - was inconvenient for many.

“The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) is deeply concerned about the consultation process surrounding Yntegra’s re-filed site plan application for the Rosewood Exuma development on Sampson Cay,” it said. “One of our representatives viewed the newly filed documents at the Town Planning Committee headquarters and found that a substantial volume of highly technical and detailed material has been filed.

“Properly assessing all this information will require review by experts, and copies to share with those experts for discussion were not available. In addition, given the importance of what is at stake in terms of environmental concerns for an ecologically significant area, we may need time to consult with and instruct attorneys.

“Clearly, the window from now until February 5 is wholly insufficient for meaningful analysis or informed public consultation to take place.” The Alliance’s concerns did not end there.

“The scheduling of the meeting for the evening hours in Black Point, Exuma, is also highly problematic. Black Point is a small, isolated community with no air access after dark, and night-time boating is dangerous, as evidenced by numerous past accidents,” it added. “The community has little to no available accommodation, effectively requiring overnight arrangements that are simply not feasible.

“SEA members live throughout Exuma, as well as in New Providence and other islands, making it logistically impossible for many of our members who have jobs, are parents with young children, and reside elsewhere to arrange overnight travel to such a remote location on such short notice.

“SEA is therefore urging the Town Planning Committee to reconsider its approach and, at a minimum, grant an extension of several weeks before any consultation hearing is held. Without adequate time, accessibility and opportunity for informed public input, this process risks being fundamentally flawed and cannot reasonably be considered a valid or meaningful consultation.”

Yntegra Group declined to comment on procedural matters, which it described as “within the sole remit of the Town Planning Committee”.

In a statement, Yntegra said it is “fully compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements” and expressed confidence in the “competence, independence and diligence” of the authorities.

“Yntegra refrains from commenting on matters within the sole remit of the Town Planning Committee, including the scheduling and conduct of consultations. We are fully compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements and have full confidence in the competence, independence and diligence of the relevant authorities to carry out their work in accordance with the law,” said Yntegra Group.

“We welcome the opportunity to take the Town Planning Committee and wider public through our plans at the public consultation meeting in Black Point on February 5, 2026.