By: Staff Writer
March 14, 2023
The $25m Big Samson Cay Retreat will be an eco-sensitive resort promising much needed boost and long term jobs for the island of Exuma.
Bob Coughlin, the retreat’s developer, said at the signing of the Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the project at the Office of the Prime Minister that while a marina is envisioned for the project along with the 22 rooms in the various beach cottages that they do not intend to build it right away.
However, there will also be “15 to 20” permanent jobs created after its completion. “But I also think things like artists and things like that we will pay people to come to the island to be part of the experience. But in terms of engineers and people who would have to keep the island going, you’re probably talking about a core group of 15 and then when you have guests having to bring a lot more people on at the time,” Mr Coughlin said.
Philip Davis, Prime Minister, said at the signing that: “It is my distinct pleasure to be here at the HOIA signing for big Samsung Cay, a promising new development for Exuma and the latest of so many exciting projects slated for our archipelago.
“Samson Cay, located just north of Staniel Cay, will be transformed into a $25m environmentally friendly Boutique Resort and marina, generating numerous jobs for Bahamians during the construction phase and further employment opportunities once operational.
“The project is self financed by permanent resident and philanthropist Mr Robert Coughlin and will see the revitalization of existing structures on Island, the upgrade of the airstrip and the creation of state of the art marina. These enhancements will be executed exclusively by Bahamian contractors, and architects demonstrating Mr Coughlin’s commitment to investing in the people of this nation.”
“This is going to be a great boost to the Exuma Cays,” Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Exuma also said at the signing.
He added: “Sampson Cay is one of the most magnificent marine habitat areas in the Exuma; beautiful sandbanks in an eco-sensitive marine environment, so I know this will work harmoniously with what now exists in the cays.
Bob has demonstrated his commitment to the environment through his organization, Friends of Exuma. He has demonstrated his commitment to the community, and I know he will do well with his development here in the Exuma Cays.”
The resort will host artists, boat builders, farmers, basket makers, and many specialists in Bahamian traditions that can create a world class experience for guests, in addition to the experiences in the pristine waters of the cut in the North Bay.
Big Sampson Cay is one of the most pristine and charming areas of The Bahamas.
While the scale is small, environmental stewardship was vital to the project’s approval.
Samson Cay Retreat will feature a minimum of a main house that serves as central dining and gathering, beach cottages with a total of 22 rooms plus staff housing for up to 15, utilizing less than 10 percent of the 121 acres, which the company purchased. Remaining acreage will be card for with walking and cycling trails and related fitness and wellness assets, including kayaking, yoga, snorkelling and diving.
The plan is for the project to be “up and running within three years,” Mr Coughlin assures. He added: “It takes a while, because it’s on a cay and it’s somewhat linear, you can’t do certain things without others. We’d like to go sooner and I think there’ll be some phases where we’ll have some residences on the island prior that. But in terms of the initial plan, it’s about two and a half to three years, it could take a little longer, but that’s the goal.”