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After tropical storm Noel made landfall in the Bahamas early November, business is reportedly back to normal. Noel hit the Out Island of Exuma in The Bahamas with winds up to 50 mph. Though power went off, it was restored immediately after the tropical depression struck; but the main airport road was cut off leaving some residents unable to access other parts of the island. This roadway suffered flooding, as well as the road to Williams Town, Little Exuma. Locals were stranded and unable to get to their hometowns from Little Exuma. A number of ultra-luxurious properties on Emerald Bay remained close for several days – the golf course requiring necessary repair – they however opened for business November 11.
It did not take long before the Bahamian government imported water pumps to dry out the rest of the flooded zones.
"It’s still a little difficult to get to the end of Little Exuma and it may be challenging to get to the end of Little Exuma," said Charles Pfleuger, general manager of the half-a-century-old Club Peace and Plenty. "However, other hotels such as ours have returned to normal operations. Over a dozen rooms are currently occupied. Exuma is back in business with stores, banks, utilities etc running," he said, adding there’s no reason to slowdown this coming fall.
Due to effects of heavy rains and tropical storms that visit the island, proprietors and operators of one resort in the Caribbean are getting more involved in adopting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation programs to make people understand the issues of climate change. Club Peace & Plenty, the charming and historical, colonial style 24-room resort located in George Town, Exuma pledges support for the Coastal Awareness Committee of the Bahamas. Last year, a percent of all revenues made during the months of February and March the hotel was donated to the Committee for both the National Coastal Awareness Campaign and for coastal awareness projects in Exuma.
"We try hard to take care of our unique environment and will continue to do as much as we can to promote environmental education both in Exuma and in the rest of the Bahamas. We support coastal awareness so that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the Bahamas’ beautiful natural resources," said Barry Benjamin, owner of the Peace and Plenty and member of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism.
Funds are collected and handed to the Coastal Awareness Committee, a group of stakeholders from the private and public sectors who’ve come together to heighten public awareness on importance of preserving the coastline. The Coastal Awareness Committee holds regular events at the National Church Service, dedicate television programs, a national t-shirt day, a marine exhibition, beach restoration projects, radio and newspaper advertisements and educational field trips for coastal development programs. Events are sponsored by private and state agencies.
Exuma is one of the prettiest, most postcard-perfect islands in The Bahamas boasting water and land that appear almost inseparable. Shades of jade, aquamarine and amethyst in deeper waters turn to transparent opal near sandy shores – so exotic that sailors and crews like to stake out their own private beaches. So picturesque and awe- inspiring, wealthy Europeans, Canadians and Americans can’t help but build special vacation retreats or retire here.
Exuma’s attributes make it all the more important for islanders to realize the effects of neglecting nature’s bounty.
The latest weather disturbance did not dampen the spirits of The Bahamians and tourism stakeholders who continue to carry out development strategies tourism has initiated.
The pace of development may be slowing with the world economy, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Continuing progress in our tourism industry shows the Islands of The Bahamas attracting new airlift into the islands with the addition of Delta flights from Atlanta direct to Exuma and Eleuthera. Resort construction grows faster than expected throughout the country," said Vernice Walkine, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
Walkine added that in the Out Islands of Exuma and the Emerald Bay, development has taught them some valuable lessons which can be brought to the evaluation of future projects. "We still anticipate that there will be further development in the Emerald Bay, and that it will be built out to achieve the intended economies of scale and profitability for the investor groups. We see resort development remaining the principal tourism generator for the island of Exuma," she said.
About 35 miles southeast of Nassau, stretching over 120 miles, the Exumas have evolved over time from a salt mining colony to a haven for pirates to a cotton producing colony; all of these phases have influenced its historical development. In fact, many of the islands’ residents are direct descendants of plantation slaves from the late 1700s. The Lucayan Indians began colonies on The Exumas and survived by fishing and farming. The Spanish arrived in the 1500s and turned the island into a salt mining colony. In the 1700s, a group of Loyalists sought refuge here and wealthy European landowners started large cotton plantations. The most notable was John Rolle, who eventually freed his slaves and deeded his land to them. The former slaves adopted his last name and today 60 percent of the locals still have the last name Rolle.
This island is generally limited to hotel boutiques and general establishments in George Town that mainly target the locals. One exception is The Straw Market—a series of five to 10 stands along the main road into George Town offering several varieties of baskets, purses and other straw goods that come in unique Exumian designs and colors.
New minister of tourism and aviation, The Hon. Neko C. Grant I appears optimistic about current projects saying, "We are moving forward with an ever-evolving tourism product to remain attractive to, not only our US customer, but also our global customer. We are developing in the most sustainable and responsible way to ensure that there is a future for the industry. The goal is not to hinder free enterprise but to try to ensure that development is sustainable in the broadest sense, not just ecologically, but also economically for Bahamian citizens and foreign investors. "
Primarily known for pristine beaches, exciting snorkeling, sailing and fishing, Exuma is home to many boating competitions like The Family Island Regatta, The New Year’s Day Cruising Regatta, and the widely revered National Out Island Regatta, the islands’ cays and hidden coves make for some of the most spectacular sailing in The Bahamas.
Diving enthusiasts from around the world believe The Exumas are one of the most spectacular places in all of The Islands of The Bahamas to take in the beauty of the world beneath the ocean’s surface. Vast beds of undisturbed coral teeming with brightly colored schools of fish of every variety surround The Exumas, in addition to the Austin Smith Wreck. The primary water sport in Exuma is snorkeling, which can be done off the beach, from a glass-bottom boat or off one of the many cays.
After storm Noel passed, Exumians are now back on their feet selling their beaches and coastline, and a hospitality industry that understands the value of caring for the environment.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
