Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Remarks at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Yntegra Rosewood Exuma

Friends,

Today, we stand together on Sampson Cay to begin a project that embodies the promise of Exuma and The Bahamas.

As we place the first shovels into this soil, we break ground on a resort that represents opportunity, partnership, and a shared future for our islands.

This project is being driven by Yntegra, whose decision to invest here is a statement of confidence in The Bahamas. 

To Yntegra, I say thank you. 

You had the vision to see in Exuma the potential for something extraordinary. You chose to invest real capital, real energy, and real commitment into this island.

That is a message that will be heard across the world. The Bahamas is a place where investors can believe in the future, and where partnerships can flourish.

We also recognize Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, the operating partner whose reputation for excellence ensures that this development will meet the highest global standards. 

Rosewood Exuma will become a destination known for luxury, authenticity, and a deep respect for its surroundings.

Together, Yntegra and Rosewood bring both investment and credibility. 

That combination makes this groundbreaking a milestone in our country’s story.

Exuma is admired globally. Its turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and natural charm have drawn visitors for decades. 

But for those of us who know it well, Exuma is also for the families who have lived here for generations. 

It is a place where children grow up with a sense of belonging to something special.

That is why today’s groundbreaking is about more than attracting the world to Exuma. It is about opening doors for the people who call Exuma home.

This project will bring jobs during construction. It will bring careers in hospitality once the resort opens. 

It will bring business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and suppliers.

It will create demand for farmers, fishers, and small businesses who can contribute to the success of the resort. And it will showcase the culture of Exuma – its food, its crafts, its music – to visitors from around the world.

In short, it will provide opportunities for Bahamians to benefit directly and meaningfully.

But development must never come at the expense of what makes Exuma special. 

Our islands are fragile treasures. We have insisted that all major projects must respect the environment.

Here on Sampson Cay, a portion of the island will be reserved for eco-friendly initiatives. The architecture will reflect Rosewood’s philosophy of a sense of place, integrating with the natural surroundings and celebrating the cultural character of Exuma.

We must ensure our children and grandchildren will inherit islands that are just as beautiful tomorrow as they are today.

I believe this development strikes the right balance.

When my administration came into office, The Bahamas faced deep challenges. The economy was struggling. Unemployment was high. Schools were closed. And public trust was low.

We reopened the country and rebuilt our economy, putting Bahamians back to work.

We did not settle for survival. We set our sights on renewal.

Today, unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 2008. International institutions have recognized our progress. Record levels of investment are flowing into our islands.

Rescue and recovery were vital steps, but our mission has always been to go further. Our goal has been to build a larger, fairer, and more inclusive economy.

That is what this project represents. It is proof that our vision to expand opportunities, island by island, is working.

Development is no longer concentrated in Nassau alone. 

It is reaching into Exuma, into San Salvador, into Long Island, into Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama.

Each island is beginning to take its rightful place in building the national economy, contributing to a stronger and more resilient Bahamas.

Today, Exuma adds its voice to that chorus of progress.

This is part of a broader transformation. Across the country, we are modernizing airports to improve connectivity. We are investing in docks and roads to support commerce. And we are transforming our energy grid to deliver stable and affordable power.

These upgrades create the foundation that makes investment possible. 

They also create the foundation that allows Bahamians to succeed.                                                                             

For the young people of Exuma, this groundbreaking carries a message of hope. It tells them that they can build their future at home. They can find training, careers, and opportunities without leaving the communities they love.

It tells them that their island matters and that we believe in them.

For our partners, this groundbreaking demonstrates that The Bahamas is a country where responsible investments can thrive. We are a nation of talented people, strong institutions, and a government committed to balancing growth with sustainability.

That combination is rare, and it makes The Bahamas a unique destination for investment.

We are breaking ground on the idea that investment in The Bahamas must create opportunity for Bahamians.

We are breaking ground on the principle that development must honour our environment.

We are breaking ground on the promise that the Family Islands are central to our national story.

When the doors of Rosewood Exuma open, the world will see a destination shaped by Bahamian talent. 

That is the true legacy we are building here.

Congratulations to Yntegra, to Rosewood, and to the people of Exuma.

Together, we are proving that it is always better in The Bahamas.

Thank you.