Potential buyers of the land surrounding Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island will be disappointed as the government has made it clear that intends to preserve it for Bahamians.

Recently, the property, which was set to be developed as an ultra-luxury resort, was set to be sold for $10 million.

The blue hole has been named one of the seven natural wonders of the world as it is deemed the world’s largest.

In the House of Assembly yesterday, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner shared the concern of numerous Bahamians – some of whom did so on social media – about the possible sale of the property.

“A lot of Bahamians are concerned about us losing access to such a significant, historical site. I am pleased that I was able to speak with the right honourable member for Centreville, who said that we are going to look into seeing how we will preserve that area for the benefit for the Bahamian people because there is a lot of discussion going on and I think even a petition being started with regards to the preservation of Dean’s Blue Hole,” Mrs. Butler-Turner said.

“It brings us to the point where Long Island is one of those islands that is undiscovered. We are hoping that we could certainly use this as a part of our tourism product and diversification of the tourism product in The Bahamas moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe made it clear that Dean’s Blue Hole is a treasure that The Bahamas will keep.

“Long Island is one of the places in The Bahamas that we have not given the attention it deserves. When I was there a few weeks ago I was surprized to see that Long Island has 16 resorts, I was surprized to learn that they have three plantations that it has a museum and that there is more than one blue hole. In fact, there are 31 blue holes in Long Island,” he said.

“Long Island is a place where we have to ensure that we provide some airlift because there is no real direct airlift from there to the United States of America. It is one of the many islands that require our attention. As I have said this morning and after speaking with the prime minister, it will remain in the hands of Bahamians.”

He added, “We will not get rid of our treasures. It is a part of The Bahamas and we are going to keep it.”

Dean’s Blue Hole is made up of two parcels: one, an inland tract of around 140 acres, and a 46-acre parcel known as Whale’s Tail due to its shape.
The land is surrounded by 600 feet of beachfront and 500 feet of cliffs.
The property has the world’s deepest sea cave at 663 feet.