Tynia Brown
Journal Staff Writer

Prime Minister Philip Davis is calling the redevelopment of the former Sandals Emerald Bay
property into Beaches Exuma a major step forward for both the island and the national economy,
describing the project as a “significant investment in Bahamian people, opportunity, and long-
term growth.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Davis said Exuma’s character and resilience are at the heart of
the expansion.
“Even from Nassau, you can feel the pride and determination that run through that island,” he
said. “Exuma has a spirit that never dims; a confidence in its future, a belief in its people, and a
steady resilience that has carried it through every season.”
The Prime Minister also praised Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, the MP for Exuma
calling him “Exuma’s son” and crediting his persistent advocacy for advancing the
redevelopment.
Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said the redevelopment
represents both a milestone and a homecoming for the company.
Stewart noted that the project aligns with two major anniversaries for the brand.
“My father founded Sandals 45 years ago next year, in 1981,” he said. “Over the years we’ve
built out the organization and today operate in a dozen islands across the Caribbean.”
He added that next year marks 30 years of Sandals investing in The Bahamas, beginning with the
opening of Sandals Royal Bahamian in 1996.
“For me, this is a bit of a coming home and something we’ve wanted to do for quite a long time,”
Stewart said.
Stewart recalled the discussions that took place when Sandals acquired the former Four Seasons
Exuma property. The original vision, he said, was to brand the resort as a Beaches property, but
market realities at the time led the company to open Sandals Emerald Bay instead.
“In February 2010 we opened Sandals Emerald Bay,” he said. “There were no jet aircraft
commercial services flying into Great Exuma at the time. American Airlines, Delta, and Air

Canada all came with jet service, and we worked with the government to establish airlift and
build a luxury five-star all-inclusive resort in one of the family islands. That’s something we’ve
been hugely proud of.”
Stewart said the new Beaches Exuma redevelopment represents the next evolution of that
original vision.
The revamped Beaches Exuma resort represents a $100 million investment, with full
construction expected over the next 24 months. Independent projections estimate the property
will support more than 1,500 jobs annually and attract tens of thousands of visitors upon
reopening.
Davis said the true value lies in the benefits to Bahamian families and small businesses.
“The heart of the story is the people, the contractors who will get work, the small businesses that
will feel the uplift, and the young Exumians who will finally have a real pathway into the
industry,” he said.
A significant component of the redevelopment includes new training opportunities:
● A paid traineeship programme with L.N. Coakley High School
● 25 apprenticeships upon reopening
● A regional exchange programme for Bahamians to train across Sandals properties

“This is exactly what we have been pushing for real opportunities that put Bahamians in a
position to rise,” Davis said.
Sandals has invested over $230 million in The Bahamas since 1995, and Stewart said the
company remains deeply committed to the country’s growth.
“Today strengthens that partnership and ties it directly to the national progress Bahamians are
asking for,” Davis added.
Davis said the Beaches project forms part of wider national progress that includes expanding
investment, improving infrastructure, and creating opportunities across the islands.
“Beaches Exuma will bring more visitors, more jobs, and more possibilities for the people of
Exuma,” he said. “Progress must be felt in people’s lives.”