At the ancient fish cleaning table on the dock in Alice Town, Elvis Rolle flashes his knife for emphasis as he eviscerates a catch of pan-sized triggerfish.
“This is old Bimini,” he says. “This is real Bimini.”
Elvis is worked up over the massive development known as Resorts World Bimini—operated by a Malaysian firm—that has consumed the entire northern half of his historic island. Draglines dig into the bonefish flats making canals, marinas, and waterfront lots for homes that sell upwards of $4 million. There is a massive 300-room Hilton resort hotel and casino. A cruise ship dock, designed for the largest Oasis Class ships of 6,000 passengers, extends more than a quarter-mile offshore, nearly to the edge of the Gulfstream.
Two Biminis: The tranquil heart of Alice Town and its main street Kings Highway. Less than one mile away is Resort World Bimini with its dredged marinas, hotel casino, and mega cruise port. Photography credits: © Jeffrey Cardenas and Resorts World Bimini
“They want more and more,” Elvis says of the developers. “They give nothing back to Bimini. We’re living in shacks and they have bought up half of our island to build million-dollar homes for foreigners.”
Elvis Rolle turns away and throws a handful of triggerfish entrails into the water. A pair of bull sharks finning on the surface just off the docks are waiting for the offal.
“Watch them sharks,” he says. “They won’t leave nothing.”
Thanks for sailing along with Stella Maris.
As always, sailing is not just about the wind and the sea; equally important are the places, the flora, fauna, and people encountered along the way.
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Text and Photography © Jeffrey Cardenas 2023
“Let this be a time of grace and peace in our lives” – Fr. John Baker
Stella Maris Sail 
Bimini holds a special place in my heart ❤️
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So glad I experienced the old Bimini
In my youth. Back in the days of Bonefish Rudy and Bonefish Willie.
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I remember watching the Reverend Captain Bonefish Willie during his religious services in Bimini as he jumped across the backs of the church pews while parishioners filled with the spirit spoke in tongues and raised their arms to the heavens. His other church, of course, was on the boat where he was a high priest of the bonefish flats.
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Hi Jeffery
I love the follow on to your round the world sailing adventure, although it is a real shame what is happening to Bimini
Ed
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I’m sorry to say that it’s the way of the world. Remember that song lyric: “Call someplace paradise and you can kiss it goodbye.”
On a positive note, there are a lot of other places yet discovered, and some of those places are in our own backyard.
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The world cast system on full display. When is enough? Why can’t we just visit and enjoy?
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When is enough? How much is enough? That is the question that will carry us or bury us in the next century.
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Old world Bimini hands-down.
Soul versus steel, heartfelt versus heartache.
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“Soul versus steel, heartfelt versus heartache”
Thank you for your poetry, Emma.
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