By KRYSTEL ROLLE, Guardian Staff Reporter

krystel@nasguard.com

The Save Guana Cay Reef Association (SGCRA) has secured the money it needs to continue its fight against a multi-million-dollar resort on the tiny island in the Abacos.

Embroiled in a legal battle with the Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club, SGCRA has spent almost two years trying to protect the environment and marine life surrounding the $500 million development.

Most recently, the group was ordered by the court to put up a $100,000 security bond after applying for an injunction.

The court determined that in order to continue the case the group would have to give security. After "some wrangling back and forth" the developers reportedly agreed to accept $75,000 but reneged on that deal when the group appeared in court.

At that time, SGCRA had only secured three quarters of the money; however, the group's lawyer, Fred Smith told The Guardian yesterday that the association has been able to secure the full amount.

"We received tremendous support from our members and other donors and we have the $100,000 by way of security for costs to be paid in an account," he said.

"We are not going to let these obstacles and challenges which these developers are putting in the association's way vitiate our rights."

Smith argued that it would be useless to have courts if only the rich could fight for their rights.

Now, SGCRA is calling on the new government to pass legislation to ensure that the rights of the poor are not taken away.

It wants the government to ensure that in public interest cases, security fees cannot be used by developers or the government to prevent people from suing to protect rights. "The association has a group of very motivated Bahamian citizens who are very passionate about the environment and local rights and they are not going to allow foreigners to invade their homeland and then to try and use their own judicial system to best them. It will be a cold day in hell before the association is muzzled."

Despite challenges so far, the lawyer is confident that the Court of Appeal will analyze the case and rule in their favor. According to Smith, their case is very strong and one which the group intends to pursue to the end.

The project that the group is protesting will include an exclusive resort and gated community, along with an 18-hole, 585-acre championship golf course.

"So far the developers have disrespected their local government rights, our culture, heritage and our fiscal and marine environment," claims Smith.

However, Baker's Bay insist that its development will not harm the environment or marine life.

Said Smith: "I don't know why American developers think they can just come to The Bahamas and they can get a crop of land to do whatever they want to do."

The SGCRA is expected to post the security sometime today.