De Conch #GullahGeechee 2020 Recap Edition

Help Stop Bay Point Destructionment

The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association is challenging a destructioneer’s latest efforts to build a luxury resort on Bay Point Island, a culturally and biologically rich barrier island at the mouth of Port Royal Sound.

The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association (www.GullahGeecheeFishing.net) filed a motion to intervene in Bay Point Island, LLC’s (BPI) appeal of the Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals decision that blocked destructionment plans to build a luxury resort on Bay Point Island.

The GGFA seeks intervention in the appeal because the livelihoods of its members will be directly and adversely impacted if BPI is allowed to move forward with its proposed development, according to the motion to intervene filed on Tuesday in Beaufort County Circuit Court.

For generations, members of the Association have relied on the marshes, beaches and pristine waters surrounding Bay Point to harvest fish and shellfish which supports their businesses and their families. Members also provide educational demonstrations concerning Gullah/Geechee fishing traditions. BPI’s proposed development would destroy this valuable cultural resource and wildlife habitat by constructing 50 cottages, a spa, wellness center, fitness center, restaurants and bars, along with 10 septic systems on the highly dynamic barrier island which is accessible only by water.

According to Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and an officer of the Association: “Gullah/Geechee culture is inextricably tied to the land and waterways of the Sea Islands. The cumulative effects of the negative environmental impacts that this resort that is being greenwashed as ecotourism would bring will not only disturb and irreversibly impact an environmentally sensitive area near historic St. Helena Island, it will have numerous destructive negative impacts to the quality of life and continuation of Gullah/Geechee culture. The Gullah/Geechee Nation is recognized internationally and federally and this project is not aligned with insuring the continuation of this culture which is vital to Beaufort County and South Carolina as is shown by the over 31,000 signatures of those who continue to oppose the Bay Point project. Disya da destructionment!”

We are calling on the world to stand up with the citizens of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and our St. Helena Island family AGAINST the Bay Point proposal!

Help us prevent destructionment from expanding in Beaufort County and reaching beloved St. Helena Island! Please sign the petition at http://chng.it/PctCRM- N57L

Tune into the GGTV coverage of the permit request being denied: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbh0P_VJi- Wg&ab_channel=GullahGeecheeNation

Tenki Tenki fa standin wid de Gullah/Geechee Nation!

Purchasing a Save Bay Point T from www.GullahGeechee.biz supports the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund.