When you consider the environmental decimation, the undelivered employment promises, and lost accessibility to the area and lost historical significance that a cruise port development from Disney would bring, consider instead to stand with us against this form of development.
The plain facts are these: the Bahamian archipelago is an extremely fragile ecosystem, delicately balanced by means of its thin soil on land without capacity to regrow species upon exhaustion, and sensitive coral formation that has been proven time and time again can not withstand the hoards of people packed on the visiting cruise ships.
Once gone, the coral does not return, nor do the fish that inhabit it, and it remains a sterile sea that will not support the people that have relied on it for centuries.
The area is home to a high level of biological diversity and boasts every single plant habitat save one. Its coppice forest consists of a unique combination of species, including 8 species of plants that exist no where else except the archipelago of the Bahamas. Over 200 species of birds call upon this area for habitation, and the area includes Big Pond, a hyper-saline pond that reported contains stromatolites, the Earth's oldest fossil formation. On and on, facts demand the preservation, not the destruction of this wondrous land.
To date, Lighthouse Point, albeit privately owned, has remained open to ALL visitors. It is truly God's landmark.
The Bahamians deserve to preserve their land, ancestry and culture. The air and sea visitors deserve access to one of the last untouched places in this world. It is a majesty like no other.
A private cruise port eliminates that access and becomes only for the chosen few...it deserves to be enjoyed and marveled at by all.
Disney and their "local representatives" have promised 150 jobs.
Historically, cruise ports hire very few locals to man their private ports. Furthermore, they end up taking onboard cruise members onto the private ports to work. None or few locals have full time, employment with growth potential. Bahamians remain at the hands of foreign development that ends up weeding them out of the economic picture.
Cruise visitors rarely leave port except for cruise port controlled excursions. This brings nothing to the rest of the island in terms of tourism. It ends up harming existing tourism as eco-tourists that visit today will possibly no longer visit and spend on local businesses.
An article by The Bahamas Weekly states it best:
Prominent Bahamians, ordinary citizens and foreigners have signed the LHP petition that states, “Archaeological and scientific findings have been significant and as reported this place is considered to be one of the most important, unexplored archaeological and scientific sites in The Bahamas.” The nearby Millars Slave Plantation has artifacts that date back to the early 1780’s and traces of the Lucayans can be found in the ruins of old Bannerman town and at Lighthouse Point.
There is still so much to learn so it is so important to maintain its pristine and untouched condition. Development of this nature will forever destroy Bahamian culture and history.
We as a group of individuals are committed to protecting from destructive development, the area generally known as Lighthouse Point, South Eleuthera.
We will seek to acquire participation from and assist organizations and individuals that are dedicated to marine and shoreline preservation the world over that have expertise in this area and can help us in the fight to preserve this important cultural and natural area.
We will lend our support in any way we are capable, to organizations that can and will propose plans that facilitate and encourage local and intentionally planned responsible sustainable development that will preserve the Lighthouse Point area for the accessibility and enjoyment of Bahamians and visitors for generations to come.
We will commit our resources to bring to light, in appropriate responsible media outlets and by means of social media, any and all developments that would seek to alter the natural land and seascape to suit the development’s needs. In particular, the proposed Disney plans for this area will be resisted thoroughly and in their entirety.
So, what does “sustainable” look like? What does “environmental preservation” sound like? Compare these two visions for the area of Lighthouse Point and decide for yourself which one works with the natural gifts of the area and which one just uses them. Then decide which one deserves your support.
Does this look like an economic model you would support? What you are looking at is an area just outside a private cruise port location on Eleuthera. Inside the gated compound, hoards of tourists spend their time on the beach, shopping at little kiosks that are manned only on cruise ship day, buying drinks at pop up bars and playing in the sand. The cruise ship company that operates this location gets a cut of every transaction one way or another. Either directly as a part of their onshore business, a percentage of a kiosk that is operated independently, or rent from these kiosks, particularly if the returns from a percentage of the sales aren't as reliable. So let's distill this down to the bare facts:
Inside the compound: Thousands of people using and often without being aware, abusing the delicate ecosystems this land provides. Thousands of people spending money, most of it staying in the pockets of the cruise ship companies. Those of the employees that are locals, which based on observations at other destinations does not guarantee even half are, are working at part time jobs, often 3 days a week that spans a tourist season of some 40 weeks long. Not enough to support a family.
Outside the compound: The opportunity to keep all the profits from sales that an operator can make, but few customers. Two Cruise ship patrons that did appear outside the gates stated that they were discouraged from exploring beyond the gates because it was made to appear to be dangerous to do so and approach the vendors. Thus, very little money is spent outside the gates. Very little opportunity to make a living.
Here is a report presented by the Executive Director of CREST, Martha Honey at a Sustainable Tourism Conference held in 2017. In it you will find compelling, fact based evidence to support the fight against cruise ship port development and expansion.
This tourism model is not ecologically sustaining nor economically sound for the local economy.
Because it resonates within those who witness its majesty. It fairly drips it is so saturated with beauty and impact when you finally succeed in getting there. To be sure, the road is rough, long and hard. There are many reviews that testify to this fact. Perhaps that is some of its charm, that it takes a lot of perseverance to get there. But it’s more than that. Much, much more.
Though there are at times a few people sharing the experience with you, the serenity envelopes you, the bright, clear waves that play upon its shores mesmerize you, the languid air bids you ease, and for perhaps the first time in a long time, you are at rest. These are just a few moments recalled from days past, moments that shine as bright in the memory as the day they were enjoyed. To these memories are married facts that we have learned of the area. Important facts such as ecologically diverse, historically important, culturally relevant, and economically imperative.
These however, melt into the sea when you survey what is before you and you drink in this resplendent point of land, islands trailing off like bright emeralds in a sea of sapphires. The greatest thing about Lighthouse Point is that it speaks to our soul, and our soul responds.
Your voice is important and can make a difference. Please consider helping us by lending it to the growing throng sending letters directly the Bahamian governmental officials who have the power to stop this development.
It is imperative that government officials hear as many voices as possible against Disney's proposal.
Fastest way to be heard. Send your opposition directly to Prime Minister Minnis, Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest and Minister D'Aguilar.
Please select ONLY the link below that represents the group which you most closely identify with:
Form letters for Permanent & Winter Residents and Stay-Over Tourists can be found below. Please do NOT use the above forms unless you are an Eleutheran, Bahamian or One Eleuthera Member
I am a Permanent or Winter Resident
Below are key members of Parliament to contact:
With almost 300,000 signatures to date, please help us Save Lighthouse Point by signing a petition to Disney.
For those contemplating supporting our fund, these funds go directly to the preservation of Lighthouse Point and to fund efforts that include:
We are not here to draw donations that would otherwise be made to One Eleuthera, Bahamas National Trust and like minded Organizations that have presented a united front against Disney.
Please visit our Facebook Group and become a member. Selecting the above link or left image will take you directly to our group page.
You may also Like or Share this page on your own timeline by selecting options below. The more you join, share and like our cause, the more you help us and our partner organizations to promote awareness of the importance of Lighthouse Point, and ultimately, protect it.
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Oct 10, 2018 | Nassau Guardian | D’Aguilar: Disney would stick with Bahamas if Lighthouse Point deal fails |
Oct 11, 2018 | The Bahamas Journal | PM speaks with Eleuthera residents about Lighthouse Point proposed development |
Oct 11, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Minnis Deals Blow To Disney Critics |
Oct 13, 2018 | St. Lucia News | Bahamas: Government to give position on Lighthouse Point beach property next week |
Oct 15, 2018 | Tribune 242 | No Environmental Impact Studies For Plans |
Oct 15, 2018 | Eyewitness News | MP pleads for help for Eleuthera |
Oct 16, 2018 | Eyewitness News | Cabinet to make Lighthouse Point decision |
Oct 17, 2018 | Eyewitness News | PM says Friday now decision day for Lighthouse Point |
Oct 17, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Lighthouse Point D-Day Delayed For 72 Hours |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
---|---|---|
Oct 10, 2018 | Facebook Live | A SAD DAY IN HISTORY ON VIDEO - Prime Minister and delegation attends a Town Hall meeting at the Green Castle Primary School, Green Castle, Eleuthera. |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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May 8, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Disney Interest In Bahamas Investment Confirmed |
May 28, 2018 | ENews | Disney eyes another island for additional cruise fleet |
Sep 3, 2018 | ENews | Disney makes play for Lighthouse Point |
Sep 3, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Disney Lays Out Lighthouse Point Plan |
Sep 15, 2018 | ENews | Sumner to meet with Disney on Lighthouse Point development again |
Sep 24, 2018 | Eyewitness News | Disney president breaks silence on Lighthouse Point deal |
Sep 24, 2018 | The Eleutheran | Op-Ed: Creating Sustainable Economic Opportunity in South Eleuthera |
Sep 24, 2018 | The Bahamas Journal | Disney “Doing The Right Thing” |
Sep 24, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Insight: Disney’s Plan ‘No Cause For Alarm’ |
Sep 25, 2018 | Eyewitness News | Head of Disney cruises defend Lighthouse Point development |
Sep 27, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Disney: $400m Spend To 'Better' Top Location |
Sep 27, 2018 | Eyewitness News | Multi-million dollar plan for Lighthouse Point |
Sep 27, 2018 | Tribune 242 | Disney Feared For Brand Over Project Criticism |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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May 17, 2018 | YouTube | Michael Kay - Video Blogger - Disney's 2nd Private Island |
August 8, 2018 | Disney Cruise Line Blog | Town Hall Meeting Held to Discuss Potential Development of Lighthouse Point |
August 9, 2018 | Disney Cruise Line Blog | Lighthouse Point: Eleuthera Town Hall Handout Reveals Conceptual Site Plan |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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N/A | Guardian Radio | Fresh News Smart Talk |
Aug 29, 2018 | Guardian Radio | BNT on Free Ya Mind |
N/A | Guardian Radio | Guardian Radio - One Eleuthera Foundation CEO, Shaun Ingraham and Bahamas National Trust Executive Director, Eric Carey |
Sep 11, 2018 | Guardian Radio | High School Students Take on Disney Development |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Aug 2, 2018 | Facebook Live | Disney Local Representative Town Hall |
Aug 10, 2018 | One Eleuthera | OE Town Hall - Deep Creek |
Aug 13, 2018 | ENews Video | Tempers Flare at Town Hall Meeting |
Aug 13, 2018 | ENews | Beyond the Headlines (Part 1) on Town Hall Meeting |
Aug 13, 2018 | ENews | Beyond the Headlines (Part 2) on Town Hall Meeting |
Aug 17, 2018 | One Eleuthera | OE Town Hall - Eleuthera Arts & Cultural Center |
Aug 24, 2018 | Nassau Guardian | OE Town Hall - Rock Sound |
Aug 31, 2018 | reEarth | Live Press Conference (mentioned in above Tribune article) |
Aug 31, 2018 | One Eleuthera | OE Town Hall - Green Castle |
Sep 5, 2018 | Nassau Guardian | CEO Shaun Ingraham of One Eleuthera and Sam Duncombe of ReEarth will be on Nahaja Black’s show -The Hit Back with Nahaja Black |
Sep 7, 2018 | One Eleuthera | OE Town Hall - Deep Creek |
Sep 11, 2018 | ENews | High School Activists Take On Disney Over Lighthouse Point |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Oct 9, 2018 | Eyewitness News | Bahamians in favour of Disney development on Eleuthera says survey |
Oct 11, 2018 | Tribune 242 | 'Residents Back Plan For Lighthouse Point' |
Oct 14, 2018 | Bahamas Weekly | Eleuthera Community Support Group responds to LPP’s Plan for Lighthouse Point |
Oct 15, 2018 | Tribune 242 | One Eleuthera Bid ‘A Last Minute Public Relations Move’ |
Oct 15, 2018 | The Bahamas Journal | Eleuthera Group Says “Disney’s Proposal Is Real” |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Jul 19, 2016 | Miami Herald | Disney plan to develop unspoiled Bahamian island draws fire |
Jul 22, 2016 | Miami Herald | Disney backs off cruise port on pristine Bahamas island |
Jan 22, 2017 | Mission Blue | Dodging Disney: Bahamians Seek Science to Save The Egg Island Hope Spot |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Oct 5, 2017 | Nassau Guardian | D’Aguilar: Time to change incentives agreements with cruise lines |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Jul 19, 2013 | EcoBNB | How do cruise ships impact on the environment |
May 1, 2014 | Bimini Blue Coalition | The Recklessness of Resorts World Bimini |
Mar 11, 2016 | Bloomberg | How Cruise Lines’ Private Ports Impact Host Countries |
Aug 16, 2017 | Travel Weekly | Private islands 2.0: More than a day at the beach |
Nov 27, 2017 | CREST | Lessons Learned from 50 Years of Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean |
Sep 5, 2018 | Ship Technology | Private cruise islands: drawing ethical lines in the sand? |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Jul 6, 2012 | Disney Avenue | The Making of Castaway Cay |
N/A | I-Mockery | Disney's Big Bahama Blunder |
Mar 14, 2016 | American University | When Mickey Came to Town |
Feb 3, 2017 | Bright Sun Films | Abandoned - Treasure Cay/Disney's Mowgli's Palace |
Mar 29, 2017 | Disney Cruise Line Jobs | Island Recreation Staff - Disney Cruise Line Jobs - (note the lack of Bahamian leadership) |
Date | Source | Title / Link |
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Apr 24, 2013 | Bahama Pundit | Lighthouse Point and the History of South Eleuthera |
Jul 19, 2013 | Project Eleuthera | Ruins and Ghost Towns |
Jul 30, 2018 | UMass | Anthropology researcher weaves together threads of community’s history |