Conservationists and Environmentalists  suffered a  blow  last  Friday evening as the proposal submitted by Disney Cruise line Island Development Ltd for Lighthouse  Point was   approved  by the government.  Negotiations for a  heads of agreement will now begin. 

In a  Press release  following Friday’s cabinet meeting,  the government emphasized that  Lighthouse  Point – considered by some to be a sacred space – is privately owned and has been on the real estate market for some time.

Shortly  after  the Cabinet’s statement, President of Disney Jeff Vahle expressed his excitement and in the upcoming project. 

He said, “we are excited to reach this important milestone and look forward to working with Government and the people of The Bahamas to create new economic opportunities while preserving the natural beauty of Lighthouse Point.

“We are grateful for the warm welcome and support we have received from so many in Eleuthera and look forward to further developing relationships that will endure for many years to come.”

The statement ended, “our team  also  looks forward to working with local artists, historians and others as we ensure that the stories and culture of The Bahamas shine through when Disney guests and Bahamians alike visit this special place.”

Disney has a sales agreement with the land owner to purchase the land and is proposing to create a cruise port on the site, touting the economic benefits along with way. 

It  has promised to do so in an environmentally sensitive way – low density development and sustainable design, public access and the restoration of various historical and cultural sites.

On the economic end, the company touts the creation of about 150 new jobs and an array of entrepreneurial opportunities for Eleutherans and Bahamians in general.

Disney’s plans call for conveying approximately 190 acres of land to the government for the conservation and a national park and Disney has secured the backing of a great number of Eleutherans.

A recent poll found that the majority of those surveyed very much or somewhat supported the project. 

This along with those turned out in impressive numbers at a town meeting in Greencastle, Eleuthera insisting that this is their time.

The government stressed that prior to the town meeting, the One Eleuthera Foundation and its partners held several community meetings in Central and South Eleuthera to promote its proposal.

In  the end, the group was not awarded the proposal and the government in the release said that it will ensure Disney’s project is implemented in a manner that safeguards the environment and interests of the people.

The government is convinced that having taken into the consideration the views of the residents of Central and South Eleuthera, it is satisfied it has made the best decision in the interest of Bahamians.