Environmental Destruction

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.

A Case in Point

What "Economic Opportunity" looks like to a private cruise port operation.

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.

Does any of this appear to be a sound business model that Eleuthera wishes to adopt?  

Lessons Learned from Over 50 Years of Cruising in the Caribbean

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.

Those that do not learn from the mistakes recorded in history, are doomed to repeat them!

Read Full Report

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.

Speak Out

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.

Use our forms to submit directly to members of Parliament

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:

I am a One Eleuthera Member

I am an Eleutheran

I am a Bahamian

PLEASE NOTE:

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

I am a Stay-Over Tourist

Want to send your own letters?

Below are key members of Parliament to contact:

Sign the Petition

With almost 300,000 signatures to date, please help us Save Lighthouse Point by signing a petition to Disney.

Donate

For those contemplating supporting our fund, these funds go directly to the preservation of Lighthouse Point and to fund efforts that include:

1. More signage to rally support and raise awareness of Disney's attempted development
2. Monetary support to the foundations already opposing the plans
3. Possible future expenses required by supporting foundations that may need our help to further this important cause

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.

Support Us on Social Media

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.