The Tribune

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled a website dedicated to its Lighthouse Point project in a bid to keep Bahamians informed about progress on the Eleuthera-based destination.

The website, www.DCLLighthousePoint.com, was designed by a Bahamian company, Felicia Creative. The cruise line said visitors will be find information about its efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities, protect the environment, incorporate Bahamian culture and strengthening the Eleuthera community.

“Since the beginning of this effort, it has been important for us to forge deep relationships with our local neighbours in Eleuthera and The Bahamas more broadly,” said Jeff Vahle, Disney Cruise Line’s president.

“We have strived to take input from the government and the community, and to share information openly about our vision and plans for Lighthouse Point. We hope this website serves as a helpful resource, and provides a platform for easy access to the latest information.”

Disney Cruise Line said its outreach efforts have included touring construction sites and meeting with contractors across Eleuthera, while also engaging with the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA), Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) and other industry organisations.

It added that it has held multiple information sessions in Eleuthera and Nassau to maximise opportunities for Bahamian contractors to find work on the project. Other seminars have been attended by hundreds of potential employees, vendors and tour operators.

Disney said it was continuing to engage with organisations such as the Small Business Development Centre(SBDC), the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, and has met with the Ministry of Labour, University of The Bahamas, National Training Agency and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) to work on training initiatives.

The cruise line added that it is also working with Bahamian artists, led by Kevin Cooper and Antonius Roberts, to advance Lighthouse Point’s design. It promised that this “will be inspired by the natural environment, and rooted in the culture of Eleuthera and The Bahamas more broadly”.

Spending time with scientists who are familiar with the site and with conservation organizations who routinely work in The Bahamas. For example, Disney spent time with the leadership of the Bahamas National Trust before the holidays to provide an update on the project.

Disney Cruise Line completed its purchase of the Lighthouse Point property in 2019, and has signed a Heads of Agreement for its development with the government.

The company said it submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in late December, and has been advised that the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission will post the document on its website after their feedback is incorporated and government reviews are complete.

Additional public consultation related to the EIA will occur as part of the site plan approval process, Disney promised, adding that its plans include developing less than 20 percent of the site and employing sustainable building practices, such as an open-trestle pier to avoid dredging.

It said environmental monitoring programmes will continue through construction and into operations, and added that more than 190 acres of privately-owned land will be donated to the Bahamian people.