The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

It was wonderful to read your article about the celebration for the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Elbow Reef Lightstation (June 26). The residents and visitors to The Bahamas will gain so much from the preservation and restoration of the colonial lighthouses which were built by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service in the 19th century.

It is not possible for the Bahamian government to singlehandedly restore and maintain its lighthouses. Public/private partnerships need to be formed with the Antiquities and Port departments to take over this responsibility.

Thankfully, the people of Abaco are working to ensure that the Elbow Reef Lighthouse and its outbuildings remain active parts of Bahamian maritime history and a centrepiece for visitors and themselves alike to learn about the unique character of their island archipelago.

The Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society has been formed to raise funds and to define, co-ordinate and manage the preservation for what is now the last actively-manned lighthouse in The Bahamas and the world which continues to be hand-wound and fuelled by kerosene.

Without this effort, a vibrant and active piece of history would be lost. Hopefully this is the beginning of a brighter future for the lighthouses of the Bahamas.

ANNIE POTTS

Author, Last Lights: The Hand-Wound Lighthouses of The Bahama Islands

Palm City,

Florida,

July 2, 2014.