The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

ELEUTHERA’S Chamber of Commerce head yesterday voiced optimism that Disney’s Lighthouse Point project will end the “decades” long wait for new economic opportunities in the island’s south.

Thomas Sands, in written replies to Tribune Business, said he is “encouraged” by the cruise line’s plans to start construction work on its South Eleuthera destination this year provided it receives all the necessary environmental and construction approvals from the government. He added that such high-quality investment was vital “to the survival” of the island’s economy.

“The Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors received an update from Disney Cruise Line on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) completed for Lighthouse Point. We were impressed and encouraged by the efforts being made to safeguard the environment,” Mr Sands said.

“For decades, the communities of Central and South Eleuthera have been promised new economic opportunities, but for a variety of reasons it has not come to fruition. In addition to the foreign direct investment, Disney has highlighted how it intends to make meaningful economic opportunities available directly and indirectly to the communities of Eleuthera.

“We are pleased that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney Cruise Line has remained committed to their project at Lighthouse Point. Given the prolonged recession in south Eleuthera prior to COVID and the further devastation now, investments of this calibre, once approved, are fundamental to the survival of families, businesses and our island’s economy as a whole.”

The Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce is part of a three-way tie-up, involving Disney and the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), to provide an incubator that will prepare start-ups and small businesses to participate at Lighthouse Point and at other projects. The cruise line has provided $1m in financing for the initiative.

Other businesses on Eleuthera were also enthused. Christopher Cates, the Lumber Shed’s owner, said: “We need an injection of something into our economy. I have to believe that the cruise line is going to do the necessary environmental assessments, and that our government will evaluate what they submit carefully.

“I honestly believe there is a good end use for that property,” he added. “I have to believe that Disney and our government can craft a deal that will work for the people of Eleuthera and for them as well. Clearly, short-term gains to a cruise line are not in anyone’s best interest. They also, I am sure, want to preserve their good name around the world and with respect to the environment.”

Disney has promised to create 120 construction jobs, of which 80 percent will go to Bahamians, which Mr Cates said will “provide opportunities” for Eleuthera’s young people.

Victor Russell, owner/ operator of Smart Roofing, added: “I know that they creating business owners as well. So I know quite a bit of people who actually like that project.

“I know that Disney was allowing a lot of local residents to be business owners, and they’ll also have jobs from it. I know a lot of people don’t just like jobs; they want to create businesses, and I saw they were creating both of them.”