NASSAU, Bahamas, June 1, 2024 — Disney Cruise Line held the official opening ceremony for its Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point project yesterday, with the property expecting its first guests on June 7, The Nassau Guardian reported on Friday, May 31, in an article written by Senior Business Reporter Chester Robards.
Disney Signature Experiences President Thomas Mazloum revealed another $1 million worth of support for Eleuthera.
He added that while Disney promised to develop only 16 percent of the 900 acres of property they own at Lighthouse Point, they developed less, in keeping with their promise to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible.
“I know we made promises, and let’s talk about why we focused on conservation,” said Mazloum.
“Just look around. The pink sand. The unique wildlife. The blue water. There’s no other way to put it, folks, this place is stunning, and it needs to stay that way.
“When we first visited these islands, I gotta tell you, our team immediately understood the great and awesome responsibility of protecting its natural beauty. And so we got started.
“I want to mention that we actually developed less than 16 percent of the acreage of the site. We actually built an open pier so that we would minimize the impacts to coral and marine life.”
Mazloum explained that Disney has already supported the business community of Eleuthera to the tune of more than $1 million.
“We know we need to invest in the economic opportunities in The Bahamas. But we’re not just investing in businesses. What’s important for us is we’re investing in people,” Mazloum said.
“We donated more than a million dollars to fund the Eleuthera business hub and its programming, which includes grants to more than 40 local small businesses. We’re proud that we made significant contributions to the Eleuthera Junior Achievement Program. In fact, we’ve established a leading light program with the University of The Bahamas. And think about this, providing free hospitality and job readiness training for the residents of Eleuthera.”
He added: “We are just getting started. Listen to this. Today, I’m humbled and proudly announce new commitments, brand new commitments to this community, including $250,000 in Disney conservation funding to create conservation focused after-school programming for students in Central and South Eleuthera.
“However, I’m not finished. There’s more news to come, because we are investing more than $700,000 to improve school infrastructure such as playgrounds and sports fields for students right here in Eleuthera.”
Mazloum said that Disney has built a solar farm at Lookout Cay that allows them to generate 90 percent of the power for the property.
Prime Minister Philip Davis, who brought remarks at the opening ceremony, called the opening of the private Disney cruise port a testament of the partnership between the cruise line and The Bahamas.
He said the opening of Lookout Cay will mean the creation of some 200 “high-quality” jobs, and an all-Bahamian leadership team.
“In fact, the development has already created hundreds of construction-related roles for Bahamians,” said Davis.
He added: “As we celebrate, let’s not forget the heart and soul of this project, that is the community of Eleuthera. The Junkanoo rush out featuring both junior and senior groups, and the special appearance by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, clad in designs by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Sealy, are a vibrant display of our cultural heritage and the joyous spirit of our people.”
Disney has ensured Lookout Cay sells locally created goods, and also has music created by Bahamians at the property.
Davis added that Disney has ensured that services like tours and shore excursions are provided by Bahamians.
