Goodbye to Lighthouse Beach on Eleuthera

Lighthouse Beach Eleuthera

I was so very sad to read today's news of the approval for the development of Lightouse Beach by Disney. Lighthouse Beach, also known as Lighthouse Point, is an iconic area located at the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, approximately a one hour flight from the Florida coast.

Lighthouse Beach is known for it's majestic shorelines and beaches that are completely undeveloped and nearly pristine. It has that rare combination of features that presented a collection of everything the island offers: gray cliffs, caves, pink sand, Atlantic Ocean, quiet coves, and the crowning glory -- the old light house complete with cook's shack behind it.

Much as I hate to say this, the first time I went there I wondered how long it would take for developers to come in and spoil the land. Why? Because it had not been designated as protected area by the Bahamian Government. And now, it's gone. Maybe not physically, but it will never be the same once Disney brings in their giant new cruise ships.

Over the 40+ years I have been visiting the Bahamas Islands, one thing I have seen firsthand is how fragile the eco system is. Countless stories have been written and photos taken of the destruction caused by these types of developments. Some of the most egregious damage has been done to the coral. You can read all sorts of data that's been published on the matter, and they all pretty much say the same thing: 80% of the coral reef is either damaged or dead. I would not be shocked if we saw some of the very worst damage ever when it comes to Lighthouse Point and its complex eco system. I hope I am wrong. Based on history, I am probably right.

Approved: Lighthouse Point Proposal submitted by Disney Cruise Line Island Development Ltd.

pj