#Nassau, March 12, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime
Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis issued the following statement on the
Heads of Agreement for the proposed development at Lighthouse Point, Bannerman
Town, South Eleuthera:
“In the
interest of transparency and accountability the Heads of Agreement signed with
Disney Island Development, Ltd on Thursday, March 7, 2019 will be tabled at the
earliest meeting of the House of Assembly, on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
“The
Government announced the signing of the Heads of Agreement at a Town Hall
meeting in South Eleuthera on March 9, 2019 out of respect for the island’s
residents.
“Immediately
following the announcement, the Office of the Prime Minister released an
extensive press release outlining key points of the Heads of Agreement,
including:
- Construction of the project will
not begin until the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental
Management Plan are reviewed and approved.
- Approximately 190 acres of the
land purchased from the private seller, including the southernmost point of the
property, will be conveyed to the Government of The Bahamas for conservation
and a national park. The appraised value of the land donation is $6.29 million.
- The creation of 120 construction jobs,
and 150 permanent jobs with health benefits in a range of positions for
Bahamians.
- A variety of entrepreneurial
opportunities for residents of Eleuthera and Bahamians in general.
- Access to the property for all
citizens and residents of The Bahamas for non-commercial purposes.
- Integration of Bahamian cultural
and artistic expression into the design of the site and experiences offered.
- Disney will partner with agencies
to develop training and professional development programs, including the LIM
Maritime Academy, Access Accelerator (Small Business Development Center) and
the Hospitality Institute of the University of The Bahamas.
“This project
is line with the government’s plan to expand the economy of our country and
economic opportunities for our people by promoting development in the Family
Islands.
“I want
to assure all Bahamians of the Government’s commitment to act in the best
interest of Bahamians, at all times, in an accountable and transparent manner.”
Office of the Prime Minister
March 11, 2019