Disney Cruise Line recently hosted a community celebration to mark the opening of Lookout Cay, a new island destination in The Bahamas. This project showcases Disney’s collaboration with Bahamian artists, historians, and cultural experts, aiming to immerse passengers in the spirit and culture of The Bahamas through various artistic and entertainment experiences.
Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line, expressed pride in the relationships formed with the local community and the unique story being told through this new destination. She highlighted the incredible collaboration involved in making Lookout Cay a reality.
Prime Minister Attends Opening Ceremony
The celebration saw attendance from Bahamian officials, community members, and Disney cast members. Prime Minister Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper, and Minister of Works and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera Clay Sweeting were present. The event took place at the Junkanoo-inspired Goombay Cultural Center, featuring remarks from the cruise line leadership team and government officials.
Guests enjoyed a performance by local Junkanoos, including winning teams from this year’s Junior Junkanoo competition from Tarpum Bay Primary and Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera. The prime minister praised Disney’s inclusion of Bahamian culture in Lookout Cay, noting that visitors would experience The Bahamas in a new and enriching way.
Cultural Inclusion at Its Best
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper highlighted Lookout Cay as a prime example of the investment boom in The Bahamas. He commended Disney for being a gold standard community partner, supporting conservation, culture, economic, and community growth.
The development of Lookout Cay created hundreds of construction-related jobs for Bahamians, far exceeding Disney’s initial job commitment. The destination will open with an all-Bahamian leadership team, creating nearly 200 high-quality roles for locals. Renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts emphasized the cultural collaboration that resulted in a unique experience for visitors and locals alike, showcasing the powerful stories of local musicians, artisans, and storytellers.
Disney’s Commitment to Community
In celebration of Lookout Cay’s opening, Disney is investing $1 million to support youth programs, school playground improvements, and a community sports space. This investment is part of Disney’s ongoing initiatives to meet community needs. Additionally, the Disney Conservation Fund is supporting youth education focused on conservation in Central and South Eleuthera.
Roberts expressed pride in contributing to this vision and highlighted Disney’s commitment to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. He believes this initiative will leave a lasting impact on all who visit Lookout Cay.
Through Lookout Cay, Disney Cruise Line not only offers a new destination for its passengers but also enriches the local community by fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. This initiative underscores Disney’s dedication to being a responsible and engaged community partner in The Bahamas.