By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) is calling for a Family Island development plan to establish the parameters for development in the out islands, while backing calls for government to purchase Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera.

The IBA in a statement yesterday said that it "deplores the proposed resort development at Lighthouse Point, South Eleuthera which is one of the most precious and beautiful parts of The Bahamas".

It added: "We join with the National Trust in supporting the idea that Lighthouse Point be purchased by the government and preserved for the nation for use by all Bahamians, now and in the future.

"The Bahamas Land and Sea Park provides a shining example of how this can work. There is no doubt that Lighthouse Point will be spoiled by any development no matter what the environmental study states or how sensitive the buildings may appear to be

"We all know that there is no enforcement and just servicing thousands of persons on a daily basis will cause massive and irreparable environmental degradation and pollution in many ways. Clearly the owner of Lighthouse Point should be compensated for the value of the land based on currently permitted development."

Outcry has increased against a proposal for Lighthouse Point to be developed into a cruise port, with environmental activist groups worrying the planned project will have a detrimental effect on the country's natural resources.

Lighthouse Point is a 700-acre peninsula located at the southern tip of Eleuthera. Disney Cruise Line is said to be the group behind the potential acquisition and development of the area.

The IBA said the Lighthouse Point issue "highlights the importance of a development plan for the family islands which would clearly identify areas which can be developed for resorts or residential purposes and areas which should be left for sustainable public use".

It added: "The Institute of Bahamian Architects calls for a Family Island development plan to be prepared and published and which would inform and control all future development in the Bahamas."