Why the Bahamas?
Why Eleuthera?
The Minister of Works and Utilities, the Hon. Alfred Sears recently said, “Eleuthera is one of the places in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas where development is taking place very rapidly. It is one of the most unique communities in our country; it is the fifth largest economy within the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. We have some of the wealthiest industrialists with homes in Eleuthera; we also have booming Bahamian business resorts throughout Eleuthera.”
The Disney project creates great opportunities for Eleutherans at the south end of the island and the Glass Window Bnorthge project creates great opportunities in Central Eleuthera. Potcake Island will create opportunities at the North end of the island.
Why North Eleuthera?
There is easy access to North Eleuthera for locals and visitors alike. With an airport and anchorages and marinas, one could theoretically get to Potcake island from any direction by a combination of foot, bike, car, airplane or thumb. With close proximity to Gene’s Bay dock, which boasts a regularly scheduled ferry service, the farm is easily accessible regardless of your travel preferences or budget.
Elevation of North Eleuthera is consistently 30-40 feet above sea level, and lined with huge cliffs, making it an attraction for climbers, jumpers and thrill seekers. There are also numerous caves and expansive beaches.
Our desired property sits along the furthest North face of Eleuthera and has a history that is tied to the very first White settlers on the islands that are considered part of North Eleuthera, including Spanish Wells and Russell Island. The caves and pirating of vessels that would wreck on the Devil’s Backbone provide the sustenance for those early arrivals. Of course, the Lucayans had it figured out long before they did.
Unfortunately, Spanish Wells is the lowest lying island in this area, and is predicted to be underwater during our lifetimes. This is another factor making North Eleuthera an attractive refuge and sanctuary, not only for stray animals and Americans seeking shelter from a hostile motherland, but also for generational residents of the sinking island. We, the founders and shareholders of Potcake Island, are making plans to receive the refugees from the US and Spanish Wells, even if they themselves are not making plans to leave just yet.
Here’s a tool you can use to estimate impacts of sea level rise on these areas and more: https://coastal.climatecentral.org
Here’s a fun story about Spanish Wells’ “working Methodists,” co-ops and lobstering.
What about Sea Level Rise?
Yes, this is a very real threat. Here is some information we found useful.
https://www.tribune242.com/news/2016/dec/07/bahamas-facing-500m-climate-impact-2025/
https://www.floodmap.net/?gi=7576014
Sea levels have risen about 8 inches since 1900, according to NASA, but the rate of the rise is increasing. Last year, scientists warned that the world could expect 5 to 10 feet of sea level rise before the end of the century — reshaping coastlines and forcing hundreds of millions of people around the world to leave their homes.
North Eleuthera has one of the higher elevations in Eleuthera and has cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Exuma Sound on three sides. As climate refugees migrate from the US and other neighboring islands, such as Spanish Wells, which is expected to be at greater risk, our sanctuary and refuge at Potcake Island, will be ready to receive them.
What about healthcare?
https://expatfinancial.com/what-are-the-top-5-global-health-plans-for-insured-nomads/
What about hurricanes?
What about climate change?
Yes, climate change is real. In our lifetimes, the Bahamas may see sea level rise, however the extent to which this will happen during our lifetimes dims in comparison to the beatings these islands have endured for centuries. The landscape shifts, buildings wash away, but the volcanic rock stands firm. This is not an investment that you buy and hold onto because it will last forever. This is an investment that you buy and hold onto until it’s gone because once it’s gone it’s gone forever and the people who keep it locked away for their own instead of sharing Jah’s beauty with the people are the lowest forms of life. We have one last chance to protect the land for the people and the potcakes who have been victimized by the savages who exploited their labor and resources. Potcake Island’s Refuge and Sanctuary will do just that. But we need your help and we need to act swiftly. We are in very real danger of being priced out of the market as more baby boomers catch wind of the shrinking commodity and decide to move their stock market gains out of an uncertain and compromised fiat currency to hoard real property such that less and less of it exists in the world.
Potcake Island is not intended to be a “forever” solution. It is intended to be a safe place for animals and people in crisis to land. In addition to serving the needs of neglected and stray animals currently in the Bahamas, these islands are an excellent place to evacuate people out of the US, before transitioning them to a longer-term solution, due to their proximity to Southern Florida. Whether our inspiration comes from the Biblical Noah or freedom rider Harriett Tubman, who we are today does not matter. Preparing for the next wave of the current humanitarian crisis does. Our visionary leaders can see it coming and we’re just trying to land safely for our own families — and yours. Oh, and we care about the animals that are currently suffering there too. And the children. And the families. We can’t abandon them today because the water will rise in the future. We must protect them NOW because they are struggling and suffering NOW. We must do all we can to prepare, slow, reverse so that when the water DOES rise, we make sure our children’s children are prepared, so that no one is left behind. Where we go next is up to us.
How much will the “Doomsday Glacier” raise sea level in 5 years?
When we asked Chat GPT this question, here was their response.
“In the next five years, the Thwaites Glacier is not expected to cause a dramatic rise in sea level on its own. However, ongoing melting could contribute to a modest increase. Current projections suggest that the glacier could raise global sea levels by about 3 to 5 meters if it were to collapse entirely over the coming decades or centuries.
In the short term, any contributions to sea level rise from Thwaites are likely to be measured in millimeters rather than significant centimeters, but scientists continue to monitor its stability closely, as changes can occur rapidly.”
Worst-case scenario could see those levels change sooner rather than later, but by the time these levels affect North Eleuthera, Miami and Tampa will already be underwater. This article from CBS News just three years ago suggested we only had five years. Even if this is the case, we still have time to make the most of this beautiful paradise before it is gone forever!
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thwaites-glacier-doomsday-antarctica-collapse-within-5-years
But a recent update from the same research team indicates the glacier melt has stabilized for now, but could contribute 4 meters to sea level height by 2300.
https://www.science.org/content/article/doomsday-may-be-delayed-antarctica-s-most-vulnerable-glacier
It’s hurricanes that pose a much more immediate risk than sea level rise, but we are confident that our sustainable, renewable community built high on limestone cliffs that are millions of years old, can and will rebuild.
What about farming?
In order to become self-sufficient and sustainable, local farming is an essential part of the long-term strategy of Potcake Island. Here are some links we put together on the topic.
Is the Bahamas safe?
The Bahamas are gun-free. Public schools are safe. Communities are safe. Share what you have and nothing will get stolen. Teach people to care for themselves and their families. Don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose, including your biases.
How to get here: