It’s been a few years since Port Executive Director Manuel Almira was interviewed by filmmaker Michael Viveiros, who was making a documentary about President John F. Kennedy’s secret bunkers. Last week, Almira received news the documentary is complete and has been published online. The 13 minute documentary details the history of Kennedy’s secret bunkers, located in Nantucket and on Peanut Island. About 11 minutes into the short film, Almira shares the personal connection he has with the Kennedy bunker.
"I find interesting that 58 years ago while that bunker was being built, I happen to be a four-year-old boy in Cuba. I later learned the area that I am from in Cuba would have been the first to be annihilate had war escalated to that point. So I look behind me and I am here today. So thank God nothing catastrophic happened. The bunker in the past was being handled by the Maritime Museum. Back in 2017, that lease expired and today the bunker is basically closed. All three facilities on Peanut Island are closed and we are desperately looking for another firm to go into contract with. In my open bother bunkers ( Peanut Island and Nantucket) can be used for a museum. It is a wonderful attraction. It has historical value. Not only for people here in the United States, but also internationally," Almira said.