December 15, 2012
VOLUME 20
NUMBER 24
The Abaconian
Section A
Page 1
DECEMBER 15TH, 2012
Christmas Bazaar delights with food and games Tourism minister declares official opening of 9th Annual Christmas Festival By Canishka Alexander The Official Opening Ceremony for the 9th Annual Christmas Festival began on Dec.8 with the vocally talented Ashanti Duncanson, who sang the National Anthem before Wynsome Ferguson, manager of the Abaco Tourist Office, brought remarks. Ferguson noted the festival’s theme of “Christmas in The Bahamas” as she reflected on how it began. In the aftermath of Hurricane Jean and Francis, she and Brenda Sawyer were approached by JoAnn Bradley to do something to lift the spirits of the people of Abaco. “Out of this idea came the birth of the Abaco Christmas Festival,” Ferguson said. “The organizing committee co-chaired by Brenda Sawyer and JoAnn Bradley has accomplished much over the years creating the largest family-oriented event on the island of Abaco. In addition, Above: Santa was one of the many fun surprises during the Annual Christmas Festival. Wreath-making contests, dog competitions, crash some five years ago this event was introand fire drills, food, gifts and music highlighted the day-long event. This year there was a little something for everyone. duced to the other islands of The Bahamas using our model. “Next year we will celebrate our tenth year and we anticipate this being a
Flights delayed New airport sees mid-2013 opening
Despite concerns raised by the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin earlier in the month, the contractors and government have since had “fruitful” conversations that, despite delays, have the project back on track. For the story, see page 26.
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Bazaar
Page 2
Early morning blaze in Pigeon Peas extinguished
Above: the restaurant / gaming room / apartment / dance hall that burned down during the early morning hours of December 10. No loss of life was reported. By Timothy Roberts Greater disaster was averted in the early hours of December 10 due to the quick response of Marsh Harbour Fire and Rescue as a fire in the Pigeon Pea only claimed one building. A wooden structure just off Crockett Drive that housed a restaurant, a gaming room, a dance room and an apartment was
reported by a witness to be on fire at about 5:30 a.m. A witness claimed the fire appeared to start in the kitchen area of the apartment. The structural fire was brought under control and extinguished in under three hours with no injuries or loss of life to report.
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