The Abaconian - January 1, 2014 - Section A

January 1, 2013

VOLUME 22

NUMBER 01

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 1

January 1st, 2014

Abaco dances into New Year

What’s Inside

•Visitors Guide. A19 •Could the key to discov-

ering alien life be found in Abaco’s Blue Holes? A6

•Things get colourful on

Elbow Cay during 5K. B2

•New

running feature: “Is the Airport Open Yet?

A18

•Illegal

construction in broad daylight, no apparent concern from authorities. B15 Despite community challenges throughout the year, the holidays bring everyone together for a festive end to the year. In particular, the last days of the year are punctuated with parties and Junkanoo performances across the Cays. Above the Stingers Group performs at Sea Spray on Elbow Cay. For the story see page 14.

Final suspect wanted in DPM robbery captured on Abaco

Above: Jeffrey “Bongo” King in Abaco police custody. he was the last remaining suspect wanted in connection of robbing the Hon. Philip Davis, the country’s acting Prime Minister at the time of the robbery.

Marsh Harbour Police Station received a call from a member of the community who reported a strange male wearing all black in the area of Murphy Town.

Please See Suspect

Change Service Requested The Abaconian Stuart Web Inc. 5675 SE Grouper Ave Stuart, FL 34997

By Timothy Roberts The last of five suspects wanted in connection to the armed daylight robbery of the Deputy Prime Minister’s residence was arrested in Abaco on Friday, December 27, 2013 At about 7:25 a.m. on Friday the

Page 5

Homeowners “Freaked out” after armed take over of Orchid Bay

By Timothy Roberts Homeowners at an Abaco resort/marina development were shocked and “a bit freaked out” after a representatives from Grant Thornton (Bahamas), backed by police officers, took over the offices of Orchid Bay removing the long-standing property managers on December 12, 2013.

Backed by police, and claiming authority under a U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee in Atlanta, Georgia, the law firm of Grant, Thornton in Nassau took control of the Orchid Bay gated neighborhood and marina on Great Guana Cay changing the locks at the Orchid Bay office and marina.

U.S. Bank Synovus is seeking to recoup from W.B. Johnson Investment Company, Monarch Flight, LLC, and William B. Johnson over $5 million on a defaulted agreement per an October 5, 2011 court ruling.

WB Johnson is the former owner of the Ritz Carlton Hotels and his company William B Johnson International, LLC owns the outstanding and issued shares of Guana Cay Abaco Development Company which owned the assets of Orchid Bay. Since the takeover of the property, Derek Sweeting of Grant, Thornton has been placed in charging of the resort/marina and are keeping business operations going. However, second-homeowners are having concerns along with the confusion over what is happening.

Jon Moseley, second-homeowner at Orchid Bay, expressed concern of how an accounting firm will run a fuel dock, restaurant/marina and if indeed they have all necessary permits and licenses to legally operate.

Please see

Orchid

Page 6

•A

four-eyed conch and a close encounter with a manta, see this week’s “Sights Around Abaco.”

B12

•Abaconian Puzzle B17

•News

Crossword

from around the

Cays. A10

•BNT

proposing parks on Abaco. A7

new

What’s Happening

•Jan 10: Majority Rule Day (Public Holiday)

•Jan 16-18: Abaco Sci-

ence Alliance Conference

•Jan 17: Abaco Chamber US Tax Seminar

•Jan 24-26: BNT’s Art for the Parks

•MORE Events A8

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH FL Permit NO 4595

Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below.

Page 2

Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

South Abaco Santa visits Cherokee for 67th year of tree-lighting

Above: eager children meet Santa during his visit to Cherokee for the annual tree-lighting ceremony. The tree-lighting ceremony, one of the settlement’s most beloved traditions, started in 1946.

By Lee Pinder If you were looking for someone special on Christmas Eve they were probably in Cherokee. This year the little settlement of approximately 160 persons hosted a crowd of over 200 at their annual Community Christmas Tree lighting.

Every year since 1946, Cherokee men and boys have gone to the pine yards and picked a large native yellow pine and

put it up beside the Methodist Church on the day before Christmas. They decorate it gaily and presents start to mysteriously materialize underneath. It might be a new bicycle for Zack, or a pet rabbit in a hutch for Sabastain or a new dolly for Madison.

The children gather all around to wait to see what Santa has brought them.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arrive in their brightly lit sleigh led by Rudolph-the-

Red-Nosed Reindeer to the cheers from the anxious children and well-wishers. This year Santa must have lost some weight because his suit didn’t fit him too well and many won’t learn his true identity until next Christmas Eve. Santa’s helpers quickly start to hand out the colourfully wrapped gifts to the excited children sitting on the ground at their feet. They had been waiting for this all year. There are so many functions filling the calendars leading up to the “big day” the children think it will never get here.

It’s a dark night with no moon but the Christmas Lights on the tree give the whole evening a magical atmosphere and cameras are flashing from everywhere as proud parents want to capture the looks of excitement as their child sits on Santa’s knee to thank him for their gifts. The weather prediction called for rain, but it only came when the evening was winding down and almost everyone had gone home, and then only a slight spry.

For some it was their first time here, for many it has been too many to count.

This evening has always been a special occasion in Cherokee and they look forward to being “back home” visiting with family and friends.

After all the gifts have been handed out and Santa has been sent off to three loud “Hip, Hip Hoorays” the crowd heads across the street to the Community Cen-

tre for a something to eat. This year they had a choice of Curried Chicken or Curried Mutton, with white rice, cole slaw and macaroni n´cheese, or Soused Chicken or Soused Wild Pork, with fresh sour, peppers and Johnny cake and a table full of desserts.

Most of the food was donated and prepared right in Cherokee. Cash donations were accepted at the door to help pay for the necessary containers, drinks, and other items not donated. Usually there is enough collected each year to pay for the purchase of at least the main meats next year and every year the local ladies try to come up with a different menu. This year not everyone ate curry or souse, but there were very few dissenters and many more praising the cooks.

After everyone had filled their bellies, the fireworks came out. They are always an agitation to those who turn in early and are just beginning to close their eyes in sleep, but a real delight of the little ones who have been looking forward to seeing them. Set off at the water’s edge and lighting up the night sky they were really breathtaking, but were all finished before 10:30 p.m.

It’s an evening to forget your troubles, an evening of being with friends and remembering other times in Cherokee and those that are not with us anymore and all the fond memories that come to mind.

This event is a local tradition that residents hope never dies.

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

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Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

Coldwell Banker

January 1, 2013

Central & All Abaco Suspect

From Page 1

According to Abaco’s Officer in Charge, Noel Curry, police officers responded in an unmarked vehicle and spotted the man whom officers identified as Jeffrey King; alias “Bongo” of Kemp Road.

The suspect, who gave a false name, was brought in to the station and prepared for transport to New Providence. The arrest took place without incident and he was said to have cooperated with officers.

On December 17, 2013 four men aged 21, 22, 24 and 25 were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident which took place at the Philip Brave Davis’s home at Westridge on Monday, December 9.

Two of those arrested were taken before the courts for allegedly stealing items collectively valued at $100,465.

Local man in custody for allegedly hospitalizing toddler

Above: Shaquille Fox, accused of causing grievous harm to a one year-old boy, in police custody in Abaco about to be arraigned. He plead not guilty and was denied bail. His court case will be heard on Feb 27.

On Dec 19, 10:30 am, 22 year old Shaquille Fox was arraigned at the Marsh Harbour Magistrates Court in regards to Causing Grievous Harm to a one year old male on Dec 16. The child, according to police, was brought to Marsh Harbour clinic by his mother and had to be taken to hospital because of serious injuries.

Fox plead not guilty to the charge.

He added, while standing in the de-

fendant’s box, that “I didn’t mean to hurt no child.”

Bail was denied. The judge explained her decision to deny bail citing concerns for the defendant’s safety. He was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison.

The case was pushed to Feb 27 at 10 am. Magistrate Ancella Williams presided over the case. Fox was not represented by legal counsel.

Resident patches holes

Above: local concerned citizen, Reg Patterson, using his free time to patch holes in Abaco’s public road.

By Timothy Roberts said yes.”

Reg Patterson, weary of the potholes “So I grabbed whatever buckets I had in Marsh Harbour’s roads, has decided to and a couple shovels and went and filled up use whatever free time he has to fill some my buckets and started putting the quarry and hopefully bring a little relief to drivers. in holes and tamping it down.”

“I figured I would do what I could to Mr. Patterson said whenever it hasn’t help the community and these holes in the been raining he has come out and filled road are one of my pet peeves,” he said. some holes, adding that “if I could save “I noticed a pile of quarry behind Standard one person some damage I am happy to Hardware. So I asked Scott Weatherford if help.”

I could use some of it and he very kindly

The Abaconian

Section A

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Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

Central & All Abaco Orchid

From Page 1

“The nice young man who pumped my gas into my golf cart admitted that he is an accountant and knows nothing about pumping gas, and didn't know where the gas went in to a golf cart,” Mr. Moseley said. He added that when another resident tried to pay for gasoline for his boat with a check he was told they don't know what business entity he would write a check to.

“If they don't know what business entity is running the fuel dock, how can it have licenses and permits to store thousands of gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel?”

Mr. Moseley, an attorney from Virginia, said “None of us understand why it was appropriate or necessary to handle any of this through an armed invasion of Settlement Harbour by Synovus Bank through Grant Thornton.”

He said the only question he believes needs answering is whether the entity that purchased Orchid Bay from the Royal Bank of Canada bought Orchid Bay "free and clear" of the loan owned to Synovus Bank in Columbus, Georgia, or bought Orchid Bay "subject to" the loan owned to Synovus Bank.

“The allegation is that a wealthy homeowner in Orchid Bay purchased Orchid Bay in foreclosure from the Royal Bank of Canada, putting Jimmy Albury in management for the actual running of Orchid Bay to preserve its value, for too little money,” he said.

However, he said that if the new en-

tity bought Orchid Bay subject to the debt owed to Synovus Bank, then the real purchase price was the cash outlay plus any other debts that have to be paid.

“So the purchase price was not "too little" if the new entity still owes the loan to Synovus Bank. The real purchase price is the amount paid to Royal Bank of Canada plus the debts that still have to be paid off.

What in the world does any of that have to do with an armed invasion of Settlement Harbour on Great Guana Cay?” he said.

He asked why couldn't the court simply decide whether the new owners of Orchid Bay avoid the prior loans, or still owe the prior loans and buy Orchid Bay "subject to" the loan to Synovus Bank?

Mr. Moseley indicated that there are further issues of concern surrounding WB Johnson which include bankruptcy and litigation, though not directly related to Orchid Bay Development, indicate the “kinds of games he is playing and what the origins of the problem are.”

He indicated that according to a Lender Liability Law Report in May 2012 it was noted that WB Johnson was, as late as September 2, 2011, trying to borrow another $200 million against Orchid Bay, on top of what he had previously borrowed.

The report said that as late as September 2, 2011, Johnson represented to the banks and the courts that some of the land -- unimproved land -- in The Bahamas was worth "several hundred million dollars."

He also claimed to the banks and the courts that $200 million was needed to "complete" Orchid Bay. However, the

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original plan for Orchid Bay is complete.

None of the $200 million Johnson was seeking to borrow is actually needed to "complete" Orchid Bay. “There were plans to expand Orchid Bay but this was not at all necessary to Orchid Bay's completeness or successful operation,” Mr. Moseley said.

The report also indicated that WB Johnson claimed that a horse farm in Tennessee worth perhaps $5 million was worth $75 million.

Paul “Andy” Gomez, managing partner at Grant, Thornton said, “There are many issues on the table, and this is the beginning of a long road.”

“We’re going to investigate all property transactions in the last five years to make sure they were properly authorized.

“My aim is to ensure my client’s [Synovus] claim is perfected, get their money back to my client, assess the true value of the property and then potentially sell it.”

The Alburys, though, have indicated their intention to take legal action to overturn the Grant Thornton takeover.

Their attorney, Roy Sweeting, of Glinton, Sweeting and O’Brien, in a June 4, 2013, e-mail response to Mr. Gomez alleged that the court orders he was operating under were “wholly defective”.

He urged the Grant Thornton accountant to “act in good faith” given “the precariousness of your own position”.

Legal actions between the parties are ongoing while Grant, Thornton keeps the properties in operation.

Scientists explore fringe life in Abaco’s blue holes

By Timothy Roberts Jennifer Macalady, a geomicrobiology research professor from Pennsylvania State University, is studying microbial life in Abaco’s blue holes and is getting a look back in time.

Ms. Macalady said she is in The Bahamas because “there is nowhere like it; there’s no place that we can study what we are studying here.”

“And what is special about blue holes in particular is that they are free of oxygen near the bottom which usually leads to a bloom of microbes that are unusual because they are living in conditions that are unusual,” she said.

She said that what has their interest is that it is “like the global ocean was billions of years ago, so when we are looking at microbes in blue holes we are really looking back in time. That’s what’s so compelling about coming to The Bahamas.”

There are three or four blue holes that they are interested in. She expects that she should have plenty to research here for the next decade at least.

She said they are at the beginning of their work here and that she, along with a large group of scientists, are working in many places all over the world on microbes that live in the environment.

“The project we are working on now involves a blue hole with no oxygen at the

Please See Fringe

Page 7

January 1, 2013

From Page 6

bottom and it has a microbial community that is really thick – it’s a biofilm – and it’s growing on the walls of the blue hole down deep where there’s hardly any light except this thing is actually living on light.

So what it’s doing is living on a few photons per chlorophyll per day,” she said.

She said that this is one of the sites NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is really interested in be-

cause it represents one of the ultimate limits to life which is an energy limitation.

“So here is an example of a microbial community which is like how we think microbial communities were billions of years ago,” she said. “And it’s living on almost nothing. No oxygen and hardly any light and yet it’s conspicuous life.”

She said it is significant to NASA because it means even at the limits of energy that you can still have this conspicuous life going on.

Section A

Page 7

South Abaco

Central & All Abaco Fringe

The Abaconian

BNT presents park proposals

Central Abaco Council -Dec 5, 2013

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Page 18

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has been set aside. It is important to save several types of environments in order to provide adequate habitats for all types of fish life. At present no coral reef areas or mangroves are protected, and it is in these areas where marine life starts.

• Cross Harbour Protected Area This suggested area is on the south coast of Abaco. It is a large bay with protected mangrove areas that are the nursery for many fish. Bonefish come from the western marls of Abaco to spawn here. Tracking has shown that fish from this area migrate to Moore’s Island and to Eastern Grand Bahama. A few years ago a project opened up part of a closed area and reclaimed 150 acres, restoring channels to the sea. This has created an increase in the fish populations. The BNT studies showed an abundance of juvenile conch in the Cross Harbour area.

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By Kathleen Ralph The Bahamas National Trust held two meetings on Abaco to get feedback from the public in its proposal of two additional national parks to be established on Abaco. d’Shan Maycock, Lindy Knowles and David Knowles met with residents in Sandy Point on December 10 and in Marsh Harbour on December 11.

These two parks under consideration were chosen for their ecological, economic or historic importance. Parks are protected areas for the enjoyment and benefit of the Bahamian people. Management plans are put in place to maintain these areas to sustain the natural environment for healthy fish stocks.

The government has made a commitment to set aside 20 percent of the near-shore and marine areas of the country with some form of protection by the year 2020 with 50 percent of this area being managed. At present only five percent

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Above: Lindy Knowles from Nassau, standing at left, and David Knowles of the Abaco BNT office, explain the proposed parks to Sandy Point residents. When government approves of the concept, a long process begins on establishing the actual management plan or rules governing the protected area.

NE

Above: Jennifer Macalady comparing samples from one of Abaco’s blue holes. The conditions for life in blue holes is of note to NASA and any search for extraterrestrial life because it redefines their understanding of limits of energy..

Council members reviewed many applications by vendors asking for permits to sell breakfast food at the Union Jack Dock.

This is to capitalize on the many workers taking early morning ferries to Baker’s Bay. It was agreed to limit the number to only two with one already having permission. Among other requirements, applicants must be Bahamian and be responsible for any breakfast debris that the workers discard before boarding the ferry.

The Guana Cay freight service asked for an assigned landing space at the port.

Council members supported the request but assignments are made through the Port Director’s office.

Members were receptive to establishing a $5,000 scholarship in the memory of Mike Malone, the first Chief Councillor.

Methods of establishing and administrating this program were discussed along with a desire to implement it in time for this year’s applicants.

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Page 8

Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

From the Editor's Desk

Wrap it up and put a bow on it, 2013 is finished. Whether you thought it was a good year or a bad one, nobody can say it wasn’t eventful.

Still reeling from the recession many Abaconian business people I spoke to expressed concern that 2013 had been their worst year in recent memory. There were some bright spots, certainly, but a gloomy atmosphere clouded many longtime business owners. The threat of the VAT tax didn’t light any smiles either. And I don’t use that word, “threat”, lightly. Many people believe it will be a devastating blow to all honest businesses.

Many Bahamians believe VAT to be the result of an outside entity forcing the hand of a government who seems to not care to listen to alternatives. Understand it or not, we’re told, it’s going through and compliance is expected. Small business owners, you might as well close up shop now and get a government job, because our bloated public sector is where every last drop of VAT money will be wasted.

Some, however, are not too concerned about VAT for various reasons. Enough has started to turn around that they are hedging their

The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas

// Clutter

bets for an improvement in coming years. National businesses are moving into Abaco and creating jobs.

And some local businesses have started expanding and improving as well.

Another thing that saw improvement in 2013 (relying on varying degrees of the word “improvement”) was our roads. Blacktop tar has slowly been drizzled from the center of town to the airport. A few spots here and there have been skipped or skimped for one reason or another, but we have been promised a complete and satisfying job.

We’ve also been promised an airport.

I’m not sure what else I can say about the tragic saga of our new airport except I hope it has a happy ending. The new furniture and expenses sunk into repainting and renovating the old terminal has me believing that we are being told something, “Get comfortable.”

We’ve had a year through that many in the marine, and indeed every, business can breathe comfortably. No hurricanes. A few scares here and there but it has been a quiet year in the Atlantic. Let’s pray for another one in 2014.

We didn’t need any hurricanes for things to be turbulent here, however. Good and bad we’ve been busy. It’s been a year of forest fires and CARIFTA gold. A year of charity drives and completed projects. A woman ran the entire length of the island earlier this year! And an Abaco softball team beat everyone else in the country.

Yes, so much has happened that a lot of it gets forgotten in the clutter. So in 2014 your challenge should be not just to reflect on what happened around you in the past year. You should reflect on how you personally got down in the trenches to make the changes to our communities that you wanted to see happen.

Happy New Years!

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Community Calendar (See TheAbaconian.com for More Calendar Events)

•Jan 10: Majority Rule Day (Public Holiday) •Jan 11: RC Laser Race @ Snappas •Jan 16-18: Abaco Science Alliance Conference

•Jan 17: Chamber of Commerce FACTA meeting, 10am @ Anglican Hall •Jan 18: FHA Scavenger Hunt & Family Game Day •Jan 18: Entrepreneurship Empowerment Seminar, 9am @ Anglican Hall

•Jan 20: Marine Navigation Courses start, 7pm @ Friends of the Environment •Jan 24-26: Art for the Parks, Abaco Beach Resort •Jan 25: RC Laser Race @ Treasure Cay

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JUNE 2012

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 9

Letters to the Editor No Reason for High Prices

We Need Answers on Orchid Bay

Raising Awareness on Animal Care

Google Earth Doesn’t Lie

Dear Editor: I have recently returned from a trip to Freeport. At a local bar I bought a sixteen ounce draught beer for $5.00 and a serving of mozzarella sticks each five inches long and three quarters of an inch in diameter for $6.50. For lunch at the hotel where I was staying I had fish and chips. The plate was loaded high with coconut battered fish and fries freshly cut from real potatoes and I was charged only $12.50.

I have been unable to find a place where I can buy draught beer on Abaco but a 12 ounce bottle of beer costs from $7.00 at a resort in Marsh Harbour to $9.00 at a bar in Treasure Cay. In Nassau it is possible to buy a twenty ounce draught of several European beers for $9.00 which is the same price as a twelve ounce bottle of beer sold in Treasure Cay. Most of the fries served in restaurants on Abaco have been frozen and thawed, long thin sticks with no soft interior and no taste, yet they cost more than the ones in Freeport.

A notable exception being the hand crafted fries of the Jib Room.

The helping of fish I was served on Grand Bahama would have cost at least $20.00 to $30.00 at local restaurants.

A lot less food for a lot more money.

I complemented the waitress on the quality and quantity of food and commented on the price. When she learned where I was from she said that everyone knows that Abaco is very expensive.

While on the subject of the cost of food on the Island, it is noted that the Duke brings in food from the US. The first stop it makes is Marsh Harbour and then it goes on to Nassau. Yet the price of food on New Providence is markedly lower than here.

I would be interested in any explanations my fellow readers can offer to account for the above observations.

Dear Editor: Someone in government should figure this out: How can a law firm from Nassau run a gasoline and diesel fuel dock at Orchid Bay without the legally-required environmental permits and licenses? From my experiences with U.S. law, permits are not transferrable, including because a professional trained in environmental management of fuel storage tanks must be on staff and on-site. I have seen before that a license cannot be carried over when there is change of management because of the need for environmental training.

The law firm of Grant Thornton took over management of Orchid Bay on Great Guana Cay last Thursday, announcing that they represent Synovus Bank in the USA. Synovus Bank loaned $2.5 million entirely inside the USA to Georgia businessman WB Johnson, who lost Synovus' money in the stock market crash of 2008.

So now Synovus wants the people of the Bahamas to pay for a U.S. businessman's stock market losses.

WB Johnson's companies are in bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Georgia. One of Johnson's companies owned Orchid Bay. A Bahamian bank already foreclosed, but Synovus Bank is trying to recover his stock market gambling losses from the Abacos.

But in the interim, what happens if there is a spill or a leak or a fire at the gasoline and diesel storage tanks?

A trained professional is supposed to be available. The nice young man who pumped gas into my golf cart told me he came to work on an accounting audit and doesn't know anything about pumping fuel. A Guana resident publicly posted that he wanted to write a check to fill up his boat, as usual, but the law firm did not know the name of the entity running the fuel dock.

I don't know how there can be proper licenses and permits if they have not even decided yet what the company is.

Dear Editor: I recently came to Abaco over the Thanksgiving holiday and my family and I rented a house. I am appalled how animals are treated in Abaco, and I don't mean the stray Potcakes. (They look to be well taken care of.)

In the area where we vacationed, there is a dog on a chain with 8 puppies. The dog is owned. I spent my holiday feeding & watering this poor dog. She's as thin as a rail. I even spoke to the owner and she refused to part with the animals. Since my holiday, the dog has been getting fed and watered twice/week by a volunteer from your local shelter.

I cannot believe that this animal will starve to death. That's horrible.

As the editor of the paper, can you not do something to resolve the dog's life?

Apparently there is no legal support from the Abaco police. In the States, the dog would have been removed by now.

Can you please help this dog?

Dear Edittor: We’re really hard to find on some maps, even in The Bahamas, but not on Google Earth, just look for the bluest waters.

A recent visitor from the U.K. was on the internet searching for a good vacation spot and came across Cherokee Sound, Abaco, in The Bahamas. He said that as he scrolled across the globe he was looking for clear blue waters, indicating shallow banks which are the perfect environment and breeding grounds for the illusive bonefish.

The party in question is an avid bonefisherman and says they are his favourite game fish because it takes an extra amount of skill to catch them.

Needless to say, he was not disappointed and we know he will be coming back.

For years our visiting fishermen have been telling us that Cherokee has some of the best bonefishing grounds of anywhere in the world and, of course, we welcomed their praises, but, now, it’s official – Google Earth doesn’t lie.

-Anonymous

Peter Bradley

Jon Moseley

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Page 10

Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

The Cays Golf carts decorated for Christmas on Green Turtle

By Mirella Santillo The Christmas spirit came early on Green Turtle Cay this year with a Thanksgiving dinner catered by McIntosh Restaurant. The dinner was a fundraiser for the events scheduled for the month of December. Other end-of-the-year events included the golf-cart parade, a boat parade, a performance by Greg Russell, a torch parade and a Junkanoo rush.

Lights have been hung throughout New Plymouth with the help of Floyd Johnson, Donnie Outen and Ronnie Sawyer.

During the evening of December 14, people gathered at the basketball court where students of the Amy Roberts School were waiting, torches in hand, to start their parade through town led by teacher J. Russell.

In the meantime, adults socialized, young children ran out their energy on the court and the older ones expressed their creativity by decorating Christmas ornaments.

The little paraders then lined up on the court and sang carols before being rewarded with a present.

first place winner, receiving a dinner voucher for two at Harvey’s. Taking the second place, Mrs. Sawyer was the recipient of a luncheon for two at Pineapple’s. A massage was the third position’s prize; it will be enjoyed by Ricky Sawyer.

All three contestants received a bottle of cider.

GTC decorated for Festival of Lights

Above: Deborah Lowe next to her winning golf cart. The golf cart parade was one of Green Turtle Cay’s many festivities to close out the year.

The evening culminated with a parade of decorated golf carts, but unfortunately there were not as many entries as the organizers had hoped for. Five carts entered the parade with only two decorated and another with lights. However, the quality of the decorations made up for the scarcity of participants.

KFC

Led by a fire truck with flashing lights, Deborah Lowe drove through town with balloons floating in the evening breeze above her cart, teddy bears sitting on the back, and colored lights and tinsel flooding the small vehicle. Megan Sawyer followed her, with children in Christmas attire sitting in the cart that was topped with a big present, wreaths and Christmas decorations galore.

As they returned to the basketball court, the participants were met with judges who took their time inspecting the carts before announcing the results.

Mrs. Lowe was declared the lucky

By Timothy Roberts For five years a group of community minded persons have come together to raise money and spirits for the Christmas season, ensuring the town of New Plymouth is festively decorated through a number of events beginning with a Thanksgiving dinner and continuing with a golf cart parade and a soup night complete with Santa Claus, singing and Junkanoo.

While the events have been put together by James and Marilyn Saunders for the last four years this year they have stepped aside to allow someone else to take the lead. Francis Macintosh took up the mantle and kept the events going for 2013.

Ms. Macintosh said on November 28 they had a Thanksgiving Dinner along with a fun family night of Bingo. On December 14 they continued with a golf cart parade as well as the children from the school doing a torch light procession.

The final event held on December 28

Please See Lights

Page 11

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 11

The Cays Lights

From Page 10

was soup night and featured a visit from Santa Claus who shared gifts with the children. It also featured the singing of Greg Russell, an entertainer from the Carolinas who visits Green Turtle Cay every year.

The night was concluded with a mini-Junkanoo rush.

Ms. Macintosh said that unfortunate-

ly there were not enough sign-ups for the boat parade this year and hopes for better participation in the future.

Our goal is to finish decorating the front street and include an archway for the ferry dock. “The objective is to make the town look pretty,” she said.

They also held a Christmas yard decorating contest with prizes going to the top three yards.

Above: Santa paid a visit to Green Turtle during the Festival of Lights. The Festival is a five-year tradition where the entire town of New Plymouth is decorated and events are held for the town. Other events held during the Festival of Lights included a Christmas Golf Cart parade, a family game night and dinner, a torch light procession, junkanoo and a performance by Carolina musician - Greg Russell. For the previous four years the Festival was organized by James and Marilyn Saunders, this year Francis Macintosh took charge.

Women honoured during Green Turtle Cay Tree Lighting Ceremony

As part of Green Turtle Cay’s festivities at the end of the year, a short tree lighting ceremony was held. During the ceremony, certain women in the community were honoured.

Above: “Glenn’s Angels” - Theresa Sands, Josie Weatherford, Myrtle Bethel, Gerry Sylvester, Chorene Fording. Donna Sands handed over the rewards to these women for having reached their old age. Mr. Glenn Laing in the background.

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Page 12

Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

Damianos

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Damianos

Section A

Page 13

Page 14

Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014

The Cays Man-O-War sings carols and decorates town for Christmas

Above: On December 19, the town of Man-O-War came out to enjoy and participate in an evening of music at the Man-O-War Heritage Museum. Refreshments were served and the night was enjoyed by all.

Below: a street corner festively decorated.

Rockers victorious in Sea Spray Junkanoo contest

Above: Rockers lead man Colin Curry accepts the prize money from Sea Spray’s Junior Mernard and Burns House’s Chantelle Sands.

Sea Spray Resort & Marina held its MOW Tree Lighting annual Junkanoo Competition on Decemcelebrates season ber 28. Two Junkanoo groups, the Stingers and the Rockers, made their way to Elbow Cay to delight the crowd. Tourists and locals alike crowded the street beside Sea Spray to get a look as each group rushed.

Sea Spray served a delicious buffet that evening prior to the rush. Burns House and Kalik were also on hand to provide drink specials to the thirsty patrons. In a very rare occurrence when talking about junkanoo, the first group began not only on time, but a few minutes early.

As the Stingers made their way to the beat of drums and horns, the crowd pushed in to get closer to the music. The best seats in the house belonged to those who purchased the VIP seating right next to the judges.

After the drum beat fell, the Stingers cleared the way and after a brief break the Spring City Rockers fired up the goat skin. Above: Sheila Roberts with Chief CounselThough both groups equally enter- lor Jeremy Sweeting. Mrs. Roberts did the tained the crowd, the judges felt that the honours of lighting Man-O-Wars Christmas Rockers deserved first place.

Tree.

STANDARD HARDWARE

Standard Hardware HAPPY The Management & Staff want NEW to thank you, our customers, for your loyalty and support over YEAR the past year and to wish you a bright and prosperous 2014!

2014

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 15

North Abaco North Abaco congregates in Cooper’s Town for Tree Lighting

By Kendell Carroll The Heroes Wall in Cooper’s Town was the backdrop for talent on December 14. Students of the Northern District came to Cooper’s Town and displayed their many gifts. They thrilled those in attendance with outstanding performances. The evening was a success thanks to the efforts of the North Abaco Administrative Office under the leadership of Neil Campbell.

The evening’s theme was: “Early Santa - A Christmas Story in Exhibiting and cultivating the spirit of love, peace and joy.” The moderator of the evening was Rev. John McIntosh – Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church and Director of Road Traffic Department.

The Cooper’s Town Office was well pleased that a great number turned out. The praise team consisted of residents from the community. They opened with the song “Joy to World” as many stood on their feet in great spirits. Pastor Marie Neely walked gracefully to the podium and in a soft, but powerful, voice gave the invocation. Bishop Kendell Carroll, Center Manager of Urban Renewal 2.0 Northern District Office, brought the welcome address and pointed out that this is the only time of year with the true essence of holiday spirit. He explained that this is demonstrated by reflecting on the gift that was given to the world in Bethlehem. He concluded by thanking the many sponsors who contributed to the

great event.

K’neth Carroll, a seventh grade student of S.C. Bootle High School, broke down the meaning of Christmas in a poem titled “A Christmas Poem” by Alyce Pickett.

Without delay, the students showcased their version of the traditional Christmas Story. Fifth and sixth grade students of Treasure Cay Primary School presented a heartfelt drama. Young male students, dressed in black clothes and top hats, participated through a Broadway-themed New York monologue with their partners.

Sixth grade students Caitlyn Pierre and Alisha Velle articulated the Christmas Story as they read Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 2:26-38. Fox Town Primary received the attention of the crowd next as Chelsey Cornish, a grade three student, and Dania Curry, a grade four student, brought forth one of the highlighted performances. They read Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12 with great rendition while other students participated in their dramatization of the Christmas Story.

Cooper’s Town Primary students Tod Thompson and Serina Parker, sixth graders, shocked those in attendance with their outstanding dance and theatrical presentation. Teacher Lynette Cooper articulately read Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12.

Lashanti Russell of The New St. Andrews Baptist Church and her dance partners, who were dressed in burgundy with white belts, brought many to their feet as they cheered on the great dance performance. Zion Baptist Youth Dance Ministry, dressed in traditional Christmas colours, were able to shock the audience in their selection of “Joy to the World.”

Bishop Cedric Bullard encouraged

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Above: dancers perform in front of the Wall of Heroes in Cooper’s Town during the Dec 14 Tree Lighting. those in attendance to remember to share the holiday spirit by showing love to all.

Mr. Gary Smith , Chief Councilor of the North Abaco District, welcomed all who came, being sure to thank them for coming out to celebrate this time of the year. Mr. Neil Campbell, North Abaco District Administrator, informed all that this program is just the beginning of many to come to bridge the gap between settlements.

He commended Wilton Saunders in the great work he had done in making sure that the Christmas tree lights were in place.

The spirit of Christmas filled the air as keynote speaker Bishop Terrance Strachan , Senior Pastor of Life Gate Ministries, re-

flected on his childhood days growing up in Nassau.

The Christmas prayer was given and the switch was pulled. The lights dazzled the audience. Sister Grace Pinder, Senior Clerk at Coopers Town Clinic, helped Santa make his grand entrance and bring out goodies.

Along with his helpers, he brought smiles to many faces. Some sat on Santa’s lap to take pictures, while others accepted the gifts and candy bags and said a warm thank you.

As people left with Christmas songs in their heads, it surely was a night to remember.

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The Abaconian January 1, 2014

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

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The Abaconian January 1, 2014

Albury’s Ferry Service

South Abaco Parks

From Page 7

• Marls National Reserve - The marls on the back of Abaco, on the west, are one of the largest in The Bahamas and are critical to the marine heath of a very large area.

The juveniles of many fish live in this area before going out to deeper waters. This is the second of the suggested areas to be protected.

The BNT has a variety of levels of protection. The suggestion for the marls would allow sustainable fishing, tourism and some low-impact development. There will need to be smaller replenishment areas within the marls that would have more limitations.

The five levels of zoning within Marine Protected Areas by the BNT follow: 1. Restricted Access Zone - This is the highest level of protection and are small areas where access is limited. These areas are sensitive for some specific reason or are for scientific studies.

2. Sanctuary - This is a no-take zone, but residents and visitors can enjoy the area although nothing is to be removed. It is set aside for maintaining fish stocks, allowing fish to grow to a large size which reproduce more, thus stocking the surrounding areas.

3 Habitat Protection - This allows fishing and other recreation activities that do not harm the sea-bed, mangroves of shore.

4. General managed area - These

areas allow commercial fishing and other activities but with sustainable catch limits.

5. Special Purpose Area - Areas with specific activities allowed such as a port.

The BNT staff has done ecological assessments of the corals, sea grasses and

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There & Back.....Again EFFECTIVE: JULY , 2012

Ph: 242-367-0290

mangroves of both proposed areas including 20 sites in the marls. They did not find many species in the marls but did find an absence of sea grass in some areas where REGULAR FERRY SCHEDULE bonefish were significantly smaller.

The residents of Sandy Point gave Marsh Harbour to Hope Town 20 minute ride cautious approval of the BNT plans after 7:15am / 9:00am / 10:30am /12:15pm 2:00pm the definitions and goals were explained.

4:00pm / 5:45pm The residents wanted assurances that they Hope Town to Marsh Harbour would be involved with the actual manage8:00am / 9:45am / 11:30am /1:30pm 3:00pm ment plan which details what can and can4:00pm / 5:00pm / 6:30pm not be done in the various areas. It was Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War suggested that the boundaries be extended 20 minute ride farther west to include Duck Pond, a fresh 7:15 / 10:30am / 12:15pm / 2:30pm* 4:00pm / 5:45pm water pond that does not dry up and is *Except Sundays and Holidays home to many fowl and water birds.

Man-O-War to Marsh Harbour The residents of Central Abaco who 8:00am / 11:30am / 1:30pm /3:15pm* / 5:00pm attended were mostly in favor of the plans. *Except Sundays and Holidays Neither meeting was well attended.

Establishing an area as a park or pro- Marsh Harbour to Scotland/Guana Cay 30 minute ride tected area is just the beginning of a long 6:45am / 10:30am / 1:30pm /3:30pm 5:45pm process. After the government approves the area as a park, the BNT consults with Scotland/Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour 8:am / 11:30am / 2:30pm / 4:45pm / 6:30pm local residents to establish a management Any stops outside the main harbour will be a plan or rules. minimum charge of two persons. Two persons or over The BNT is a non-governmental will remain at regular charge. agency that works closely with government During the month of August through December there are some adjustments made to the schedule. and manages all the national parks throughYou are advised to contact the office for any changes. out The Bahamas. The Bahamas is the only REGULAR FERRY FARES country in the world where national parks One Way: $17.00 are not managed by the government. The Round Trip - Open Return: $27.00 BNT manages 27 parks throughout The Children 6-11: Half Price Children 5 and under: Free Bahamas with six parks on Abaco.

Hope Town and Man-O-War ferries depart from the Ferry Dock at Crossing Beach.

Guana /Scotland Cay depart from the Conch Inn. Prices subject to change without notice.

Hotels and House Rental Agents Hope Town..cont

Area Code 242 unless listed otherwise

“Is the Airport Open Yet?”

Island-wide Abaco Listings Abaco Cottage 114 hse Abaco Vacation Planner + 25 hse

366-0576 367-3529

Casuarina Point Sea Grape/Coco Plum

2 Units

367-2107

Cherokee Lee Pinder Marina Albury Cottages

3 hse 366-2053 5 cottages 366-2075

Grand Cay Rosie’s Place

352-5458

Green Turtle Cay Barefoot Homes 14 hse 577-4092 Bluff House Club 12 units 365-4200 Cocobay Cottages 6 cott 800-752-0166 Green Turtle Club 35 rm 365-4271 Island Properties 34 hse 365-4047 Leeward Yacht Club 5 hse 365-4191 New Plymouth Inn 9 rm 365-4161 Ocean Blue Properties 34 hse 365-4636 Other Shore Club 365-4226 Roberts Cottages 3 cott 365-4105

Guana Cay

No.

Why? January was given as the newest date in

a string of lapsed deadlines. It is now only the beginning of January, perhaps the end of January was the target.

Check Back Next Issue for Another Exciting Installment in: Is

the Airport Open Yet?

Fax: 242-367-0291

Dive Guana Dolphin Bch Resort Guana Sunset Beach Ocean Frontier Ward’s Landing Ruth Sands

11 hse 365-5178 4 rm 10 cott. 365-5137 13 units 365-5133 6 cott 519-389-4846 4 units 904-982-2762 9 hse 365-5140

Hope Town Abaco Inn 22 rm 366-0133 Crystal Villas 5 villas 321-452-0164 Elbow Cay Prop 53 hse 366-0035 Firefly Resort 7 villas 366-0145 Hope T Harb Lodge 25 rm 366 0095 Hope T Hideaways 63 hse 366-0224 Hope Town Inn 6 rm 4 Villas 3 Suites 366-0003

Hope T Villas Lighthouse Rentals Sea Gull Cottages Sea Spray Resort Tanny Key Turtle Hill

3 hse 4 cott 4 hse 6 villas 43 hse 4 villas

366-0266 366-0154 366-0266 366-0065 366-0053 366-0557

Lubbers’ Quarters Cay Lubbers’ Landing

4 villas

577-2000

Man-O-War Island Home Rentals Waterway Rentals

2 hse 14 hse

365-6048 365-6143

Marsh Harbour area Abaco Beach Resort Abaco Real Estate Abaco Towns Ambassador Inn Conch Inn Living Easy Island Breezes Motel Lofty Fig Villas

Pelican Beach Villas Regattas HG Christie

82 rms 6 hse 16 apts 6 rms 9 rms 16 hse 8 rms 6 eff 6 cott 32 apts 11 hse

367-2158 367-2719 367-0148 367-2022 367-4000 367-2202 367-3776 367-2681 367-3600 577-6764 367-4151

Sandy Point Oeisha’s Resort 366-4139 Pete & Gay’s Resort 14 rm 366-4119 Rickmon’s Bonefishing 10 rm 800-628-1447

Spanish Cay Spanish Cay Resort

18 rm 6 hse 365-0083

Treasure Cay Abaco Estate Services Bahama Beach Club Brigantine Bay Villas Treasure Cay Resort

Mult hse 365-8752 88 units 365-8500 5 units 877-786-8455 95 rms 365-8801

Turtle Rock Villas at Palmetto Beach

Web Sites with Abaco Information

3 villas 262-820-1900

www.abaconian.com www.abacoinet.com www.abacocottage.com www.abacos.com www.oii.net www.bahamas.com

Emergency Services

Police - Marsh Harbour 367-3437 • 911 Police - Hope Town 366-0667 Police - Man-O-War 365-6911 Police - Treasure Cay 365-8048 Police - Green Turtle Cay 365-4550 B. Electricity Corp 367-2727, 367-2846, 367-4667 Water & Sewerage 475-1499, 475-5518 The following services are provided by volunteers Fire - Marsh Harbour 367-2000 Fire -Hope Town VHF Ch 16 • Fire - Green Turtle Cay 475-1768 Fire - Man-O-War 365-4019 Treasure Cay Fire & Rescue 365-9111 BASRA Bah Air Sea Rescue......Marine VHF 16...............366-0282 Hope Town 366-0549 Marsh Harbour 367-3752 Guana Cay 365-5178 Treasure Cay 365-8749

Medical Services

Abaco Family Medicine, Marsh Harbour......................367-2295 Abaco Medi-Center.....................................................367-9999.

Auskell Advanced Medical Clinic.................................367-0020 Chiropractor-Dr. Lewis.................................................367-0020 Chiropractor-Michael Hendley, D.C....242-439-0768...367-0020 Corbett Clinic, Treasure Cay .........................................365-8288 Integrated Medical Center...........................................367-1304 Emergency................................................458-1234 Marsh Harbour Medical Centre....................................367-0050 Government Clinic, Marsh Harbour............................367-2510 Government Clinic, Cooper‘s Town..............................365-0300 Government Clinic, Green Turtle Cay...........................365-4028 Government Clinic, Hope Town ...................................366-0108 Government Clinic, Sandy Point..................................366-4010 Kidney Centre, Marsh Harbour....................................367-3310 Out Island Chiropractor...............................................367-2584

Dental Services

Agape Family Dental, Marsh Harbour..........................367-4355 Abaco Dental Asso......................................................367-0164 Diamante Dental, Marsh Harbour................................367-4968 Man O War Dental Clinic..............................................365-6508

Pharmacy

Abaco Island Pharmacy, Marsh Harbour......................367-2544 Chemist shoppe, Marsh Harbour.................................367-3106

Veterinary

Caribbean Veterinary Centre, Marsh Harbour..............367-3551 Island Veterinary Clinic, Marsh Harbour......................367-0062

Airlines Serving Abaco

Abaco Air - Nassau, N Eleuthera, Moores Is............................367-2266 AirGate Aviation - New Smyrna Beah.......................1-386-478-0600 American Eagle - Miami ......................................................367-2231 US Reservation..............................1-800-433-7300 Bahamasair - Nassau,W. Palm B, Ft Laud .............................367-2095 Craig Air - Jacksonville...........................................................367-3522 Island Wings - Ft. Lauderdale.....................................1-954-274-6214 Regional - Freeport...............................................................367-0446 Silver Airline - Orlando, Ft. Laud and W Palm Beach.............367-3415 US Reservation...................................1-800-231-0856 Sky Bahamas - Nassau..........................................................367-0996 Reservation.......................................1-242-377-8993 Western Air - Nassau ............................................................367-3722 Local air charters serving Bahamas & S.Florida Abaco Air...............................................................................367-2266 Cherokee Air Charters .........................................................367-1920

Dive Shops

Dive Abaco Since1978, Marsh Harbour.................................. 367-2787 Dive Time, Man-O-War............................................................365-6235 Froggies, Hope Town.............................................................. 366-0431 Treasure Divers, Treasure Cay.........................................365-8571 Brendal’s Dive, Green T. Cay......................................... 365-4411 Dive Guana............................................................... 365-5178

Taxi Cab Fares one or two passengers

Extra $3 for each passengers above two • Marsh Harbour Airport to: Effective Dec 08 Clinic, Downtown, Stop Light, .........................................................$10 Ab Bch Resort, Eastern Shore close, Ferry .........................................$15 Spring City.........................................................................................$15 Dundas Town, Nat Ins bldg, C Abaco Primary Sch ..............................$15 Murphy Town & Great. Cistern ..........................................................$20 Snake Cay .........................................................................................$35 Casuarina Point.................................................................................$60 Cherokee, Winding Bay, Little Harbour..............................................$80 Bahama Palm Shore..........................................................................$90 Crossing Rocks.................................................................................$105 Sandy Point ....................................................................................$150 Leisure Lee ........................................................................................$50 Treasure Cay Airport, G Turtle ferry....................................................$80 Treasure Cay Resort...........................................................................$85 Fox Town .........................................................................................$165 • Between Marsh Harbour Ferry and: Clinic, downtown, Ab Beach Hotel .................................................. $ 10 Nat. Ins. Bldg, Murphy Town, Gr. Cistern ...........................................$10 Wait time $0.40 per minute, Hourly rate $40 per hour Children under three - free • Caged pets - as people Luggage $0.75 each over two, large bags $1 ea.

• Treasure Cay Airport to: Effective Dec 08 Green Turtle Cay ferry dock................................................................$10 Madeira Park.....................................................................................$20 Sand Banks .......................................................................................$25 Treasure Cay Resort...........................................................................$30 Leisure Lee ........................................................................................$45 Black Wood .......................................................................................$20 Fire Road & Cooper’s Town ................................................................$40 Cedar Harbour ..................................................................................$60 Wood Cay ..........................................................................................$70 Mount Hope..................................................................................... $80 Fox Town ...........................................................................................$85 Crown Haven ....................................................................................$90 Marsh Harbour airport ......................................................................$80 Green Turtle Ferry to Marsh H Airport ...............................................$80 Treasure Cay Hotel to Marsh Harbour.................................................$85 Treasure Cay Hotel to Green Turtle Ferry............................................$25 Treasure Cay Hotel to Blue Hole.........................................................$30

January 1, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Visitors’ Guide

Page 19

Restaurants • Services • Transportation www.th e a b ac o ni a n. co m

Ferry Schedules • Departure times shown • Daily service unless noted Marsh Harbour to Hope Town or Man-O-War - 20 minutes, Guana Cay - 30 minutes

Everyone reads The Abaconian

Albury’s Ferry Service • Ph 367-3147 or 367-0290 • VHF Ch. 16 • Hope Town & Man-O-War from Crossing Bch Marsh Harbour>Hope Town 7:15am 9:00am 10:30am 12:15pm 2:00pm 4:00pm 5:45pm

Return: 8:00 am 9:45am 11:30am 1:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:30pm Marsh Harbour>Man-O-War 10:30am 12:15pm 2:30pm* 4:00pm 5:45pm * Not on

Return: 8:00am 11:30am 1:30pm 3:15pm* 5:00pm Sundays Marsh H.>Guana Cay/Scotland cay From Conch Inn or holidays

(6:45am - Union Jack Dock) 10:30am 1:30pm 3:30pm 5:45pm

Return: 8 am 11:30am 2:30pm 4:45pm 6:30pm

Bring errors & revisions to our attention Revised July 2013

Fare • Adult prepaid one way $17 / open return $27, • Kids 6-11 half, Under 6 free (Phone after hours 359-6861) Note: During the month of August through December there are some adjustments made to the schedule. You are advised to contact the office for the changes.

Green Turtle Ferry • Phone 365-4166, 4128 • VHF Ch 16 • Ten minute ride T Cay Airport>Green T Cay 8:30am 10:30am 11:30am 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 4:30pm* 5:00pm

Return: 8am 9am 11am 12:15pm 1:30pm 3:00pm 4:30pm* * * Note: 4:30 pm trip to GTC not on Sundays

** Note: 4:30 pm trip will be made from New Plymouth only

New Plymouth :One way adult $12 (Children $7) • Round trip $17 (Children $10) • Extra to some G T Cay docks

Abaco Adventures • Ph 365-8749 or 375-8123 VHF Ch 16 Charters Available Treasure Cay to Guana Cay Sunday departs 11:00am & returns 3:30 p.m. $50 Round Trip T Cay to Man-O-War/ Hope Town - Saturday departs 9:30 am, $60 Round Trip

Bahamas Ferries Summer Schedule only (April to Dec) Sandy Point & Nassau Every Friday & Sunday, except holidays, under 4 hours. Call 225-3376 or 366-4119 Call for rates.

The Great Abaco Express Eco & Historical bus tours • Call 367-2165 or 559-9160

Attractions

Beaches Pocket Crossing Beach in Marsh Harbour Witches Point - 3 miles S. of Marsh Harbour Little Harbour - 20 miles S. of Marsh Harbour Cherokee - 23 miles S of Marsh Harbour Miles of beach (most exposed to ocean) • Treasure Cay • Green Turtle Cay • Guana Cay • Elbow Cay • Man-O-War Cay • Casuarina Point • Bahama Palm Shore • Sandy Point & more Tours & Excursions Abaco Island Tours • Marsh Harbour.................367-2936 Abaco Neem • Marsh Harbour..........................367-4117 Abaco’s Nature Adventure................................577-0004 Adventure on Prozac - T Cay.............................365-8749 Brendals Dive • Green Turtle Cay.......................365-4411 C & C Charters • Treasure Cay............................365-8506 Dive Abaco Since 1978 • Marsh Harbour...........367-2787 Excursion boat, Froggies • Hope Town..............366-0024 DSB Eco-Adventures • Schooner Bay................376-9858

Abaco Marinas - Slips - Fuel - Phone Green Turtle Cay

Bluff House ....................... 38..........F.................365-4247 Green Turtle Club ............... 40..........F.................365-4271 Black Sound Marina........... 15.............................365-4531 Other Shore Club................ 15..........F.................365-4226 Abaco Yacht Service........... 10..........F.................365-4033 Leeward Yacht Club............ 26............................365-4191 Treasure Cay

Treasure Cay Marina...........150..........F..................365-8250 Man-O-War

Man-O-War Marina ........... 28..........F..................365-6008 Marsh Harbour

Boat Harbour Marina....... 192..........F..................367-2158 Conch Inn........................... 72...........F.................367-4000 Harbour View Marina......... 40..........F .................367-2182 Mangoes Marina................ 29..............................367-4255 Marsh Harbour Marina....... 62..........F..................367 2700 Hope Town

Hope Town Marina............. 62..............................366-0003 Lighthouse Marina............... 6..........F.................366-0154 Sea Spray........................... 60..........F.................366-0065 South Abaco

Schooner Bay..................... 15..........F.................475-7626 Spanish Cay

Spanish Cay Marina............ 40..........F.................365-0083 Guana Cay

Bakers Bay Marina........... 158.............................365-5802 Guana Hide-aways............. 37.............................365-5070 Orchid Bay.......................... 66 .........F.................365-5175

Boats can clear Customs at Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay or Marsh Harbour

Wi-Fi Marsh Harbour: Abaco Beach Resort Snappas Grill & Chill Curlytails Mangoes Restaurant Hope Town: Abaco Inn Cap’n Jacks H.T. Harbour Lodge Sea Spray

Bonefish Guides

Casaurina Point Junior Albury................ 366-3058

Cherokee Donnie Lowe................366-2275 Maxwell Sawyer............366-3058 Marty Sawyer............. ..366-2115 Randy Sawyer............. 366-2284 Will Sawyer.................. 366-2177 Crossing Rocks Tony Russell................ 366-3259 Green Turtle Cay Rick Sawyer................. 365-4261 Ronnie Sawyer............ 357-6667 Hope Town Maitland Lowe............. 366-0234 Tom Albury................... 366-3141

Pinder’s Ferry Service Between Abaco & Grand Bahama Crown Haven, Abaco to McLean’s Town, Grand Bah. Daily 7:00 am & 2:30 pm McLean’s Town to Crown Haven - return Daily 8:30 am & 4:30 pm

Fare $45 OW / $90 RT • Children half fare • Call Abaco 365-2356 for information

Bus between Freeport and McLean’s Town • Rental automobiles at both terminals.

Albert Lowe Museum.................................Green Turtle Cay Capt Roland Roberts House, reef exhibits...Green Turtle Cay Memorial Sculpture Garden..................... Green Turtle Cay Wyannie Malone Historical Museum..................Hope Town Elbow Cay Lighthouse........................................Hope Town Swim Mermaid Reef off Marsh Harbour......... Pelican Shore Drive to & swim in Blue Hole............Treasure Cay farm road Art studio & working foundry....................... Little Harbour Man-O-War Heritage Museum...................Man-O-War Cay Man-O-War Boatyards............................... Man-O-War Cay Hole-in- Wall lighthouse -very rough road......South Abaco Cedar Harbour plantation ruins - need guide...North Abaco Blackwood blue hole & sisal mill......................North Abaco Abaco wild horses by appointment..................... 367-4805 Bird watching - ask tourism.................................367-3067

All phones use area code 242 unless noted

Marsh Harbour Jody Albury.................375-8068 Sidney Albury................477-5996 Richard Albury.............577-0313

Hotspots Green Turle Cay: Sundowners McIntosh Restaurant Jolly Roger Bar & Bistro Leeward Yacht Club Bluff House Guana Cay: Guana Grabbers Nipper’s Bar & Grill

Charter Fishing Boats

Lucky Strike - Hope Town.............................366-0101 Sea Gull - Hope Town.................................366-0266 A Salt Weapon - Hope Town........................366-0245 Down Deep...................................................366-3143 Local Boy......................................................366-0528 Back Breaker................................................365-5140

Bikes & Scooters • Boats

Marsh Harbour A & P Car Rentals ..............................................367-2655 Abaco Dorado Boat Rentals...............................367-1035 Bargain Car Rentals...........................................367-0500 Blue Wave Boat Rentals ....................................367-3910 Cruise Abaco......................................................577-0148 Quality Star Car Rentals (Texaco).......................367-2979 Rainbow Boat Rentals.......................................367-4602 Rental Wheels Scooters, Bikes, Cars...................367-4643 Rich’s Boat Rentals ..........................................367-2742 Sea Horse Boat Rentals .....................................367-2513 Sea Star Car Rentals .........................................367-4887 The Moorings Boat Rentals...............................367-4000 Green Turtle Cay Brendals Dive Bikes & Kayak rental...................365-4411 C & D Cart Rental ..............................................365-4311 Cruising Cart Rentals.........................................365-4065 D & P Cart Rental ..............................................365-4655 Donnie’s Boat Rentals........................................365-4119 Harbour View Golf Carts....................................365-4411 Kool Karts.........................................................365-4176 Reef Boat Rentals .............................................365-4145 Sea Side Carts & Bikes.......................................365-4147 T & A Cart Rentals.............................................365-4259 Guana Cay Donna Sands Cart Rentals ................................365-5195 Dive Guana Boats & Bikes..................................365-5178 Orchid Bay Cart rentals......................................365-5175 Lubbers Quarters Cruise Abaco..............................................321-220-8796 Man-O-War Conch Pearl Boat Rentals..................................365-6502 Ria-Mar Golf Cart Rentals..................................365-6024 Waterways Boat Rental .................357-6540 & 365-6143 Hope Town Cat’s Paw Boat Rentals......................................366-0380 Elbow Cay Cart..................................................366-0530 Hope Town Cart Rentals ...................................366-0064 Island Cart Rentals ...........................................366-0448 Island Marine Boat Rentals ..............................366-0282 J R’s Cart Rental.................................................366-0361 Sea Horse Boat Rentals.....................................366-0023 T & N Cart Rentals.............................................366-0069 Treasure Cay Abaco Adventures - Kayaks ..............................365-8749 Blue Marlin Rentals...........................................365-8687 Cash’s Carts.......................................................365-8771 Cornish Car Rentals...........................................365-8623 JIC Boat Rentals ................................................365-8582 Triple J Car Rentals............................................365-8761 Wendal’s Bicycle Rentals...................................365-8687 Schooner Bay T’s Carts............................................................557-1015 DSB Bike Rentals...............................................376-9858

Marsh Harbour cont...

Terrance Davis...........375-8550 Buddy Pinder.............366-2163 Justin Sands..............359-6890 Danny Sawyer...........367-3577 Jay Sawyer................367-3941 North Abaco O’Donald McIntosh....477-5037 Alexander Rolle.........365-0120 Edward Rolle.............365-0024 Pedro Thurston..........365-2405 Sandy Point Valantino Adderley.....366-4323 Anthony Bain.............366-4107 Rickmon’s.........366-4139/4477 Pete’s Guest House...366-4119 Patrick Roberts..........366-4285 Treasure Cay Capt. Joe Pritchard....559-9117 Carey McKenzie.........365-8313

Restaurant Guide Prices $ Low, $$ Moderate, $$$ Upper Marsh Harbour Abaco Pizza..................................$................... 367-4488 Anglers....................................$$$................... 367-2158 Casiah’s.......................................$................... 367-0514 Curly Tails ................................$$$................... 367-4444 Golden Grouper..........................$$................... 367-2301 Island Family Rest......................$$................... 367-3778 Java Coffee House........................$................... 367-5523 Jamie’s Place..............................$$................... 367-2880 Junovia’s.....................................$$..................367-1271 Jib Room ...................................$$................... 367-2700 Kentucky Fried Chicken................$................... 367-2615 Mangoes..................................$$$................... 367-2366 Rum Runners.............................$$.................. 367-0171 Snack Shack ................................$................... 367-4005 Snappas.....................................$$................... 367-2278 Wallys .....................................$$$................... 367-2074 Hope Town Abaco Inn ...............................$$$................... 366-0133 Cap’n Jacks.................................$$................... 366-0247 Firefly.......................................$$$................. 366-0145 Harbour’s Edge.......................... $$................... 366-0087 H T Coffee House (B & L)...............$................... 366-0760 HT Inn & Marina.........................$$................. 366-0003 H T Harbour Lodge ...................$$$................... 366-0095 Munchies.....................................$................... 366-0423 OnDa Beach...............................$$................... 366-0558 Sea Spray ‡................................$$................... 366-0065 Sugar Shack +.............................$................... 366-0788 Little Harbour Pete’s Pub...................................$$................... 577-5487 Lubber’s Quarter Cracker P’s..................................$$................... 366-3139 Man-O-War Bradley’s on the Harbour..............$................... 365-6380 Dock’n Dine..................................$................... 365-6139 Island Treats Snack Bar.................$................... 365-6501 Guana Cay Baker’s Bay - Market Place.......$$$................... 612-1021 Grabbers....................................$$................... 365-5133 Nippers .....................................$$ .................. 365-5143 Orchid Bay................................$$$................... 365-5175 Treasure Cay Bahama Beach Club.................$$$...................365-8500 Coco Beach Bar & Grill..................$................... 365-8470 Florence’s Cafe..............................$.................. .365-8185 Spinnaker Restaurant ..............$$$................... 365-8469 Touch of Class .........................$$$................... 365-8195 Treasure Sands Club.................$$$.................. .365-9385 Green Turtle Cay Bluff House..............................$$$................... 365-4200 Jolly Roger Bistro.......................$$................... 365-4247 Green Turtle Club .....................$$$................... 365-4271 Harvey’s Island Grill....................$$................... 365-4389 Lizard Bar & Grill........................$$...................365-4191 McIntosh’s Restaurant ...............$$................... 365-4625 Miss Emily’s Restaurant..............$$................... 365-4181 New Plymouth Inn.....................$$................... 365-4161 Pineapple Restaurant Bar & Grill.$$.................. 365-4039 Plymouth Rock Cafe...................$$................... 365-4234 Shorties Take-a-way...................$$..................365-4342 Sundowners...............................$$................... 365-4060 Sandy Point Nancy’s......................................$$................... 366-4120 Schooner Bay The Blackfly Lodge...................$$$................... 376-0321 The Red Marlin Bistro...............$$....................426-5440 Judy Mae’s Kitchen....................$.....................475-7626 Beach Cabana Bar......................$.....................376-9858

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Section A

The Abaconian January 1, 2014