June 15, 2012
The Abaconian
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Central Abaco Trash
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and the exercise allowed them to get to know each other better. Most importantly, volunteers were given the opportunity to see firsthand the amount of trash that had accumulated on the verges that border the highway. “We really need to have more of an awareness of what’s going on in the community. If everyone got involved and did one cleanup project a year, I think that would make a big difference,” said StuartLimperes. Stuart-Limperes said that the goal is to have more organizations and groups involved with leaders encouraging their members to participate. Additionally, she said that if ten groups from South, Central and North Abaco come together, they could basically cover and clean up the whole stretch of the island. Like Stuart-Limperes, Ms. Benjamin said she is willing to partner with anyone who wants to help, and that sometimes she does clean ups on her own. “Instead of just cleaning up all of the mess, we also need to come up with a solution,” she reasoned. “It’s not just cleaning up the mess behind people. If you see someone throwing trash out the window tell him or her to pick it up. Don’t laugh with them when they think it’s funny because there’s nothing funny about it.”
Pilot Club hosts fundraiser to attend international convention By Samantha Evans The Pilot Club of Abaco has been referred to as community-minded and, according to President Elect Augustine Williams, they are more focused that ever on making a lasting impact on the communities on Abaco. Twice monthly they host a yard sale in the area of the Mudd and Peas in front of the old Ministry of Education Building. They held a “souse-out” on May 26 at the residence of the president elect. On sale were stew conch, stew fish, chicken souse and pig feet served with Johnnycake. Besides raising funds to send the president to the Pilot International Convention in Las Vegas this summer during July 17-22, they also provide funds towards the fight against brain related disease, which has been the main cause for which Pilot International fights. Other members of the Abaco club will attend the convention as well. Mr. Williams stated that at the convention, they would receive training, get an update on brain-related diseases, and learn regulations and procedures of Pilot International. He added that even though they focus on brained-related diseases, the club is based on friendship and service. Mr. Williams further stated that he and six delegates just returned from District Convention in Freeport, which was
held over the weekend of May 19 and 20. Those delegates were Paul Pinder – President, Augustine Williams, Luzena Dumercy, Barbara Williams, Claudia Pinder and Christina Lightbourne. At this convention they discussed district business, elected new board members and installed a new governor.
FRIENDS launches Highway Litter Awareness Campaign By Erin Patterson Friends of the Environment are setting out to help the environment by “raising awareness of the litter problem and help reduce it here in Abaco.” The main area they are planning to tackle is along Ernest Dean Highway, primarily from Marsh Harbor to Snake Cay. They are inviting as many people in the community to come out and help clean up, and they plan to cooperate with commercial truck drivers and owners of local dumps to make this clean up even more effective. Friends of the Environment also provides data forms for those who choose to do clean ups in their own area, on their own time. Along with constant clean ups and local presentations, Friends of the Environment have set up a program called Young Marine Explorers where they help high school students who are interested in the
marine biology field to become more informed of their surroundings. They have about 8 students who attend, and they are organized into different groups to match their potential studies.
Pilot Club holds installation and initiation ceremony By Samantha Evans Six new members joined the Rainbow Pilot Club of Abaco and four new members took office along with directors and project coordinators on June 9. Past Governor of the Pilot Club of Nassau De’shann Clare-Paul stated that this Abaco Club is the only one that has men and has had a man as president and will install another male president today. Each of them was pinned by their sponsor then they recited the Pilot Pledge. The new members initiated that night were: Linda Strachan, Margo Dean, Stacy Dean, and Nerlyne Dieujuste. Outgoing President Paul Pinder thanked the Pilot members for working with him this past year. It was a challenging yet exciting one and for their support, he will present them with small tokens at their next meeting. Charlamae Fernander was presented with a certificate for securing the most Please see
Pilot
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The Abaconian June 15, 2012
Central Abaco Pilot
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new members and Pinder stated that now they should about three or four certificates which they have received at conferences over the years for net growth. The club was commended by Antoinette Carroll, Past Governor of Lucaya for being consistent in their growth and progressive in their projects.
Police operation targets people committing traffic & drug offenses 51 cited; 8 arrested By Canishka Alexander A police road block called “Operation Clean Sweep” took place on June 4 in the downtown area of Marsh Harbour as well as Dundas Town and Murphy Town. Inspector Mario Murphy, officer in charge of the Road Traffic Division, said that officers from the Marsh Harbour Police Station and its detective unit including reserve officers, who pitched in to ensure a successful operation, joined him. There were 14 officers in total. “We were in full force, we hit the streets, and we just want to remind the few persons who are not law abiding that the police officers have a job to do and we will do it,” Murphy said. Murphy explained that three check-
points were set up along Don Mackay Boulevard along with several hot spots where searches were conducted. At the end of the four-hour operation, 51 people were cited for various traffic and drug-related offenses. Among that number, eight people were arrested for drug offenses involving the possession of marijuana and cocaine, two persons for loitering, one for disorderly behaviour and a warrant of arrest was issued for one other person. “Our concern is a number of persons who are selling dangerous drugs in the community and creating a nuisance by being loud and going about the community smoking marijuana as though it’s legal,” he said. “We want to remind persons in Abaco especially the younger persons that marijuana and cocaine possession is still illegal in The Bahamas, and we will not allow them to just haphazardly smoke at will.”
Meetings continue for RENEW program officers By Canishka Alexander The Abaco Community Relations Department of the Royal Bahamas Police Force held its fifth meeting regarding theRENEW program on May 21. The program will be installed at Abaco Central High School, which was selected as the pilot school for the program. Quotes for materials and mentorship forms were some of the items to be dis-
cussed, along with a date to view the proposed classroom that would be used for the launch of RENEW. According to W/Sgt 2483 Jocelyn Smith, school liaison officer for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, they also talked about mentor training and CPR training for mentors. Whitney Bain of Whitsun Leadership Group and Vernelle Swain of Wellspring Leadership and Development Center, agreed that a summer camp would be beneficial to students involved in the program during the school break. Both Bain and Swain will offer separate programs during the summer. For Bain’s L.I.F.E. program, there’s a registration fee of $20 and a cost of $12 per month that includes a CD. His program will take place every Friday from 7-9 p.m. at the Latterrain Church in Dundas Town. As for Swain, she sought to offer her summer program to displaced females who may have issues at home or within themselves. Her program will be hosted for a three-weekend period with three different groups, and target girls between the ages of 11-17. It will be held the first three weekends in August, and is free to the public with the assistance of funding from the Ministry of Youth Department. Jawette Evans from the Social Services Department also updated the group on their department’s program, which is being offered to sexually traumatized females. It is a six-week program, which informs females of the dangers of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and how to protect themselves. The program begins on
July 5, and is offered on Thursdays only from 3-5 pm for girls ages 10-15 at the Social Services Office in Marsh Harbour. The next RENEW meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 2 at 11 a.m. at the Christian Counselling Centre.
Shane Gibson visits NIB properties By Timothy Roberts During a trip to Abaco on June 4 Minister of Labour and National Insurance, Shane Gibson toured the sites of two National Insurance Board (NIB) projects and met with staff as he assessed the state of affairs on Abaco. Mr. Gibson indicated that his primary concern with the hospital focused on the property and questions on why it is that the minister at the time sold “We are seven acres of excited Crown Land to two individuabout the als – normally construction housing land of the is sold in lots not in acrehospital” age – and why seven acres of the same land was then granted to NIB for the mini-hospital. “We will look into that and see exactly what happened and why the Please see
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The Abaconian June 15, 2012
From the Editor's Desk
An ugly thing happened. I want to extend my condolences to everyone who was affected by that tragedy on the water. In a way I suppose we all are affected. For something so terrible to happen so close to our shores is a stark contrast to how we perceive our everyday life here in The Bahamas. There is still quite a bit of rumor, hearsay and false information circulating. But this paper has presented the most complete set of facts we could credibly procure at this time. In the coming weeks and months hopefully a clearer picture will emerge. And during my tenure as editor of this newspaper I hope I never have to cover anything so tragic. I hope I see more of the beauty. The new terminal opening in a few months is one beautiful event I am incredibly excited for. All of Abaco is excited for it. It’s not just the glimmering jewel of having something new and shiny – which it is, I’ve been inside and that terminal will be gorgeous – but it’s the promise. It is the promise of bringing more to Abaco and our children. It is opportunity. But we can’t forget that the promise of opportunity can be counter to our best interest. It could make us lazy and forget that real opportunity starts closer to home. It starts with us seizing what we know and what we have and making the best of it. It starts with us making our own example of what we think Abaco should be.
The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas
// Finding Opportunity
Others will notice. The one set of people in particular I hope begin noticing their potential to make opportunity are having a very special month. All our high school graduates are making that walk down the aisle: ceremoniously wedding their future, for better or for worse. I hope they realize that though a great many things are out of their control they still have the responsibility to fight for what is true. And they have the right to create and pursue opportunity. They do not need to wait for the next big thing or for the runway to start landing jumbo jets. They can start by flying something smaller. But even though they might start small, they can be flying Dreamliners some day. And I completely believe that about Abaco’s youth. But they need role models. They need co-pilots. They need to see us make things happen. If they watch us waiting for the government to do everything they will chart the same flight path. So I offer my congratulations to the graduates of 2012. You have a bright future to make. I also offer congratulations to the parents, guardians and mentors of our newest set of business leaders, nurses, doctors, lawyers, educators, politicians and members of our community. It is an exciting time. And it is beautiful.
•June 15 - June 16: Green Turtle Cay Lionfish Derby •June 20-June 24: BBC Treasure Cay Championship •June 21: KB & New Entry Band @ Sea Spray •June 22-June 28: Central Abaco Lionfish Derby •June 22: Junkanoo Festival @ BAIC Park •June 29: Stranded Naked @ Fiddle Cay •June 29: Junkanoo Festival @ BAIC Park •June 30: St. John Church Mini Fair & Fun Day •June 30: Love for the Lowes Walk-a-Thon •June 30: Green Turtle Cay Firefighters’ Steakout •July 5: Junkanoo Festival @ Sea Spray •July 7: Independence Fun Run / Walk •July 16 - July 20: FRIENDS Summer Camp •July 19: D-Mack @ Sea Spray
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JUNE 2012
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The Cays
Taylor Hicks concert held under the moon at the Green Turtle Club By Mirella Santillo No stars could be seen in the misty sky of June 1 evening. There was one star, however, performing that evening: Taylor Hicks, winner of the 2006 American Idol. The only light up high was that of a pale moon glowing through a halo, watching over the performance that was about to begin on the little island of Green Turtle Cay. How did such a famous artist end up performing on Abaco? Well, according to the artist himself, he fell in love with the island and the people while participating in a billfishing tournament in Marsh Harbour during a former visit. In October of last year, he contacted the Green Turtle Club, and then “it kind of just happened,” he said. After nine months of working out the details with his Tour Manager, coordinating the trip with the Club’s Manager, Molly McIntosh and Ministry of Tourism’s Wynsome Ferguson, Taylor Hicks arrived at the Treasure Cay Airport on May 30 with an entourage of nine people. A welcome reception organized by the Ministry of Tourism awaited him before he left for Green Turtle Cay. The rain that had been falling in downpour all day abated towards the evening, prompting the tour manager and the performers to set up on the deck of the Green Turtle Club, in the shadow of a large buttonwood tree, instead of inside. A crowd of approximately 180 people
it “an intimate acoustic.” During autograph signing and photo taking, the artist amiably posed with anyone who wanted to be photographed with him followed the concert. At the same time tickets were being drawn so the lucky winners of the raffle, among them the Green Turtle Club owner, Adam Showell, could claim CDs, a harmonica, posters and Tshirts donated by Mr. Hicks and have them signed. The proceeds of the raffle were to benefit the Abaco Cancer Society. “This is like a vacation for me,” said the performer. “Real work will start this summer when I am due to play in Las Vegas for two months.” In the meantime, during his five day stay, the singer will Above: Taylor Hicks (on guitar) performed at the Green Turtle Club on June 1. An “in- do what any other tourist might do while timate acoustic” set was played for the approximately 180 people. Taylor Hicks won the on Abaco; snorkeling, diving, boating, 2006 season of the popular reality show, “American Idol.” Mr. Hicks has been to Abaco perhaps an impromptu jamming with the Gully Roosters and, of course, visit Nipbefore and decided to include Green Turtle as part of his tour. pers on Sunday. His plans for the future? Working on filled up the chairs set around the perfor- playing in a heartfelt way, a repertoire of a country record in Nashville, Tennessee mance area. Finally, shortly after nine, his songs as well as other artists’. “Back and hopefully doing an annual show on Taylor Hicks made his entrance with his to Louisiana” accompanied with guitar and Green Turtle Cay. tour manager and keyboard player, Bryan harmonica, “Get back,” “How sweet it is The two musicians accompanying Less and a percussion man, Jeff Grady, to be loved by you,” and “Nineteen,” comhim on this trip have been friends of his under the applause of an audience of all posed to honour the young men fighting for for a long time. Brian Less and Taylor ages. America, were only a few of the pieces he Hicks have played together for ten years. Sitting on a stool, holding his guitar, performed during his two hours on stage. Jeff Grady accompanies him on and off on dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, smiling The laid back setting and his choice tours. The remainder of his entourage was and joking easily, Taylor Hicks immedi- of songs made you feel as if the singer was in charge of promotion. ately won the heart of the spectators. playing and singing exclusively for you in His popularity increased as he started a private performance. Bryan Less called
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Opinion BTC and Healthcare Opinion by Dr. James Hull So many people see healthcare as the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, doctors and nurses. In fact, healthcare is the responsibility of all of the government departments, every company and individual in our country. When I tell this to people they always have a curious look on their face. We all can take steps to keep ourselves out of the healthcare system, which is in itself healthcare. I will dedicate some articles in the future to that subject. Today I would like to focus on how companies can help with healthcare. One company that has been causing Abaco Healthcare, my company that runs Marsh Harbour Medical Centre and Corbett Medical Centre in Treasure Cay, so many problems is the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation or "BTC.” Abaco Healthcare has invested thousands of dollars in modern telecommunications equipment and electronic health care record systems. These systems allow us to enhance patient care in so many ways. We built these systems based on the promise of fast and RELIABLE telecommunications. We have not received the services that we have been promised and paid for. How it affects our patients can be very serious. We have a computerized phone system that can route emergency calls to the
cell phone of our nurses and support staff. This allows us to respond to our patient’s emergencies in a quick and efficient manner. What has been happening is the static in the local Marsh Harbour lines have been causing disconnections to occur before the patients can tell what their emergency is and us who they are. The static has also jammed our phone system so that no outgoing calls were possible. Even when the system is not jammed by poor land line service, it also occurs with cell phones as calls are not connecting properly. Voicemails are popping up hours later on our phones from patients who are in need of help. BTC has made it and continues to make it very difficult to provide timely healthcare to our patients. This has not yet caused a loss of life but it has caused undue suffering to some patients. Doing your job and doing it well can have a ripple effect which could change someone's life. I encourage everybody who is employed at BTC to work as hard as they can and to continue to press their bosses to ensure a quick transition to the new phone system so that no lives are lost. It would be a tragedy to have a loss of life because of an upgrade that has been executed poorly.
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Business
A young entrepreneur reflects on starting a business
By Brieonna Russell Tuesday, February 7 was the official opening of 18-year-old Dakotah Delancy’s local health and beauty store in Marsh Harbour. “Dishy” is located upstairs in the sea foam green building across from Curly Tails Restaurant. A graduate of the Class of 2011 from St. Francis De Sales, Delancy wanted to further her education by going off to college, but her plans took a detour. She returned back to Abaco and decided to not fall under the ‘statistics’ but to become an entrepreneur at a young age. When asked if starting her own business was expensive, Delancy said it was less expensive than she had anticipated. With a supportive family and strong mother by her side she accomplished opening her dream store. Her business has blossomed over the short months that it has been opened, and has expanded from only selling small things such as jewelry, makeup etc. to clothes, shoes, bags, sunglasses, phone cases and other items. Delancy said business is going “unbelievably great, and it has become more successful than I had ever imagined.” She also stated how since starting and opening her own business it has given her a dose
of reality and taught her a whole lot of responsibility. Eventually, Delancy plans to expand Dishy to other main cities such as Nassau and Freeport, and possibly open a location in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. When asked how she thinks her business will change in the next 5 to 10 years, Delancy said that she wishes to be well known throughout The Bahamas, and have achieved branching out her store to her set locations. Delancy advises others who want to start their own business to remain patient and optimistic. It is not easy, but if you take things slow and plan accordingly, you will achieve the goal you had set out to do.
Enjoy great dining at Angler’s Restaurant or casual fare at our famous pool bar both at the water’s edge in Marsh Harbour
Karaoke
Tuesday night by the Pool Bar starting at 8 pm.
Rake n’ Scrape Dance with “Brown Tip” every Friday night starting at 8:30 pm.
Calypso Night
“Clint Sawyer” LIVE every Saturday night at 8:30 pm.
Stephen Colebrook
Enjoy Stephen’s versatile piano music and vocals Wednesday through Sunday. Contact us at 367-2158
www.AbacoBeachResort.com
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