May 15, 2013
VOLUME 21
NUMBER 10
The Abaconian
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MAY 15th, 2013
Island Roots Heritage Festival beats drum of history By Timothy Roberts The Ninth Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival (IRHF) in Green Turtle Cay overcame challenging weather conditions, including a waterspout turned tornado, to host yet another successful event “Abaco Style” on May 3 and 4. Though an early rain shower at the beginning of the day and a waterspout turned tornado landed just after the opening ceremony completed in the evening the rest of the three-day event continued undaunted and was enjoyed by all who came whether from abroad or locally. The Festival had a host of events taking place all starting with the opening prayer and national anthems of both The Bahamas and The United States of America. There were myriad activities throughout the weekend with something for everyone whether participating or just spectating including several tug-of-war matches with children and adults taking part. A popular event during the Festival was top spinning and “pegging” which gave a number of children the ability to show off their expertise and allowed some Above: the Royal Bahamas Defense Force Marching Band performing for the crowds at Green Turtle Cays Island Roots Heritage Festival. Many fun events and performances greeted visitors.
Simmons Construction road repair contract expanded To begin work on airport roundabout
Simmons Construction, who had been contracted to repair “problem areas” on Central Abaco’s roads, has been directed to carry out repairs on the airport roundabout in Marsh Harbour to connect the roads in a three phase project. As of press time the amount the original contract of $1.3 million has been increased by was not released. The airport roundabout was not in the original scope of works for Simmons and co. See page 16 for more details.
Please see
IRHF
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US Embassy Charge d’Affaires carries Special Olympics Torch for ECC
Above: Students of ECC and supporters during the Special Olympics Torch Run ceremony. By Mirella Santillo On May 13, Mr. John W Dinkelman, Charge d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Nassau, visited Abaco, accompanied by his son Michael and Educational Aide Katie Roach. Mr. Dinkelman had come to Abaco at the invitation of Every Child Counts’ Director Lyn Major who had asked for his sponsorship in the Special Olympics Torch Run. The US Embassy delegation was met at the Airport Roundabout at 9:00 am by
representatives of Every Child Counts -teachers, parents and athletes- and by Marine William Bateman and Reams Powers from Tennessee, vacationing on the island with their families. They had found out about the Special Olympics Torch Run through a flyer posted at the local bakery and had decided to participate. With the torch held high by the United States Charge d’ Affaires, the group running the first leg of the route left the Please see
Torch
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The Abaconian May 15, 2013
The Cays
Above: conch cracking is a serious sport. Several ladies are cheered on to see who can retrieve the conch meat the fastest.
IRHF
From Page 1
adults to rejuvenate their skills. The children were also given the chance to compete in a lime and spoon race for prizes as well as participate in a historical scavenger hunt during the day. A conch breaking contest was also held as a couple of men and a trio of women got a quick lesson and then was given the chance to compete against each other. Children from the settlement put on a fine display for the Plaiting of the May Pole, a centuries old British tradition, and then helped the audience to get in on the plaiting too. There was also a variety of fun and cultural entertainment throughout the
weekend from the improvisational comedy provided through Island Waves Community Center to the ever popular Royal Bahamas Defense Force Marching and Pop Bands as well as performances by Amy Roberts Primary School and the Tiny Turtles during the day. At night guests were entertained by a variety of Bahamian musicians – including Tea Time, Brown Tip Rake and Scrape, New Entry Band, The Gully Roosters and the Bahamian legend Eddie Minnis – in addition to being treated with the colorful and beautiful sights and sounds of Junkanoo by Junior Junkanoo Champions Forest Heights and the local Green Turtle Cay little Island Slammers. The weekend was concluded by an
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ecumenical service held under the tent at Settlement Point where churches from Green Turtle Cay came together and gave thanks. The service featured singing by the Church of God and the New Plymouth Gospel Chapel and Rev. Charles Carey of the Methodist Church gave the sermon. During the weekend the Festival was attended to by three lovely Loyalist ladies dressed in authentic time period dresses. They participated in several events and helped organize and run several activities. Throughout Friday and Saturday a number of informative talks were carried such as information on native habitats by the Bahamas National Trust and family tree research by Peter Roberts along with a video presentation by Sandra Riley on the
Taino people. The family tree research group lead by Peter Roberts set up in the Gospel Chapel Education Hall where they took saliva samples for DNA tests and assisted persons with their finding their ancestral roots. There was also a talk on Abaco’s history by Forest Heights teacher and Hope Town native, Shane Cash while at the Captain Roberts Environmental Center bush medicine garden they shared information on bush medicine and made some native tea. The opening ceremony commenced with Sir Peter Anderson, Secretary GenPlease see
Roots
Page 10
Above: no Bahamian cultural event would be complete without a game of dominoes.
May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
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The Abaconian May 15, 2013
coldwell
May 15, 2013
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Central & All Abaco Torch
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roundabout led by a policeman on a motorcycle controlling the traffic. Several groups of people had volunteered to carry the torch, so there were eleven relay stations and the Torch passed through many hands before reaching its final destination on the grounds of ECC. Students from Forest Heights Academy, St Francis de Sales and Wesley College, a representative from the Rotary Club of Abaco, volunteers from the Hope Town Fire and Rescue Department, from the Police as well as other community members took the relay. The torch was picked up at Abaco Gas by Detective Boyd who passed it to Ashanti Duncanson and Gregory Whymms from St Francis de Sales running with their teacher Georgia William. It then went to Forest Heights Academy’s teacher Tia Knowles accompanied by two students Ian Knowles and Charlie Cash. From there it went to Rayanne Dawn Malone, a local business employee and to several Ryerson University students on residence at ECC from Canada. Finally Hope Town Fire and Rescue Department’s Bonnie Hall and Tami Cash held it for a leg and gave it to Wesley College’s Charles Carey Jr. and Troy Seymour. By then the runners (walkers) had reached Front Street where Ann-Mary Moss “Koops” was waiting with a group of students to cheer the participants and pick up the Torch for the last leg. It was carried to its final destination by Detective Boyd’s son, Domenico, with runners and students following. They were received at the school with applauds and ovations. Mr. Dinkelman, who had been waiting at the school, was officially welcomed by Lyn Major who thanked him for his presence and invited him to speak. “I brought my son Michael and our friend Katie to see what a great place ECC was.” said Mr. Dinkelman, adding “I love coming to Abaco because everybody cares about one another.” His address was followed by a musical show put on by several ECC students. Vincent Major performed a lively interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean”. There was a duet by Eric and Myron Sawyer; a solo by little Quayshawn Cheramin and a poem read by Rosemeleine Baptiste. Ronel Escarment, did a perfect and heartfelt rendition of a popular song which brought tears to people’eyes. He was acclaimed warmly for his performance. Treneil Brice who had walked from the roundabout to the school only using a walker and his arms, interpreted the final song. The show ended around lunch time and by then the hungry could purchase an Italian lunch of Lasagna, baked Zitti or Spaghetti. The money from the lunch sale is to help with the expenses of taking the athletes to Nassau to participate in the Special Olympics taking place the weekend of June 15. That participation requires funding that the school and many parents cannot fully afford. The coordinator for the event, ECC art teacher Nicole de Nardin, explained that the Torch Run was held ahead of the Special Olympics to involve Abaco and raise awareness in the event. Participating in The Special Olympics, she said, is not only about competing but also about getting the students involved in a community bigger than the school. It is an opportunity for them to see that they are not alone in their struggle”, hence the necessity of community support.
Government seeks consultations on a new fisheries act By Timothy Roberts The Department of Marine Resources, with the support of the EU-funded ACP Fish II Programme, is working to develop a new Fisheries Act for The Bahamas. The purpose behind drafting a new Act is to strengthen and improve fisheries management in The Bahamas and to create a modem, robust and effective legal framework that will best serve the needs and interests of the fisheries sector. The ACP FISH II Programme is a 4.5-year programme financed by the European Development Fund on behalf of ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of states) countries. The aim of the programme is to improve fisheries management in ACP countries so as to ensure that fisheries resources under the jurisdiction of these countries are exploited in a sustainable manner. With the assistance of two international legal experts, the Department will develop a new draft Act and will consult widely with stakeholders through a series of meetings, community consultations and a National Consultation in order to ensure all views are accommodated in the new legislation. During the first stage the Department of Marine Resources will organize a series of community consultations in order to engage with stakeholders around our fishing communities. They will have meetings in Grand Cay and Marsh Harbour on May 30 and in Sandy Point and Mount Hope on May 31. The purposes of the Community Consultations are to outline the planned consultation and drafting process, provide an overview of the proposals for the new Fisheries Act, and obtain comments, suggestions and views from stakeholders on both the needs of the fisheries sector as well as the proposals presented. The Department is reaching out to all stakeholders to attend; including fishermen, processors and exporters as well as any other fishing community representatives; anyone who has an interest or a stake in the Fishing Industry. The drafting of a new Fisheries Act will be implemented through a series of activities starting with pre-consultation meetings with the Department for Marine Resources and other stakeholders in Nassau and the Family Islands. The group will compile a Status Report, analyzing the current situation and needs for fisheries legislation, and making initial recommendations on the content for the draft Fisheries Act. Then they will hold a series of community consultations, in twelve locations, to enable stakeholders to input views and suggestions for the draft Fisheries Act. A National Consultation, on the draft Act which will be organized by the Department of Marine Resources, with the support of the project team and a National Validation Workshop, to be held in Nassau, at which a revised draft Act (taking account of the results of the National Consultation) will be presented and discussed with key stakeholders. Finally they will complete the Draft Fisheries Act, taking account of the results of the National Workshop. The Community Consultation process will be launched at the first consultation in Nassau, expected to be on 22 May, by the Please see
Fisheries
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FURNITURE PLUS
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Section A
The Abaconian May 15, 2013
Central & All Abaco Fisheries
Abaco Sporting Complex on the Horizon
From Page 5
Prime Minister. Consultation Meetings and Times: May 30: Grand Cay – 12pm Marsh Harbour, Parish Hall – 6:30pm May 31: Sandy Point, JA Pinder School – 6:30pm Mount Hope, New Hope Baptist – 6:30pm * Ferry Service and transportation will be provided for those who need it from the Cays. Call 699-0202 for more information.
Dominoes tournament a big part of community By Canishka Alexander Half Check is the meeting place for a rousing game of dominoes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Murphy Town every day once the weather permits. Traditionally, a group of about 50 men make up the Half Check Association with eight teams represented whenever tournaments are held. Association Leader Rockland Boodle agreed that dominoes is recreational for them, and that it is an event that brings them together in the community. On Tuesdays, grilled food is prepared and served, and the men pool their funds together to purchase drinks. Chicken souse, wild boar and dough, pig feet souse and crab soup are customary items served on the menu courtesy of Jason Davis, an association leader.
Above: a few members of the Half Check Dominoes Association Association Leaders Boodle and Davis have been responsible for the organization of tournaments, and then there are a few members, namely Nesbitt and McBride, who help to control the book scoring. Don Wilmott, a member, said that there are always those people who think they can avenge themselves, but end up getting beat every time. He elicits a round of laughter from his colleagues based on that statement – even the ones he is referring to. The tournaments are organized to be fair straight across the board for everybody involved. Whoever reaches the first ten sets wins the tournaments, and trophies are awarded for first, second and third place winners. The rules allow one player to sit down for at least 20 games as long as he continues to wins, so the winners stay down, and losers get up. The fee schedule for players in the tournament is $10 per player and $20 to partner. There is also an agreement among the players to pay $10 every week
as a form of dues to help the association to grow. Under the elongated branches of a coconut tree that casts shade over the roof of the dominoe shack where the men congregate, a sense of camaraderie looms over them during their games even though they are opponents looking to secure a win. Excitement builds as the seated players check their dominoes in hand for their next play slamming down their pieces on the tabletop satisfyingly. Wilmott said they plan to contact teams from Nassau, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma, Jamaica and the United States to come over to Abaco to play in tournaments. Within the next two months, they are hoping to rent one of the halls on the island to get a team from Nassau to participate. “It will be an island-wide event, and we are looking for the best players throughout the islands,” Wilmott assured. And best players means that the tournament is open to anyone who can play, and that includes females.
By Timothy Roberts A representative from the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture along with a multi-agency team to meet with a small group of stakeholders to discuss ideas for a sporting facility in Abaco on May 9. Eugene Poitier, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture explained that the government is seeking to increase the country’s ability to develop new talent and manage elite talent by building sporting complexes at international standards on several island in The Bahamas. He also said that this is a “front burner” project for the government and that they are indeed working to not just acquire ideas, needs and wants from each location but will be working to design, build, equip and manage the facilities. He said this initial visit was designed to visit the site and to meet with stakeholders “to help us with our planning process and to help us develop our vision board for a sporting complex here in Abaco.” Abaco is slated to be the home of the first project which will be carried out by Integrated Building Services (IBS) who was contracted to serve as master planning, Civil Engineer designer, construction management and project quality control for the Ministry. Please see
Sporting
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May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
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Central & All Abaco Sporting
From Page 5
Nick Dean, Principal of IBS, said “This is a part of the government’s project to increase the level of sporting awareness, activity and expertise on the family islands and hopefully increasing our resource pool when it comes to selecting national teams.” “We also want to, like Jamaica, encourage our elite athletes to return home and train here instead of living abroad,” he added. The stakeholders present were asked for input into the type of facilities they would like to see for Abaco and that their advice would be taken into consideration within the budget they have been allowed. Stakeholders requested fields and facilities for track and field, basketball, baseball, softball and baseball, soccer and swimming. Mr. Dean noted that they plan to ensure that within their budget that they will be able to build and equip the facilities as well as make sure the facilities is managed through the first year. After the discussion the team visited the proposed site in Murphy Town next to Abaco Central High School to assess the facilities and the land available. The team included representatives from BEC and Water and Sewerage as well as a consultant from the Office of the Prime Minister. Abaco is projected to receive a sport complex in Central Abaco and Moors’ Island is slated to receive a proper track and field. Other islands to benefit from the program are Eleuthera and Exuma.
Marsh Harbour Town Committee By David Ralph - Roving Reporter The Marsh Harbour Town Committee met on April 10 at the new Administration building with seven of their nine members present. The Central Abaco District Council is made up of the three towns of Marsh Harbour, Dundas Town and Murphy Town. The statutory boards that serve this area are made up of representatives from the three towns. However, there is little community interest in serving on these boards and they seldom meet. The chairman of the Marsh Harbour Town Committee suggested that the duties of these boards be turned over to the relevant government agency to accommodate progress. Another member did not want to give up oversight entirely as many items coming up need community input or oversight. Nassau does not know the specific situations necessary to make acceptable community decisions. The boards are Town Planning, Port Authority and Hotel Licensing. Local government’s oversight and authority for issuing shop licenses and liquor licenses was taken away last year. Specifically, it was suggested that Port be assigned to the Port Department as the Local Government Port Board has not met in many months. This means that projects for docks and other coastal improve-
ments cannot proceed without permission. The Administrator asked that members consider the Local Government Act for suggested changes or amendments as it is under review for possible changes. Members were unanimous in wanting to be designated a District III Council that would include just Marsh Harbour and Spring City. This would follow the precedent set for the Green Turtle Cay and Hope Town Districts. District III Councils do not have statutory boards but handle all town matters themselves. The chairman asked members to support her desire that Marsh Harbour be assigned a meeting location within their town as they have been recently shuffled around different locations for their meetings within the Government Complex. The administrator felt that access to the large board room adjacent to the Prime Minister’s office would be given and that this was their best location. The chairman presented a January press release by the Minister of the Environment and Housing on government’s initiative on ridding the country of immigrant shanty towns. She asked the administrator to get more information on this initiative and how it would impact the immigrant areas on Abaco. Continued new construction in the Mudd settlement adjacent to the bypass road was mentioned. In one instance the space between two close houses has been enclosed and a door added, giving a new space to rent. Questions were asked on
how this type of illegal expansion can be stopped. Members were concerned that the airport tower must be raised by 20 feet to comply with international regulations. If this is correct, this will require a special crane to come from Freeport to lift the top cab off so the tower can be heightened. Then the crane will have to return later to put the top back on. The crane is alleged to cost about $300,000 per trip. Members are suggesting that offending pine trees be cut allowing better visibility. An excess water bill for Spring City building was discussed. This government building was originally used as a school by the Owens Illinois sugar operation. It then was converted to the first high school on Abaco. Now it houses several entities. Apparently a single water-meter serves a bar and a laundromat, both private businesses, as well as public restrooms utilized by the bar. The nine-month bill will be paid, but the Town Committee is requesting that separate water connections be installed. The Town Committee member from Spring City asked for funding for a privacy fence to separate the bar patrons from the children using the public restroom and the adjacent playing fields. Without any township money remaining in the budget, various members will personally contribute to have approximately 16 feet of privacy fence put in place.
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The Abaconian May 15, 2013
From the Editor's Desk
If you weren’t to the Green Turtle Cay Island Roots Heritage Festival a couple weekends ago you missed out. It is the granddaddy of all the Abaco Cays’ heritage festivals. And that’s saying a lot coming from a Hope Town kid. While I wouldn’t say Hope Town and Green Turtle have an amorphous, friendly rivalry going on, I will say this: there seems to be two types of visitors to our cays – those who call New Plymouth their home base and then those who wouldn’t trade the Elbow Cay Lighthouse for anything else in the world. Of course this is an exaggeration. But there is a point in there somewhere. I’m too tired from thinking about our terrible, shameful roads to flesh out that idea any further. That being said, I had a fantastic time in Green Turtle for the Heritage Festival. The crowds were impressive. The entertainment lively. The food delightfully Bahamian (read: extra greasy with double portions.)And the scheduling was obviously painstakingly organized by those involved. It is both impressive and encouraging to know the passion exists to get a festival of this magnitude off the ground. It’s a festival so fun it spills over into another country, that is New
The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas
Plymouth’s sister city in Key West, Florida. It demonstrated everything that’s right with our country. The comradery among locals and visitors. The “back to your roots” feeling from seeing visitors from all across Abaco and The Bahamas living it up with each other during the several day event. The fact that Bahamians still buy into and invest into these events is a feel-good indicator that we still hold our culture dear. It’s a good thing we have culture to rely on in this country, because we certainly won’t have money very much longer. Not the government, because it’s wasting money and political capital on road repair projects that don’t actually repair anything for the long term. And certainly not us. Because when we are not, collectively, pumping millions into the central government we are replacing our vehicles and renting cranes to pull them out of these craters. I’m sorry. I’m writing about the roads again. I shouldn’t worry so much. Surely if we all keep quiet things will work out best for Abaco. But that’s not what I saw in Green Turtle. What I saw at the Festival was one community reaching out to the others. And the other communities responding. I saw people who wanted something, who had something to be proud of, make things happen. You can see it all over Abaco. Every settlement has the spirit of “Do.” As in, “We can do this.” It is not the blindness of unwavering pride in our island that will build us. It is not naïve, uncoordinated effort that will bring us progress. And it is not angry demands unattached to reality that will get us what these communities need. But listen. We can be proud of Abaco. We can do things for Abaco. And we can demand better for Abaco. It is the spirit of these things that build successful heritage festivals. And it is the moderation of these things that can build Abaco.
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Community Calendar
•May 17: Abaco Swim Club Fundraiser •May 17: Myriad Community Center Grillout •May 17-18: Hearts on Fire Youth Worship (Change Ministries) •May 17-19: YBBA Baseball Tournament •May 18: Green Turtle Cay Church of God 100 Year Anniversary •May 18: Roscoe Thompson Regatta •May 18: Little Harbour Art Show •May 18:Community Emergency Preparedness Day •May 19: Soccer Knockout Cup Final •May 19: Surf Contest and Paddleboard Race (Garbonzo Break behind Sea Spray - Elbow Cay) •May 22-25: Signature Series Leg II •May 23: 4th Annual Goombay Festival (Seaspray) •May 24: Myriad Community Center Grillout •May 31: Roataract Meet and Greet and Mangoes (7pm) •May 31-June 2: Sandy Point Youth Festival •June 6: Goombay Festival (Seaspray) •June 7-9: Sandy Point Homecoming •May: Fisheries Consultations - See Page 6
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May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
Section A
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Letters to the Editor Road Repairs? What Road Repairs! Dear Editor: I want to address a situation I am sure all Abaconians, especially those who live in, work at and traverse through Marsh Harbour, are upset about; the state of the roads in Marsh Harbour and the poor paving job that is going on. I am bothered for several reasons. First, the government hired yet again a company from out of town to do a job that we have persons more than capable of doing. That is certainly cost prohibitive as the company from Nassau has to bring equipment and personnel to Abaco incurring additional costs in transportation and housing among other things. Second, the quality of the work is abysmal. I don’t like to put down someone else’s work, but it appears to me (and I’m not alone in my assessment) that this company does not have any experience in road paving at all. It appears they are on their third attempt to ‘resurface’ the area in front of Memorial Plaza. Third, I think it is a major waste of OUR money; $1.3 million and we know there are always cost overruns. It’s a waste because we keep hearing that the government will indeed pave from the Airport Roundabout to (or almost to) Albury’s Ferry at the Crossing with Hot Mix. If indeed that is so why not just let the Ministry of Works do one of the jobs they are here for and patch the pot holes until the hot Mix paving starts? Alternatively, if they are not indeed going to pave our roads with Hot Mix then
this quality of work again is a waste of money. It has been shown time and time that the quality cannot withstand a decent rain. So if we get no Hot Mix we are condemned to worse roads than when they started and a $1.3 million (or more) bill that OUR tax dollars are paying for! Is anyone from the Ministry of Works actually monitoring the work? Are we honestly to believe the excuse that the weather and people driving over it is what set them back? I have noted on several occasions they have done work to the portion of road at Memorial Plaza on days that – if you checked the weather – you know we are going to have rain. If you cannot properly reroute traffic perhaps you should get the police’s assistance. Abaco is sick and tired of getting less than we deserve, and it seems we are always getting the end of the stick the smells bad! -Irate Abaconian
Hope Town “Helpers” Hope Town is described by most as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ vacation destination, but what goes on ‘behind the scenes?’ Locals do their best to accommodate all of the on coming visitors, but who is in charge of helping out the locals? That is usually the job of the ‘Community Helpers….’ isn’t it? Hope Town is one of the more popular Family Islands, bringing in more money than most and it seems as though we get ‘rewarded’ with a nurse who is constantly being summoned back to Marsh Harbour which makes her of no use to the locals who can’t just hop on a ferry every time
they have a cold and a Police Officer who picks on specific locals and throws around bogus charges. Hope Town needs a nurse who will enjoy being here and who will stick around long enough to get to know the locals, instead of just being here part time. Hope Town needs a new Police Officer, considering they are supposed to be switched every 6 (six) months and the one we have now has exceeded that and seems as though he has a become too comfortable, we were not looking for a someone to bully the locals around, just a Police Officer to do their actual job. If Hope Town can be described as a one-of-a-kind vacation destination to tourist then why can’t it be a one-of-a-kind living destination for locals? This was not written to ‘bash’ the ‘helpers’ of this community, it was simply written to shine some light. -Concerned in Hope Town
No Service, No Pride Dear Editor: As a frequent passenger on a certain ferry operating in Marsh Harbour, it is with great sadness that we are seeing a dramatic and steady decline in an operation that was once one of the best run businesses in The Bahamas. At one time this ferry service was the life-blood of Abaco, serving and supporting the residents of Abaco. Today, I would suggest that the word "Service" not be associated with this business. Under new ownership, services that were once provided by courteous and attentive employees gradually became a
thing of the past and new policies are attempting to run the business as if it were an airline. I would suggest that the owners take a closer look at their ferry operation and its policies and realize that even smaller airlines serving Abaco offer much more than their business does. When customers arrive at the dock no employees are present until minutes before departure, nor are there signs to tell them which dock and what boat will take them to their destination. Ultimately, customers are "greeted" by employees who clearly lack respect and genuine appreciation for customers. Customers now pay $5 for each bag beyond 3 bags, regardless of weight or size. To add insult to injury, customers now tote their own luggage and drivers are rarely on hand to help load bags into the boat or offer assistance. The unprofessional attire and casual attitude of personnel does nothing to boost a passengers confidence. Customers must now pay $10 round trip for each pet that must remain in a kennel. Keeping up with maintenance has evidently become a challenge and often boats belch oily smoke, broken windows are the norm and heavily damaged rub rails are the result of careless or inept drivers. There are few ferries around the world that charge more and provide less for a 20 minute ferry ride. It is apparent that it is more interested in profits and has little interest in providing a service that was once the pride of Abaco. -Unhappy Passenger
More Letters see Page 20
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Section A
The Abaconian May 15, 2013
The Cays Roots
From Page 2
eral of the Conch Republic (also known as Key West), blowing the conch shell and was also attended by Key West Mayor Craig Cates. Mr. Cates said he was glad to be a part of the festivities and is proud of his Bahamian ancestry – his grandfather was from Rock Sound, Eleuthera and his grandmother’s family was from Elbow Cay – and Key West is proud of their “Bahama Roots”. Sir Peter Anderson said when he first moved to Key West he meet amazing people known as ‘Conchs’ who he said were the “most beautiful, welcoming and wonderful people on earth.”
Neil Campbell, North Abaco Administrator and keynote speaker, said it is the government’s objective through formal and informal education “that we will fully understand and appreciate our culture and the heritage of our language, music, expressions, food, religion and myths.” He noted the wonderful bond of the sister cities of Green Turtle Cay and Key West that has forged the special annual festival. “It is my belief that through the expression of music, dance, art, storytelling and the like, coupled with mouthwatering food and warm hospitality the linkage between our European and African ancestry is preserved and celebrated.” Karen McIntosh, IRHF Committee Chairman, gave special thanks for the
Above: the crowd was quick to join in the festivities.
strong support she gets from her committee and also from the Ministry of Tourism in producing the festival year after year. She also shared thanks for Mr. Campbell and the local government of Green Turtle Cay. She noted that Settlement Point had been destroyed twice by hurricanes since the last Festival in 2011, but thanks to the commitment and effort of Randy and Rody Sawyer the park was restored complete with electricity and water in time for the event. She thanked all those in the community who have taken pride in their history and their community as they prepared to host the festival and all the visitors.
Above: Stephen Lowe practices for the top spinning competition by balancing a spinning top on hand.
Man O War Cay Fire and Rescue Association debuts “Lil’ Amber” By Jennifer Hudson The Man O War Cay Fire and Rescue Association was started in 2000 when the urgent need for a fire department was realized following a devastating fire in 1999 . The fire, which demolished a home resulting in the deaths of three people including a young child, was the result of a faulty generator after Hurricane Floyd. A 1965 Hahn fire truck was procured from Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and brought over to the cay. It was discovered, however, that a fire truck that size was not manageable on those tiny roads and that it would not be possible to reach many of the homes in that truck. The decision was made, therefore, several months ago to transport the Hahn truck over to Marsh Harbour for the use of their Fire Department. According to Man O War’s Fire Chief, Mr. Roy Russell, that truck is an excellent pumper. Mr. Russell realized that what was needed on Man O War Cay was a much more compact vehicle capable of getting into all the nooks and crannies of the cay since all the roads are actually golf cart paths. He therefore set about designing a purpose built vehicle. He began with a golf cart which is larger and sturdier than the normal everyday run around vehicle and Please see
Abaco Hardware
Fire
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May 15, 2013
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The Abaconian May 15, 2013
DAMIANOS
May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
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DAMIANOS
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Section A
The Abaconian May 15, 2013
Barefoot Marketing
May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
Barefoot Marketing
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The Abaconian May 15, 2013
Central & All Abaco Simmons alerts public to road construction detours
Above: Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Bill Simmons Construction’s upcoming road repair project at the airport roundabout. Phase 1 details can be seen on page 1. Simmons and co. are waiting for the Bahamas Electricity Corporation to finish installing some street lights in the area before beginning their effort to connect the work done on the airport terminal roads and the main highway.
Bill Simmons Construction was signed on by the government for a $1.3 million project to repair certain roads in the vicinity of Dundas Town, Murphy Town and Marsh Harbour earlier in the year. The original scope of works included only five miles of patching and sealing work in Central Abaco. The airport roundabout project is seemingly in addition to the original four month contract signed in January. The construction will occur primarily in three phases. Bill Simmons Construction is awaiting the Bahamas Electricity Corporation to finish installing lighting in the area before proceeding. A spokesman for the company indicated it would begin shortly. During the construction detours will be made around blocked off sections of road. The expected detours are shown to the left and on page 1. Over the past four months Simmons’ road repair crews have worked on several stretches of road throughout Central Abaco. Notably, earlier in May residents and business owners near expressed frustration and outrage due to their perception of the quality of work being carried out. An area of particular concern to residents was the stretch of road in front of Memorial Plaza. “It’s disgusting. We have people on this island who could do a hundred times better job than what I’ve seen. It is worse now than before they started repairing it,” an anonymous resident of the area said. Please see
Standard Hard
Roads
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May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
Section A
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Crime Report Shopbreaking
At 6:40am on April 11 a female resident of Spring City, Abaco, reported that person(s) broke into her shop located Don McKay Boulevard in Marsh Harbour. Police investigation continues. Causing Harm At 4:47pm April 11 a 48 year old male of Fox Lane, Dundas Town, reported that on the same day, at about 3:06pm his son of same address was struck to the head with an object by another student while at a local high school in Abaco. Police investigation into this matter is continuing.
Stealing
At 11:50am on April 13 a 44 year old female of Dundas Town, reported that a 33” Coby TV was missing from a local motel in Marsh Harbour. Police investigation continues.
Housebreaking (Suspects Arrested)
At 5:30pm on April 16 a 57 year old female of Hope Town, Abaco reported that sometime between 10:00am and 4:00pm on the same day some unknown person entered her residence and stole cash. Police investigation continues. Two suspects were arrested and are assisting the police with their investigations into this matter.
Possession of Unlicensed Firearm, Ammunition and Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Suspect Arrested and Charged)
At 1:35am on April 26 officers of the Marsh Harbour Police Station arrested one Jerry Sanon of the Pigeon Peas in reference to possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and possession of dangerous drugs. Officers while on patrol discovered one black escort shotgun with four shotgun ammunition and one silver .32 revolver with brown handle with one .32 ammunition. The suspect was also found with a small plastic bag containing marijuana. The total weight of drugs was 4.7 grams. He attended court on April 29, where he pleaded guilty to the offence of possession of unlicensed firearm and not guilty to possess of dangerous drugs.
Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Suspect Arrested and Charged)
On Thursday April 25 officers of the
Marsh Harbour Police Station and Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) while on patrol in the area of Christie Street, Dundas Town observed a group of males near a known drug area acting suspicious. Upon seeing the officers one of the males walked away hastily acting very suspicious. He was caught and searched and found in possession of dangerous drugs, namely marijuana. The suspect was later charged for the offence and scheduled for court on May 1.
Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Suspect Arrested and Charged)
On Friday, April 26 sometime around 8:25pm officers of the Marsh Harbour Police Station and Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) while on patrol in the area of Christie Street Dundas Town observed a male who upon seeing the officers began to act suspiciously. As a result the male was searched and found in possession of dangerous drugs namely marijuana. The suspect was charged for the offence and scheduled to attend magistrates’ court on April 29.
Shopbreaking & Stealing
At 9:10am on April 25 a 58 year old male of Treasure Cay reported that sometime between 7:45pm on April 24 and 9:00am on April 25 some unknown person(s) broke into a teaching institution and stole a JVC C-210 stereo system from a classroom. Police investigation continues.
Attempted Stealing and Causing Damages
At 2:00pm on April 24 a 56 year old male of Crossing Rocks and employee at a local port department reported that sometime around 9:30am on the same date a man known to him gained access to the storage area of that establishment by cutting a hole in the fence and was caught attempting to steal parts from a vehicle. Police investigation continues.
Assault (Suspect Arrested and Charged)
At 3:40am on April 27 a 24 year old female of Spring City reported that a lady know to her came to her residence creating a disturbance and assaulted her. Police arrested the suspect officers of the
m.h.p.s. Arrested the suspect - a 33 year old female also of Spring City - in reference to this matter at 4:10am on April 27. The accused was interviewed and charged.
Disorderly Behavior, Obscene Language & Failing to Give Name (Suspect arrested and charged)
Causing Harm (Suspect Arrested and Charged)
Officers of the Marsh Harbour Police Station arrested a 26 year old male of Simms Drive Murphy Town for disorderly behavior, obscene language and failing to give his name and address. He was arrested at the Resident of his girlfriend at Murphy Town. He is expected to be charged for these offences.
Causing Harm (Suspect Arrested and Charged)
Officers of the Marsh Harbour Police Station arrested a 15 year old juvenile of the Pigeon Peas, Marsh Harbour ,Abaco for being in possession of a black IBM think Pad laptop in which he could not give a satisfactory account where he get it from. He was reported arrested in the area of the Abaco Shopping Center situated on Don McKay Blvd Marsh Harbour. He is expected to be charged for this offence.
At 6:20pm on April 27 a 53 year old male of Murphy Town reported that sometime around 6:00pm on the same date while in the Mudd a male known to him hit him across the eye with a metal object. Police arrested the suspect – a 45 year old male of the Mudd – and the investigation continues.
At 5:50am on April 20 a 53 year old male of Murphy Town reported that sometime around 9:00pm on the same date while returning home from the government clinic his step-son beat him about the body because he came home late. Police arrested and charged the suspect in this matter and the investigation continues.
Stealing from a Vessel
A 43 year old male of Marsh Harbour, Abaco reported that sometime between 11am on Wednesday 08/05/13 and 10:45 am on Thursday 09/05/13 some unknown person(s) entered a vessel at Marsh Harbour and stole two flat screen televisions. Police action requested. Investigations are continuing into this matter.
Unlawful Possession
Obstruction
Officer c/o of the Hope Town Police Station Hope town Abaco reported that at about 11:44am on Monday 06/05/13 while he was making an arrest at Hope Town in the area of a local restaurant of a male suspect wanted for the offence of housebreaking a man known to him, also of Hope Town, made several attempts to prevent him in arresting the suspect resulting in the male who prevented the arrest being arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest.
See suspicious activity?
Call 911 or 919
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Page 18
Section A
The Abaconian May 15, 2013
May 1 Answers: Across 1. PROTEST 5. JUDO 8. RANCH 10. KALIK 11. JAIL 12. DOLPHIN 13. PROTEIN 15. CLINIC 16. KAYAK 17. ARGUMENT 19. CIRCUMFERENCE 20. DISCRIMINATION Down 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 14. 18.
Across 1. A rubber ball will _______ when dropped. 5. “Space ______”, David Bowie song recently covered by an actual astronaut in orbit. 11. Popular ‘80s film; “There can be only one!” 12. “It’s a figure of _____.” 13. Cruel ruler. 16. This recently became a full-fledged tornado during the Island Roots Heritage Festival in Green Turtle. 17. April was “Child _________ Month.” Down 2. This “King” has left the building. 3. Bravery 4. They may sound alike, but they mean two different things. 6. God’s name according to ancient Hebrew tradition. 7. The House of Parliament and the ______ 8. System to do with the sense of smell. 9. Bend or ________. 10. To throw out your line and bait. 11. If you have this kind of “fit,” you might be acting hysterical. 14. When the road is blocked you must take a _______. 15. Main character of a popular series of “magical” books.
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May 15, 2013
AES
The Abaconian
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The Abaconian May 15, 2013
Letters to the Editor A Guana Cay Cheat Dear Editor: We have been coming to The Bahamas by boat since 1991. We enjoy the wonderful, friendly and helpful people of this country and all the beautiful islands. This time, coming from Green Turtle on our way to Marsh Harbour, we anchored in Guana Harbor on Great Guana Cay. We have stopped there every time to take a walk around, to the beach and look at stores. We stopped at the Vegetable Stand and got to talk to an elderly man, who we have met a number of times. We wanted to buy some fresh conch. First he offered to sell us an 8 lbs. bag, nothing smaller, at $ 8 per pound. A very high price, but our mind was set on conch for dinner. On our way back from the beach, we stopped again. This time he produced a bag which was supposed to contain 4 pounds. When I lifted the bag, I corrected him and said: "These are not 4 pounds!" No, he said, they are 3 pounds. Well, I paid him 3 times the $8 he had asked and we left. Back on the boat I got my scale out to weigh the conch, as I was very suspicious. And the result was, that this "gentleman" sold me 1 and 3/4 lbs. of Conch for $ 24. What a cheat! Maybe, if you should decide to print this letter, he may read it and his conscience will bother him. This man is NOT an example of the
rest of the good people of The Bahamas. We have many friends here, honest, loving and hardworking people. We just thought that a cheat like that should be put in the pillory. Thank you very much for your attention. Sincerely yours, Walter and Ingrid Wieland, M/V "Bavaria".
The Cays Tornado hits Green Turtle Cay during festival
GTC Library Left to Wither The Green Turtle Cay Library has been a great asset to the community for many years, providing a variety of services to the public, and is staffed entirely by volunteers. The library has no source of income other than an annual government stipend, however no funds have been received since August, 2011. I have been assured by the National Director of Library Services in Nassau that the funds were indeed budgeted for this library, however in spite of multiple requests via phone, email and personal attempts, still no money is forthcoming and the library will likely be forced to close soon. Those in power who control these funds should not ignore this fine community asset and allow this to happen. -Jackie Patrick Green Turtle Cay Library
Above: the large waterspout-turned-tornado as it makes landfall. By Timothy Roberts In the midst of festivities on Green Turtle Cay on May 3 a massive waterspout made landfall on the north side of the island cause damage to two homes before dissipating; fortunately no one was injured. Just moments after the completion of the opening ceremony for the Ninth Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival a waterspout was spotted north of Green Turtle Cay. Residents and guests took pictures and videos while the music began to play; however, a few minutes later after the waterspout had noticeably increased in size and had apparently made landfall the Festival Chairman, Karen McIntosh interrupted the music and advised everyone to seek safety.
The waterspout, now an on-land tornado moved from the north side of Green Turtle Cay towards Black Sound causing mostly cosmetic damage to trees. David Bethel, owner of New Plymouth Liquors, received damage to one corner of his home as the tornado caused the wall to buckle. A red truck in the front yard also received damage as a large tree was uprooted and landed on it. It was also reported that a home occupied by visitors was hit twice by the tornado, blowing out the windows and scattering glass, debris, water and sand throughout the home. The Green Turtle Cay Fire Department responded quickly after the tornado hit to assist the victims of the storm.
May 15, 2013
The Abaconian
The Cays Fires
From Page 10
then designed it for adaptation as a first responder vehicle. The adaptations, such as slides for the pumps to slide in and out on, were carried out by CJ’s Welding in Marsh Harbour. Mr. Russell is very pleased with the adapted vehicle which he says “Works real well.” It includes all of the necessities for fire fighting including pumps, hoses and fire extinguishers and also carries some medical equipment. The pumps are able to pump water from rain water cisterns. The portable pumps slide on and off so that they can be carried by boat and, in fact,
all of the equipment comes off and can be loaded into boats when necessary. “The last fire we responded to we had to get there by boat,” stated Mr. Russell. This unique vehicle has been named ‘Lil Amber’ in memory of the young girl who lost her life in the dreadful fire of 1999. Fortunately, the Man O War Cay Fire Department only has to deal with a fire approximately once every three years on the Cay but they also help in Marsh Harbour whenever their assistance is needed. There they assist by pumping sea water. Mr. Russell is proud to say that when assisting at the Golden Harvest fire in Marsh Harbour, the Man O War Cay Fire De-
Roads
partment saved Standard Hardware by the constant flow of water they trained on that building. They also helped more recently in the Pigeon Pea fire. Every two years a member of the American Heart Association visits Man O War Cay to recertify the fire fighters in CPR. According to Mr. Russell, many of their calls are for emergency sickness cases. Fire Chief Roy Russell is assisted by his deputy, George Philpott and President of the Man O War Fire and Rescue, Walter Sweeting.
Section A
Page 21
From Page 16
“They are supposed to be professional road builders. They can’t plan for a little rain?” the resident said in regards to company spokespeople blaming weather conditions for the almost immediate degrading of that particular stretch of road. Bill Simmons Construction has since revisited the area several times to again re-grade and re-seal it. Barring further degradation of that road, a motorist who frequents the road concedes it is acceptable but expresses concern about the next heavy rain. Working separately from Simmons Construction, the Department of Works has carried out patching along certain areas throughout Central Abaco. However, their crew is often in short-supply of patching materials which is sent from Nassau.
The Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour announces the availability of a limited number of luxury condominiums for sale at
The Harbour Residences
Above: Fire Chief Roy Russell and Fire and Rescue President Walter Sweeting with Man O War’s unique Fire Rescue vehicle.
For more information visit
www.AbacoBeachResort.com or call 242-367-2585 or 242-367-2158
Page 22
Section A
The Abaconian May 15, 2013
Abaco woman wins Bronner Bros. Makeup Competition
South Abaco
Everyone a winner at Little Harbour Dolphin Derby
Above: a happy angler accepts a bronze sculpture from Pete Johnston for his participation in the Dolphin Derby. The awards ceremony for the Little Harbour Dolphin Derby was held on Saturday, May 11. A jovial, informal event punctuated by jokes and brief stories, the awards were handed out at Pete’s Pub. The event started precisely at 5 pm –Bahamian time. Besides the awards for the regular fishing tournament fare, prizes were handed out for a variety of off-the-wall achievements. “Best influence of the judge” was one, as well as “Most questionable story.
Albury’s Ferry Service There & Back.....Again EFFECTIVE: JULY , 2012
Ph: 242-367-0290
Fax: 242-367-0291
The prizes were, of course, fashioned by Pete Johnston of Pete’s Pub and Gallery fame. The “actual” prizes were as follows: Biggest Dolphin- 41lbs, caught by “Catfish” Biggest Tuna- 64lbs, caught by Tyler Albury, on “Cloud 9” Biggest Wahoo- 71lbs, caught by Jordan on “Cloud 9” Biggest Grouper- 33lbs, tied by Greg Johnston on the “Menu” and Terrance Albury on “Cloud 9.” This was the twenty sixth Little Harbour Dolphin Derby.
Hotels and House Rental Agents + agents with multiple cottages and houses Sea Level Cottages
Area Code 242 unless listed otherwise
Island-wide Abaco Listings
REGULAR FERRY SCHEDULE Marsh Harbour to Hope Town 20 minute ride
7:15am / 9:00am / 10:30am /12:15pm 2:00pm 4:00pm / 5:45pm
Hope Town to Marsh Harbour
8:00am / 9:45am / 11:30am /1:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm / 5:00pm / 6:30pm
Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War 20 minute ride
7:15 / 10:30am / 12:15pm / 2:30pm* 4:00pm / 5:45pm *Except Sundays and Holidays
Man-O-War to Marsh Harbour
8:00am / 11:30am / 1:30pm /3:15pm* / 5:00pm *Except Sundays and Holidays
Marsh Harbour to Scotland/Guana Cay 30 minute ride
6:45am / 10:30am / 1:30pm /3:30pm 5:45pm
Scotland/Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour 8:am / 11:30am / 2:30pm / 4:45pm / 6:30pm
Any stops outside the main harbour will be a minimum charge of two persons. Two persons or over will remain at regular charge.
During the month of August through December there are some adjustments made to the schedule. You are advised to contact the office for any changes.
REGULAR FERRY FARES
One Way: $17.00 Round Trip - Open Return: $27.00 Children 6-11: Half Price Children 5 and under: Free 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.
By Canishka Alexander On Feb.14, a group of 10 women from Restoration Academy School of Salon Professionals travelled to Atlanta to compete in the famous 65-year-old Bronner Bros. competition show. Two days later, the first Bronner Bros. Makeup Competition Challenge took place and was sponsored by Ruby Kisses Cosmetics. Two of the 10 women from Restoration Academy entered the competition by paying a $50-fee to participate. There were 13 competitors from around the world and among them were Nemara Saunders and Latiska Bowleg-Moore from Abaco. For the competition, the two women were required to “prep” their live models’ hair and outfits prior to the day of the event. The women competed in front of a live audience of more than 300 people with 30 minutes to transform their models for Round One, which was a bridal look. Only one of the women from Restoration Academy was chosen to move on to Round Two where only five contestants were chosen in total. They were given 30 minutes to transform their bridal look into a night-on-the-town look. Judges included Dave Ray nicknamed “The Beauty Surgeon”; Ray is an international award-winning stylist, educator, platform artist and author with more than 29 years in the industry. He has recently written two educational publications entitled: “Mind Your Business” and “What Is Good Hair?” Ray was joined by Image Branding Beauty Consultant and International Celebrity Hair Stylist Sherita Cherry along with one other famous judge.
Abaco Cottage + Abaco Vacation Planner +
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3 hse 366-2053 5 cottages 366-2075
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Grand Cay
Rosie’s Place
Green Turtle Cay
366-0576 367-3529
352-5458
Barefoot Homes 14 hse 577-4092 Bluff House Club 12 units 365-4247 Cocobay Cottages 6 cott 800-752-0166 Green Turtle Club 35 rm 365-4271 Island Properties + 34 hse 365-4047 New Plymouth Inn 9 rm 365-4161 Ocean Blue Properties + 34 365-4636 Other Shore Club 365-4226 Roberts Cottages 3 cott 365-4105
Guana Cay
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 Hope T Harb Lodge 25 rm 366 0095 Hope T Hideaways + 63 hse 366-0224 Hope Town Inn 6 rm 4 Villas 366-0003 Hope T Villas + 3 hse 366-0266 Lighthouse Rentals 4 cott 366-0154 Sea Gull Cottages + 4 hse 366-0266 Sea Spray Resort 6 villas 366-0065 Tanny Key + 43 hse 366-0053 Turtle Hill 4 villas 366-0557
Lubbers Quarters
4 hse
Man-O-War
366-3121
Island Home Rentals + Schooner’s Landing Waterway Rentals +
2 hse 365-6048 5 condos 365-6072 14 hse 365-6143
Abaco Beach Resort Abaco Real Estate + Abaco Towns Ambassador Inn Bustick Bight Resort Conch Inn Living Easy + Island Breezes Motel Lofty Fig Villas Pelican Beach Villas Regattas HG Christie +
82 rms 6 hse 16 apts 6 rms 8 rms 9 rms 16 hse 8 rms 6 eff 6 cott 32 apts 11 hse
Marsh Harbour area
Sandy Point
367-2158 367-2719 367-0148 367-2022 367-3980 367-4000 367-2202 367-3776 367-2681 367-3600 577-6764 367-4151
Oeisha’s Resort 366-4139 Pete & Gay’s Resort 14 rm 366-4119 Rickmon’s Bonefishing 10 rm 800-628-1447 Spanish Cay Resort
Spanish Cay
18 rm 6 hse 365-0083
Treasure Cay
Bahama Beach Club 88 units 365-8500 Brigantine Bay Villas 5 units 877-786-8455 Treasure Cay Resort + 95 rms 365-8801 Mark’s Bungalows 4 units 365-8506 Abaco Estate Services + 365-8752 Island Dreams Rental + 357-6576
Above: Latiska Bowleg-Moore, winner of the first Bronner Bros. Makeup Competition in Atlanta on Feb.16. The judges mentioned that they were looking for the proper choice of foundation for skin colour, blending of makeup, eye shadow and eyebrows along with other techniques. Latiska made history by not only winning this competition, but the judges also mentioned that the score was a phenomenal 30/30 – “a perfect score.” Latiska Bowleg-Moore made an historic representation of Restoration Academy School of Salon Professionals and The Bahamas. Her prizes included $500, 1st Place Winner Bronner Bros. Beginner’s Makeup Challenge trophy, and $250 worth of Ruby Kisses Cosmetics products. Latiska’s model Rashae Davis will be featured in next year’s Bronner Bros. Magazine. “Thank God for the gift that He has given me, and Sharman Davis for giving me the opportunity to represent her school,” Latiska said. “Also my family and friends who supported me because the trip would not have been possible without the combination of them all.”
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Web Sites with Abaco Information
http://www.abaconian.com http://www.abacos.com http://www.abacoinet.com http://www.oii.net http.//www.abacoinfo.com http://www.bahamas.com http.//www.abacocottage.com Rev. March 2012
www.lbtmarine.com bthompson@lbtmarine.com Cell: 242-357-6532 Ph/Fax: 242-367-2704
May 15, 2013
Emergency Services
Police - Marsh Harbour 367-2560 • 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 Abaco Crash Fire & Rescue 365-9111 BASRA Bah Air Sea Rescue Assoc - all areas Marine VHF 16 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 Auskell Advanced Medical Clinic.................................367-0020 Integrated Medical Center...........................................367-1304 Emergency................................................458-1234 Marsh Harbour Medical Centre....................................367-0049 Government Clinic, Marsh Harbour............................367-2510 Corbett Clinic, Treasure Cay .........................................365-8288 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 Government Clinic, Fox Town ......................................365-2172
Dental Services
Agape Family Dental, Marsh Harbour..........................367-4355 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 Beach.....................................367-1900 American Eagle - Miami ......................................................367-2231 Bahamasair - Nassau,W. Palm B, Ft Laud .............................367-2095 Regional - Freeport...............................................................367-0446 Silver Airline - Orlando Ft. Laud and W Palm Beach...............................................367-3415 Sky Bahamas - Nassau..........................................................367-0996 Western Air - Nassau ............................................................367-3722 Local air charters serving Bahamas & S.Florida Abaco Air...............................................................................367-2266 Cherokee Air Charters .........................................................367-3450
Dive Shops
Abaco Dive Adventures, Marsh Harbour......................367-2963 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 Man-O-War Dive Shop .................................................365-6013
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
The Abaconian
Section A
Visitors’ Guide
Page 23
Restaurants • Services • Transportation w w w. t h e a b a c on ian .c o 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
All phones use area code 242 unless noted
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 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. 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
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 Light Station.....................................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 Working boatyards......................................Man-O-War cay
Bring errors & revisions to our attention Revised Dec 2012
Bonefish Guides Casaurina Point Junior Albury................ 366-3058 Cherokee Noel Lowe.................... 366-2107 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............ 365-4070 Hope Town Maitland Lowe............. 366-0234 Tom Albury................... 366-3141 Man-O-War David Albury................ 365-6502
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
Pocket Beaches
• 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
Items of interest
• Man-O-War boat yards • Blackwood blue hole & sisal mill • Cedar Harbour plantation ruins - need guide • Hole-in- Wall lighthouse - last mile very rough road • Abaco wild horses by appointment 367-4805 • Bird watching - ask tourism 367-3067
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
Abaco Marinas - Slips - Fuel - Phone
Green Turtle Cay Bluff House ....................... 45..........F..........365-4200 Green Turtle Club ............... 32..........F..........365-4271 Black Sound Marina........... 15......................365-4531 Other Shore Club................ 12..........F..........365-4195 Abaco Yacht Service........... 10..........F..........365-4033 Leeward Yacht Club............ 26.........F...........365-4191 Treasure Cay Treasure Cay Marina......... 150..........F..........365-8250 Man-O-War Man-O-War Marina ........... 26..........F..........365-6008 Marsh Harbour Boat Harbour Marina....... 183..........F..........367-2158 Conch Inn........................... 75..........F ..........367-4000 Harbour View Marina......... 36..........F ..........367-2182 Mangoes Marina................ 29......................367-4255 Marsh Harbour Marina....... 52..........F.......... 367 2700 Hope Town Hope Town Marina............. 16......................366-0003 Hope Town Hideaways.................................366-0224 Lighthouse Marina............... 6..........F..........366-0154 Sea Spray........................... 60..........F..........366-0065 Spanish Cay Spanish Cay Marina............ 75..........F..........365-0083 Guana Cay Bakers Bay Marina........... 158..........F..........365-5802 Guana Hide-aways............. 37......................577-0003 Orchid Bay.......................... 64 .........F..........365-5175
Boats can clear Customs at Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay or Marsh Harbour
Bikes & Scooters • Boats Cars & Cart Rentals Marsh Harbour A & P Car Rentals ..............................................367-2655 Abaco Dorado Boat Rentals...............................367-1035 B & B Boat Rentals............................................367-7368 Bargain Car Rentals...........................................367-0500 Blue Wave Boat Rentals ....................................367-3910 Concept Boat Rentals........................................367-5570 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 ..............................................365-4084 Cruising Cart Rentals.........................................365-4065 D & P Cart Rental ..............................................365-4655 Donnie’s Boat Rentals........................................365-4119 Kool Karts.........................................................365-4176 Reef Boat Rentals .............................................365-4145 Sea Side Carts & Bikes.......................................365-4147 T & A Cart Rentals.............................................375-8055 Guana Cay Donna Sands Cart Rentals ................................365-5195 Dive Guana Boats & Bikes..................................365-5178 Orchid Bay Cart rentals......................................354-5175 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 Adventure on Prozac - Kayak.............................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 Abaco Adventures - Kayaks ..............................365-8749
Marsh Harbour Jody Albury................375-8068 Sidney Albury.............477-5996 Richard Albury...........367-0367 Terrance Davis...........375-8550 Buddy Pinder.............366-2163 Justin Sands..............367-3526 Danny Sawyer...........367-3577 Jay Sawyer................367-3941 North Abaco O’Donald McIntosh....477-5037 Alexander Rolle.........365-0120 Edward Rolle.............365-0024 Herbert Thurston.......365-2405 Sandy Point Valantino Adderley.....366-4323 Anthony Bain.............366-4107 Derek Gaitor..............366-4249 Nicholas Roberts.......366-4486 Treasure Cay Capt. Joe Pritchard....559-9117
Restaurant Guide Prices $ Low, $$ Moderate, $$$ Upper (Based on dinner entree range) + Picnic tables & restroom only ‡ Provides ride from town Marsh Harbour Abaco Pizza..................................$................... 367-4488 Anglers....................................$$$................... 367-2158 Curly Tails ................................$$$................... 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 Pop’s Place + ...............................$................... 367-3796 Snack Shack +.............................$................... 367-4005 Snappas.....................................$$................... 367-2278 Wallys .....................................$$$................... 367-2074 Hope Town Abaco Inn ...............................$$$................... 366-0133 Cap’n Jacks.................................$$................... 366-0247 Harbour’s Edge.......................... $$................... 366-0087 H T Coffee House (B & L)...............$.................. .366-0760 H T Harbour Lodge ...................$$$................... 366-0095 Munchies.....................................$................... 366-0423 OnDa Beach...............................$$................... 366-0558 Sea Spray ‡................................$$................... 366-0065 Sugar Shack +.............................$................... 366-0788 Little Harbour Pete’s Pub...................................$$................... 366-3503 Lubber’s Quarter Cracker P’s..................................$$................... 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 Coco Beach Bar & Grill..................$................... 365-8470 Florence’s Cafe..............................$.................. .365-8354 Spinnaker Restaurant ..............$$$................... 365-8469 Touch of Class .........................$$$................... 365-8195 Treasure Sands Club.................$$$.................. .365-9385 Green Turtle Cay Bluff House..............................$$$................... 365-4200 Jolly Roger Bistro.......................$$................... 365-4200 Green Turtle Club .....................$$$................... 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
Page 24
Section A
The Abaconian May 15, 2013
HOME INSURANCE
Your Peace Of Mind Is Important To Us! Insurance Management makes home protection a priority with the most dependable protection in The Bahamas. It's how they've earned their good reputation. Coverage you can rely on.
INSURANCE MANAGEMENT
(BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS
Nassau
Freeport
Abaco
Eleuthera
Exuma
Rosetta Street P.O.Box SS-6283 Tel: (242) 394-5555 Fax: (242) 323-6520
1, Pioneer’s Way P.O.Box F-42541 Tel: (242) 350-3500 Fax: (242) 350-3510
Queen Elizabeth Dr. P.O.Box AB-20666 Tel: (242) 367-4204 Fax: (242) 367-4206
Queen’s Highway P.O.Box EL-25190 Tel: (242) 332-2862 Fax: (242) 332-2863
Queen’s Highway P.O.Box SS-6283 Tel: (242) 336-2304 Fax: (242) 336-2305
email: info@imbabaco.com