Sept 15, 2013 a

September 15, 2013

VOLUME 21

NUMBER 18

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 1

September 15th, 2013

Crawfish season sees major downturn Poaching, undersized harvesting and water temp. blamed

By Timothy Roberts According to the Department of Marine Resources and local commercial fishermen, the 2013 crawfish season has been disappointing with some seeing as much as a fifty percent reduction based on last year’s opening.

Assistant Fisheries Superintendent Wayne Cornish says while they don’t have an analysis of the crawfish season thus far as yet, he noted that from what he has heard and seen from fishermen in the Grand Cay area that there were very low returns during the first few weeks but they have since seen a slight increase in recent weeks.

“I know of fishermen from Grand Cay who travelled as much as eighteen miles and returned with just twenty pounds of crawfish but more recently they have brought in sixty pounds or more,” Mr. Cornish said.

He indicated that while crawfishing out of season and the taking of undersized crawfish may have had an impact on the low numbers the water temperatures were also a factor in his opinion.

Crawfishing is big business in this country, and with stocks down it depresses the local economy. Above: a typical crawfishing vessel.

MP inspects Don MacKay road works

Asphalt to extend to Crossing

North Abaco Member of Parliament inspected the road work being done along Don MacKay Blvd. starting at the airport roundabout. He expressed hope that the project, from the roundabout to the Crossing, would be completed before Christmas. See page 6.

Please see

Crawfish

Page 20

BNT organizes town meeting to bring awareness to proposed National Parks Parks will be zoned to allow fishing

Above: BNT Executive Director, Eric Carey (green), talks to the crowd during the recent town hall meeting.

By Mirella Santillo A town meeting coordinated by officers of The Bahamas National Trust was held at the Anglican Church Hall during the evening of August 21. The topic of the presentation was to expose the reasons why two areas of Abaco, Cross Harbour and the Marls, were being proposed as national parks as well as to get feedback from community stakeholders on how they would like these areas to be used.

Several representatives of The Bahamas National Trust participated in the presentation, including the Executive Director, Eric Carey, and David Knowles, Director of Parks.

A consultant from ECOnnect, D’Shan Maycock, began by giving a brief history of BNT which was created by an act of

Parliament in 1959 to manage the National Parks System. National Parks were created to protect certain areas of ecological, economical and historical significance, in order to leave a patrimony to further generations. There are six parks on Abaco: Pelican Cays Land and Sea, Black Sound Cay, Walker’s Cay, Tilloo Cay Reserve, Fowl Cay and the National Park Forest.

The presentation focused on demonstrating that the two proposed areas were of great importance to marine life in general and particularly to bone fish and therefore to the economy of the island. The addition of these two parks would fall into the plan of the present and previous administrations Please see

BNT

Page 5

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

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

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

Page 2

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

Central & All Abaco

Fire destroys old Marsh Harbour home

Above: firefighters tackle the blaze.

By Timothy Roberts Fire destroyed a residence on the corner of Poppy’s Way and Don McKay Blvd. late in the afternoon on September 4 leaving a family of immigrants homeless.

Three fire alerts came in quick succession at about 6 pm by phone and VHF radio that was a house near the BTC office, a fire in the Mudd and a fire near the police station.

The Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire and Rescue (MHVFR) responded and found billowing clouds of black smoke

coming from the old concrete block home; the firemen found the interior totally engulfed with flames coming out the eaves on all four sides of the house.

According to eyewitness reports when the occupant discovered the fire he tried to extinguish the flames with a garden hose. Someone assisting him thought they were being helpful by smashing windows; however, this only let in more air increasing the fire’s intensity. By the time the firemen were alerted, the entire interior of the house was in flames.

unitedabacoshippingco@coralwave.com

All five of MHVFR’s engines responded and eighteen volunteer firemen were on the scene for about four hours with two dispatchers monitoring the activity by VHF. Traffic was heavy as the incident happened just after closing time for many businesses, and the smoke and flames attracted a lot of attention. Being a block away from the Mudd and Pigeon Peas, the huge plume of smoke brought out hundreds of spectators.

Although the exterior of the 50-plusyear-old-house was concrete block, the interior was constructed with Abaco pine.

This wood is rich in resin and feeds a very hot fire. The house was totally destroyed, but there were neither casualties nor damage to neighbouring structures.

The firemen who had been working in the heat were grateful for the donation of bottled drinking water by local businesses including Maxwell’s.

Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire and Rescue urges anyone confronted with a structural fire to call the emergency line at 367-2000 immediately even when they attempt to control the fire themselves. The firemen would rather arrive to scene where the fire was just put out than go to one that is out of control due to late reporting.

Toastmasters plan for installation ceremony, new member induction

By Canishka Alexander Toastmasters from the Abaco Lighthouse Beamers Club are gearing up for a spectacular Installation Ceremony on Oct. 5 at Great Abaco Beach Resort’s Below Decks. New executive officers will be installed during the ceremony for the 20132014 year along with members who have recently joined the club.

According to President Charmaine Bonaby, members were elected for seven posts: President, Vice President of Education, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms. Because the Toastmaster year begins on July 1, newly elected officers assumed office on that date.

A total of six members joined between the years of 2012 to 2013 with an additional two more joining in 2013 to 2014.

District 47 Area Governor, Toastmaster Jethro Dixon from Grand Bahama will attend the event, while the keynote address will be given by one of the club’s members. A honourary segment is planned for immediate past presidents followed by entertainment at the end of the ceremony.

“This will be the most grand Installa-

Please see

Toastmasters Page 7

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Damianos

Section A

Page 3

Page 4

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

coldwell

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Central & All Abaco BNT

From Page 1

to have 20% of The Bahamas’ near-shore marine resources protected and managed as National Parks by the year 2020.

According to bone fishing guides, Cross Harbour offers wetland ecology; it provides information on the connectivity between the mangrove habitat and the reefs and it is the site of spawning aggregation for bone fish.

The Marls, the largest wetland ecosystem on Abaco, is a nursery for many fish; it provides carbon storage and is considered a significant Ramsar Convention site. It is important for migrating fowl and water birds and is used by hunters and bone fishermen. Last, it acts as a natural barrier protecting the coast from storm surge.

As part of the planning process to dedicate an area as a national park, a previous meeting was held in Sandy Point and more meetings will be held on Abaco to invite feedback from residents.

A scientific assessment was done by a team of National Trust scientists as well as an assessment by a conservation team, to determine the significance of these areas. The proposed boundaries have been released to invite the public’s comments.

The proposal will then be submitted to the government prior to a second round of public consultation. The proposal will then be reviewed and re-submitted to the Government.

Contrary to the previous attitude of the Bahamas National Trust Board who had issued a strict management strategy for national parks, the proposed management option for those two parks will offer a multi-zoning approach.

The Director of Parks wanted to reassure the public that the creation of these parks will be to conserve the marine environment, but it will allow sustainable fishing, tourism, transport and some development. It will allow the replenishment of marine resources without restricting their enjoyment by the public.

The parks will comprise five types of zoning:

•restricted areas •sanctuary zones •habitat protection zones •general managed zones •special purpose zones Olivia Paterson, with Friends of the Environment, also commented on the importance of these areas. The goal, she said, was to ensure that the bio-diversity of these habitats was maintained so future generations of Bahamians and tourists continue to fish and benefit from the marine resources of these creeks.

The presentation was followed by an open discussion forum.

People objected that the creation of more national parks would take away from fishermen.

Mr. Carey pointed out that not many fishermen were present at the meeting. He assured that there will be back and forth communications with people until an agreement is reached. He reminded the audience that there had been a decline in fisheries and that something had to be done to insure an ongoing supply of marine resources.

He also pointed out that decisions concerning one’s island should not be made on a desk in Nassau, but by people living on that island.

One person commented that the area set asides in the Marls was too large as it extends as far as crawfishing grounds; it was agreed that it should be reduced.

“You are ahead of the world with your parks system,” stated Mr. Carey, “you should be proud of it”.

Mr. Knowles stressed the fact that the proposed parks will be managed as multi zones areas. He asked people to get involved in discussions on what is happening in their environment.

One of the bone fishing guide present gave his agreement of the project on the grounds that “if you do not protect what you have, you will lose what you’ve got.”

Refreshment were offered and discussions on a one to one basis continued a good while after the presentation had ended.

Retired Defence Force Officer honoured during 40th Independence Celebrations

Above: Mr. Peterson James is to the left of the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation, in the center of the photo.

By Canishka Alexander As part of The Bahamas’ 40th Independence Celebrations, Retired Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Peterson D. James, was honoured as one of the survivors of the HMBS Flamingo vessel on May 10, 1980.

Mr. James received a commemorative set of stamps depicting the crewmembers of the ill-fated voyage from the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation, in New Providence in July.

The 65-cents stamp depicts the faces of the four crewmen – Fenrick Sturrup, David Tucker, Edward Williams and Austin Smith – who died during an attack by Cuban military MiG fighter jets after two Cuban fishing vessels were found poaching in Bahamian waters.

Mr. James expressed that while he was pleased to receive recognition during Please see

Famingo

Page 6

Furniture Plus

Page 5

Page 6

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

Central & All Abaco

MP inspects Don MacKay road works

By Mirella Santillo The MP for North Abaco, Mr. Renardo Curry, inspected the on-going road work on Don Mackay Boulevard on September 2. He inspected the portion of road near the Airport Round-About which has already been resurfaced with two layers of asphalt.

For the time being, the round-about is in the process of being filled. It will be re-surfaced when the fill is properly packed and rolled.

Mr. Curry explained that as per the contract that was recently renegotiated, Simmons Company Ltd will repair the potholes on the boulevard and resurface the entire road with two coats of asphalt all the way to the traffic light. He then stated that work could continue all the way to the Crossing by Albury’s Ferry.

The company which is proceeding portion by portion, started at the Airport Round-About and re-surfacing first the right side of the boulevard going north, to allow traffic through and will proceed up to the traffic light before resurfacing the next side.

This done, the resurfacing will continue along Queen Elizabeth Drive up to the Crossing ferry dock and later from the traffic light to the Port and eventually will join with the road leading to the Government Complex Building.

The Member of Parliament explained that once the work is completed, the business community might be contacted to adopt the part of the road situated in front of their store or office to help with landscaping to compliment the road work.

Mr. Curry estimated that the work should be completed before Christmas.

In addition, Mr. Curry said, “I kindly ask the motoring public to exercise patience and attend to re-routes and detours while road works are being carried out. In addition, we are working with Simmons and Ministry of Works to repair the nuisance potholes throughout the Dundas Town and Murphy Town townships. I feel confident the wait time will be worth it as we will finally receive good roads.”

Terminal conduit delays roadwork

along Don MacKay Blvd. According to Simmons Construction the suspension of work was due to several factors; notably the arrival of a BTC work crew which intended to bury a conduit under a section of freshly laid asphalt.

Simmons Construction accommodated the crew by indicating the best possible area to bury the conduit. The location would be the easiest, according to Simmons Construction, to repair.

The BTC conduit that was installed is set to service the new airport control tower.

Another cause of the delay was a shipment of aggregate being late. The shipment is expected later in the week and is necessary to complete the paving of Don Mackay Blvd to south of SC Bootle Highway.

In the absence of the aggregate work will continue on the roundabout and preparatory work will be done along Don MacKay.

Flamingo

Above: a conduit intended to serve the new terminal had to be laid under freshly paved asphalt. Simmons indicated to the BTC crew an area to dig that would be the easiest to repair. Photo courtesy Dwayne Wallas.

Paving work was suspended Thursday, September 5 through September 9

From Page 5

the anniversary celebrations, the tragic incident aboard the HMBS Flamingo is one that he will never forget and is one that replays in his mind from time to time.

He currently resides on Abaco as a motivational speaker and change agent for his company called Rise and Shine Motivational and Inspirational Moments, and speaks at various youth group organizations and schools. He can be contacted at 458-5451 or 365-0108.

Thirty seniors enjoyed Urban Renewal luncheon

By Mirella Santillo On August 23, thirty senior citizens from the Central Abaco area were treated by the Department of Urban Renewal to a special luncheon that took place on the premises of the Dundas Town Burial Society. Urban Renewal’s Office Manager, Paulette Nesbitt, explained that the function was held under the patronage of the MP for North Abaco, Renardo Curry, and of Cabinet member, Ryan Pinder, both of whom attended the event.

The food was donated by local businesses and prepared and served by the staff of the Urban Renewal Office.

A van, also donated for the occasion, picked the guests up from the various settlements of Spring City, Murphy Town and Dundas Town and dropped them back home after a few hours. During the function, the invitees entertained themselves by singing, catching up with old acquaintances and generally socializing. It lasted from 1:30pm to 4:30 pm, not long enough to the liking of some people, such a good time were they having.

The office of Urban Renewal, which is under the Ministry of Works and Urban Development, is located in Dundas Town and is staffed by five members. Besides Mrs. Nesbitt, there are four facilitators: Sandra Bootle, Ernestine Albury, Vernita Reckley and Weldon Davis. Their job it is to assess the needs of Abaco’s communiPlease see

Lunch

Page 7

Marble and Granite

counter tops, showers and floors installed Made in Marsh Harbour Call 367-6867 or 367-4726 View installations on our web site:

abacomarbleandgranite.com

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 7

Central & All Abaco Lunch

From Page 6

ties, such as minor home repairs, logistics problems and to evaluate situations needed to be referred when necessary to the Department of Social Services.

Mrs. Nesbitt mentioned that she was planning to organize the preparation of a breakfast with the left over donated food. It will be prepared at the office and delivered to the seniors.

She is also in the process of getting sponsors to organize a Senior Day, during which the elderly will be taken from their homes for a trip outside of their neighborhood.

Toastmasters

From 2

tion Ceremony and public event for Toastmasters,” Bonaby promised. “We are looking forward to a full house.”

Because it is a public event, the Abaco community is welcome to attend and support them in this venture. Syrena Hollingsworth, VP of Public Relations, said that tickets will be sold for the Installation Ceremony at a cost of $35 each, so interested persons can purchase tickets by calling 375-3734.

Hollingsworth joined the Abaco Lighthouse Beamers last year, and has already secured the Table Topics Speaker of the Year Award for 2012-2013. As the club’s president, Bonaby shared how Toastmasters has transformed her to become more outspoken and a people’s per-

son.

“When it comes to a job or function, I make it my business to perform it,” she assured.

Moving forward, Bonaby added that she wants the Abaco Lighthouse Beamers to become a President’s Distinguished Club, which means achieving nine out of 10 goals that Toastmasters International has for the club. She also looks to ensure that members are educated in terms of the purpose of Toastmasters, which is to assist people with speaking and leadership.

Additionally, Toastmasters targets students, and the Youth Leadership Program will be offered once again to schools on Abaco by Senior Coordinators Julieth Stuart-McCafferty and Glenn Fernander.

Teachers at Central Abaco Primary School head a club called Pacesetters, which became a chartered club under Toastmasters International between May and June of 2013.

Each month, guests are also invited to attend bi-monthly meetings at the Conch Inn at 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday. The next scheduled meeting is on Sept. 12 under a back-to-school theme entitled: “The Best Lesson I Never Learned.” Members will take a “walk down memory lane with great stories games and throw backs." The dress code is school uniforms.

Tickets will be sold at Charmaine Bonaby’s company C & C Accounting as well as Kemp’s Private Maid Service at 367-0220 and Garden of Life.

Central Abaco District Council

By Kathy Ralph The Central Abaco District Council held its monthly meeting on August 28.

The first matter concerned the bathrooms at Crossing Beach that need extensive repairs. The Marsh Harbour Town Committee does not have the funds for repairs although it does have the funding for daily cleaning. The bathrooms need new toilets, urinals, basins, additional tile and new doors. The Town Committee estimates that the repairs will cost $4,000 which the Town Committee is asking the Council to fund. The restrooms are used by taxi drivers, passengers on the ferries and the customers of a restaurant located adjacent to the bathroom.

Chief Councillor George Cornish read a letter from the manager of the take-out, that outlined the problems. She was present when the letter was read and was able to comment. Both she and Town Committee Chairman Yvonne Key want a solution to the situation that is acceptable by everyone.

It was decided that the Council will allocate $4,000 to the Town Committee for repairs to the Crossing Beach bathrooms.

The Town Committee will be responsible for cleaning the restrooms daily while the take-out manager will provide soap, tissue and paper towels.

Moving on, the Council decided to install signs near schools on Don MacKay Boulevard that will require drivers maintain a 15 mph speed during hours when schools open and close. The ultimate goal is to install blinking yellow lights, but the

budget does not allow that at this time.

The Council will repaint the pedestrian crossing road marking on Forest Drive at the Central Abaco Primary School and Abaco Central High School. Other pedestrian crossing road markings on Don MacKay Boulevard will be done after the re-paving is completed.

The Council members are very upset about the situation at the landfill. The previous contractor was let go in June. No one is now responsible for the landfill. Big Cat now pushes the garbage weekly. But Council members cannot get a satisfactory answer from Nassau as what is to be done there long term. As far as they know, tenders have not been put out for landfill management. MP Renardo Curry, Minister of State for Abaco, is also working to get this problem resolved. Council members wondered how the public could push central government to act.

The Councillors feel that Abaco is not being treated well by Central Government.

They named the serious problems with the landfill, the roads with extensive potholes and the immigrant communities that are constantly expanding without oversight.

Mr. Cornish is finally getting internet service for the Council office. This will assist the office staff greatly.

Mr. Cornish plans to attend a meeting in Nassau of Chief Councillors from all the Family Islands to complain about the 2013-2014 budget figures for the FamPlease see

Council

Page 11

Open Year Round

Sea Spray will pick up from Hope Town

Boat House Restaurant Bahamian Breakfast - Sat. & Sun.

Come lounge at The Helm, our indoor bar

Enjoy a delicious dinner with us

WATERFRONT VILLAS On the ocean & harbour Full kitchen/air cond/sat TV

One, two & three bedroom units

Happy Hour Daily 5 pm - 6 pm

FULL SERVICE MARINA

• 60 Deepwater Slips • Fuel/ Oil/ Bait/ Ice • Fresh Water • Garbonzo Reef Bar

White Sound, Elbow Cay

For local transporation to Sea Spray call VHF 16 or 366-0065

email : info@seasprayresort.com www.seasprayresort.com

Page 8

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

From the Editor's Desk

Where did the $1.3 million go for the original road contract?

When the original plan was trotted out and put on display for us it was sand and seal and patching throughout Central Abaco. Not what was promised us during that very heated election, but if done properly could have been acceptable.

Was $1.3 million dollars’ worth of patching and sealing done? Most Abaconians, and I do not think I am making too broad of a statement there, would disagree.

When the government can’t afford to transport trash from the cays and manage the landfill, despite stripping it from local government’s budgets and directing it back into the hungry maw of Nassau, how can $1.3 million be so flippantly unaccounted for? Where did it go? Perhaps down inside those pits in front of Memorial Plaza?

Stand in front of that building one afternoon and watch traffic. The road is unusable. Motorists take to the sidewalks in vain hopes to avoid a trip to the center of the earth. And this is the very stretch of road that funnels most investors and tourists into our resorts.

One of their first impressions coming in and one of their last going out.

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

Was that original road contract absorbed into this new one? We are getting asphalt, the work is started and it seems to be going well. And I’ve been told its going all the way to the Crossing. If the contracts were combined then that is fine. But we do not know.

“Wait and see” is not an acceptable means of accountability.

It seems we’ve taken this wait and see approach for the airport, too. As the pipeline that feeds Abaco is wrung tighter by more government taxes, diverted because of rival destinations and clogged by residue of crime and entitlement – we sit back and accept, albeit scornfully, the fact that we haven’t tapped the new pipeline (that beautiful blue terminal that’s just sitting there) due exclusively to government bungling.

The previous administration laid plans that cost millions over budget to actually make workable. And the current can’t get official approvals for the work crews in on time to meet even the most lax of deadlines.

Budget cuts – yes I know. But the solution is not to tax the current airlift until we have enough to open the new airport. Those airlines, and passengers, won’t stick around for whenever we have that grand opening ceremony.

To “wait and see” is to sit on our spoiled backsides and watch this country be made lame.

We have a wonderful opportunity in this country. Our individual voices can be powerful and heard. Just to be safe, though, I suggest we start shouting soon.

For furher rading I would suggest Timothy Roberts excellent opinion piece on page 16.

Abaco’s most complete newspaper.

2022 Aero Circle New Smyrna Beach FL. 32168

7,500 copies Published twice monthly

Logo Photo Credit: Tuppy Weatherford

Reporters/Freelance Contributors: Canishka Alexander, Samantha Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Timothy Roberts, Mirella Santillo, Rashida Murray, Lee Pinder

Free at over 100 Abaco locations from Grand Cay to Moore’s Is. Subscription rates: $20.00 - Abaco $25 - other Bahamas (One Year) $45.00 USA $65 Canada - airmail $95.00 UK, Europe & Caribbean - surface Phone 242-367-3200 FAX 242-367-3677 AbaconianNews@gmail.com

Subscribe NOW Order form on Page 9

// Wait and See

This is to note a full retraction of the story which ran in the September 1 paper Titled “New Ministry opens near Treasure Cay.” It is our sincere apology to our readers and members of the community who were mislead by our printing of it. The author who penned it is no longer associated with this newspaper.

Community Calendar •Sept 12: Sands Beer Donates to Coopers Town Library •Sept 12: North Abaco Port Public Meeting, 7:30 pm, Cooper’s Town Church of God •Sept 13: Christian Counselling Center Seminar, 12:30 pm •Sept 16: Bahamahost, Marsh Harbour Courses Begin •Sept 20: Ernest Dean Highway Cleanup

•Sept 22: K&S Auto Grand Prize Draw •Sept 25: Abaco Business Outlook, 8:30 am, Abaco Beach Resort •Sept 26: Leaders Lunch, Abaco Beach Resort •Sept 26 – Sept 29: Salty Fly Bahamas 2013, Abaco Beach Resort •Sept 26: Archbishop Opens new ECC Building

•Sept 28: Dee Dee Roberts Medical Fundraiser, BAIC Park •Oct 1: Captain Jacks Reopens •Oct 5: Toastmasters Installation Ceremony, Abaco Beach Resort •Oct 5: Green Turtle Club Reopens •Oct 5: Agape Dental Fair, 9:00 am •Oct 8: Island Marine Reopens

•Oct 12: Open Water Swim, 9:00 am, Crossing Beach •Oct 12: Coconut Festival, BAIC Park •Oct 19: Rotary Club Souse Out, Snappas Bar & Grill

See details and more events at the community calendar online at TheAbaconian.com

Why subscribe?

The Abaconian will keep you informed on issues such as: • Resort & hotel development • Improvements to (and disrepair of) infrastructure • Important Utility Updates • Community events • Fishing, boating & sporting activities • New business ventures • Immigration, taxes or duty changes • Changes in airline service • Changes to laws and regulations • Actions by local government

Order The Abaconian Today Name Address Address City St. Postal code + Country E-mail or Tel # 24 issues - US$ or B$ Above subscription is a gift from: $45 USA via 3 rd Class If you want to renew this gift next year, $25 Bahamas via surface please give us your address below $20 to Abaco US$65 Canada via Airmail US$95 UK, Europe Surface Mail to: 2022 Aero Circle, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168 or: P.O. Box AB 20213, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas

WE NOW ACCEPT MASTER CARD/VISA NAME ON CARD:

Master Card

Visa

CARD NUMBER: EXP DATE: SIGNATURE: AMOUNT PAID:

JUNE 2012

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Letters to the Editor Another, Lesser Known Shanty Town Dear Editor, Please note that in your coverage of the shanty town situation on Abaco no reference was made to the close to 200 shanties at the entrance to the Treasure Cay Farm road. This apparently also is on private land and on land south of the Treasure Cay Airport. Satellite photos collected through the years from NASA show the growth of this blight and the ongoing destruction of the forest.

This first started growing about 11 years ago and despite memos to Nassau and around Abaco nothing was done, nothing was acknowledged.

Visitors and tourists to the Blue Hole and the Wild Horse Preserve must drive through this on their way in and on their way out. A sad commentary on how little respect there is for this wonderful island's natural beauties and tourist destinations.

Raw sewage from the shanties is being poured into the largest fresh water lens in Abaco, which lies under the peninsula.

A chicken fighting arena recently was broken up, it had been placed on the conservation area for the wild horses despite a warning that this land was for the horse preserve. For now the arena is gone, but small structures and heaps of garbage re-

main. Bahamians as well as Haitians were involved and have built in the shanty town.

While discussion goes on about more National Parks for Abaco, nothing is heard about forming a National Park on the peninsula that forms the farm and the horse preserve. Saving the water reservoir would be a main reason; other reasons are the geological, bird, plant and animal treasure that fill the area, to say nothing of the Blue Hole. The Blue Hole has been used for cleaning cars, changing car oil, laundry, baby bathing and as a public latrine to mention a few abuses.

Further, Norman’s Castle is at the north end of a spectacular run of beach and iron shore running from nearly the highway at the east around the peninsula to Norman’s Castle on the west side, covering the very top of the marls and containing in close proximity at least five distinct ecological habitats. You can stand in one place, make a 180 degree turn and see all these habitats as if they were displayed on a bar graph.

Please, include this fast growing shanty town in efforts to do something about them. Our water, our forests, a marvelous reserve of natural resources on the big peninsula are being eaten away by uncontrolled squatting.

Anonymous

Dear Editor, Warm greetings to you and all your readers. We have been blessed this season, no serious storms to wipe us out, as Floyd in 1999 and Jeanne in 2004.

I wonder if anyone of the paper readers ever tried to borrow five dollars, and only five, to spend at a food store, besides the pennies that a person may find on the pavement.

I’m not referring to Man –O-War where my grand mom came from. It’s a cold world these days, can’t spend smiles, grins and prayers, though they might make us feel better. Feelings are deceiving, same as smiles sometimes.

Old folks said “Talk is cheap, it takes money to buy land and whisky”, guess they forgot about overseas calls and faxes.

How do you feel about businesses where you may spend a lot of money and you could drop dead and they will not loan you a dollar.

I saw “Jimmy” yesterday by a bank; I didn’t ask to gimmie, he has a beautiful wife and handsome son, haven’t seen him in a long while. “Que Pasa” means what happened?

Guess you heard long ago, “My name is Jimmy, what ya got? Gimmie.” Well my name is not Jimmy, and I don’t ask to “gimmie”, but I do ask to borrow.

Mom spent almost a million to save me from cancer and most Marsh Harbour people seem to think I’m worth less than

Section A

Page 9

five cents. God thinks we are worth more?

We have a cousin Jimmy, in Nassau, he doesn’t gimmie, but a few crumbs would be nice.

P.S. By the way, “Thank You” to the police department for night patrols, but strange things happen in broad day.

-Lee Lowe

Tweets to the Editor

-y'all could write a whole paper on this stray dog mess in spring city. It’s getting way outa hand around here. @jesisands -[Regarding the announcement of more road work] yeh we been here before haven’t we? @futurebeej

Poll Results Abaconian readers were asked: Which of these projects would you prefer to see completed before Christmas?

•Airport Terminal Completed ( 60%) •Black Top Road Work Completed ( 25% ) •Landfill Under a Proper Contract ( 8% ) •Mini Hospital Opened ( 7% ) For more polls see: TheAbaconian.com/polls

“

MY FUTURE IS INVOLVED,

I DESERVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW.

”

Demand a Freedom of Information Act

so that the Bahamian People are ʻIn The Knowʼ; all true democracies throughout the world enjoy and prosper from this fundamental right.

Sign the petition www.chn.ge/15O68LY

SAVE THE BAYS

COALITION TO PROTECT CLIFTON BAY

learn more at

savethebays.bs

Page 10

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

BTC

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 11

Central & All Abaco Council

From Page 7

ily Islands. Most Council budgets were cut substantially from the previous year.

Mr. Cornish has used his phone extensively for Council matters. The Council allocated $300 to assist him with his $1200 phone bill.

The Council is asking to use the old clinic building when it is vacated. They want to convert it to a community center that will include a library, computer center and museum. They understand that the Ministry of Education would also like to use the building.

Progress report on the road works

By Timothy Roberts While road works progress at the airport access roads and roundabout Bill Simmons Construction and Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. has faced several obstacles including weather interruptions and a delay in material shipment from Grand Bahama.

A shipment of aggregate, which is required to continue the paving of Don Mackay Blvd to south of SC Bootle Hwy, was expected last week but has been delayed in Freeport and is now expected to arrive later this week. They expect to continue paving of Don Mackay Blvd. next week.

In the meantime progress will continue at the airport roundabout and approaches including the preparation of Don Mackay for paving.

Jeffrey Plant, Project Engineer for

Bill Simmons Company, speaking on the work at the roundabout, explained that “we have raised the southern half by just over a foot and the reason we did that is to improve the drainage off the roundabout and to reduce the possibility of flooding particularly at the south side of the roundabout where it’s very marshy.”

He said that they raised about 200 feet of the approach into the roundabout to give it a gentle slope and raised the crown (which is the center part of the road) so that water flows in both directions at about a two percent grade from the center of the road.

“So anytime it rains the water will run off the road to the sides or to the center of the roundabout,” he said. “And by raising the road we have more storage capacity [for rain water] inside the roundabout for the water to percolate down into the water table – the idea is to keep the road high and dry.”

He said the entrance road to the airport terminal has been finished – about 1000 feet to its final grade –and they have another 50 feet that they will put a second layer on when putting the final wearing course on the roundabout.

“What we are doing now on the roundabout is the regulating course,” Mr. Plant explained. “It’s about an inch to inchand-a-half of asphalt and it basically forms the base, but we will put the final wearing course on and you will end up with about two to two-and-a-half inches of asphalt.”

He said their goal is to get all the regulating course on the roundabout, which will define the final grades and the drainage, completed making the surface drivable.

He said that they will leave the regulating surface of the roundabout for about two weeks (to fully set) and “we would really like to pave around the roundabout in one day, both sides, and the best way to do that is on a Sunday.” He indicated that they were looking at next September 15 or possibly September 22 to do it.

“At the moment we have a lot of joints in the roundabout because we are

doing it in sections while accommodating traffic and dealing with challenges posed by the weather. The objective is to have as few joints as possible on the finish surface.” He said.

The plan next week is to continue down Don MacKay Blvd. towards town and eventually get to the traffic light, depending on the weather and the shipment of materials.

“Block Party” supports Lowe House initiative

Love for the Lowe’s is a joint community project by The Pilot Club of Abaco, The Rotary Club of Abaco and the Scurvy Few. On August 31 members from each club, along with Angela Lowe (pictured above in Pink) received donations of cinder blocks in front of BAIC Park, Standard Hardware also donated several hours use of their truck to collect cinder blocks from donors’ yards. 320 blocks were collected that day along with a pledge for 500 more as well as a cheque to purchase even more. A total of 645 was needed to begin the foundation of The Lowe House, which was condemned last year forcing the family of three, including Mrs. Lowes blind husband and handicapped son, out of their long time home.

ALL YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF FULL RANGE OF H U R R I CA N E S H U T T E R S Roll-a-way and Aluminum Panels

CRAWFISHING SEASON IS HERE & WE HAVE ALL THE GEAR YOU NEED! • Wet Suits

• Plywood

KEEP YOUR CRAWFISH CHILLED IN A GE CHEST FREEZER

• Masks

• Barrel Bolts

• Fins

• Nails

• Spears & Slings

• Flashlights • Batteries • Coolers

Diving Gear You Can Depend On!

• Tarps

Full Line of GE Products EXCLUSIVE GE DEALER Full Warranty & Service

• Lanterns • Hammers

RELIABLE POWER

• and more

We have the supplies you need to keep your home safe!

Ap p

lia

nc es

At Home or on The Job Site We Stock Gas & Diesel Generators for Home or for Business

Lum

ber

Pl

um

E Sulect pp ric lie al s

bi

ng

ts in Pa

g

Fencin

Ha r Todwa ol re s

g in es ildpli Buup S

e rin ts Ma duc o Pr

&

Thank You For Your Patronage!

It’s Summertime

GRILL OUT! We have a wide variety of Grills to fulfill your BBQ Hunger

PH: (242) 367-2170 Don MacKay Blvd., Marsh Harbour, Abaco

Page 12

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

DAMIANOS

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

DAMIANOS

Page 13

Page 14

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

The Cays

South Abaco

Hope Town District Council Cherokee Dump deteriorating

By Timothy Roberts The Hope Town District Council met on Saturday, August 31 to tackle the business of the communities of Guana Cay, Man-O-War and Hope Town including the final plans for a community library and concerns over the transportation of waste to the mainland.

Members of the Council expressed consternation at holding the meeting on a Saturday which the Chief Councillor, Jeremy Sweeting, explained was out of his control stating that his employer had decided to not allow him to have time off for Council meetings.

According to Mr. Sweeting, Abacays – the company responsible for transporting waste from Hope Town to the Central Abaco Dump – has not been paid for two months and is considering discontinuing their service if not paid soon.

Mr. Sweeting said that the Council had received word from Minister of the Environment, Ken Dorsett, that the responsibility for transportation for waste from the cays would be taken over by the Department of Environmental Health Services and they subsequently have received a cut to their budget to reflect that decision.

He noted that Minister Dorsett was scheduled to meet with him soon and he was hopeful that they would sort out the situation before it came to that.

A second home-owner of Hope Town is donating the funds for the construction of a new library for the community. The Council reviewed and approved the plans totaling just over $400,000 and are looking forward to the project’s much anticipated completion.

Nicholas Sands of Man-O-War submitted a proposal in person to the Council to repair the road to ‘Down Through’ as it has fallen into disrepair and many residents drive the road daily. The proposed repairs, which will cost about $9,300 and take about two weeks to complete, were approved by the Council.

A second home-owner seeking to expand his front porch presented his case to The Council. The porch extension would bring it two feet from the edge of the road.

Mr. Sweeting noted that the set-backs accepted in the historic district of the island are four feet, and the Council agreed that two feet would be too close; however, deferred the plan as they did a site tour after the meeting.

Lee McCoy sent a proposal to the Council to hold a 242 Color Run marathon in Hope Town on December 28. The five kilometer marathon event is currently held in Nassau annually and is seeking to expand to Abaco and Grand Bahama. The Council approved the event.

Above and below: images of the current state of the Cherokee Dump. Central government has yet to take control of contracting and maintenance of landfills, dumps and garbage management on Abaco after striking those items from Local Governments’ budgets.

Whether this is the cause of the condition of Cherokee’s dump is unknown at this time.

As of press time, the South Abaco District Chief Councillor could not be reached for comment.

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 15

Page 16

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

Opinion Democracy and Responsibility

By Timothy Roberts “The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.”

- Charles de Montesquieu The incompetence and venality of the government is a constant drip from the lips of the citizenry of any country, and The Bahamas is no different than any other country.

We bemoan whatever government holds the seat of power at the time for their lack of vision and the ways in which they continue to make life more difficult for “we the people.” We talk amongst ourselves of how worthless they are and how many promises they have broken or have yet to keep.

And it drones on.

We are a country of pundits and political experts but we enjoy a good talk all the while nothing ever comes of all the expertise we share with our friends and opponents. But it was a good show after all.

Yet here we are.

We face, as a country, a crime problem that, while we are told ‘the numbers are down’, continues at an alarming rate.

We have an out of control illegal immigrant problem that spans decades that has faced practically no opposition from multiple government administrations. We have an economy that is slowing from external and internal pressures and the fallout has left many seeking jobs while others have given up.

We have myriad issues and we have so few answers from politicians on these issues. Some issues are never addressed and others get cursory mentions as if the solution is on its way only to never arrive.

While we seek answers we never

press the right persons. We are far more comfortable reading or watching the news and discussing our disgust over whatever failures have happened with our friends and co-workers.

In short our apathy has deprived us of the government we believe we deserve.

Our lack of addressing our representatives and demanding their accountability to “we the people” is why we are where we are today. As the Bible tells “We have not because we ask not.” Likewise we lack a government that is responsive and accountable to the people because we have not required them to be.

Now 40 years into Independence I see growth in us as a people and I have some hope for the future as we are now broader in our thinking; however, we are far from where we could be. We are beginning to find ourselves as Bahamians but we are still seeking our voice.

Though Franklin D. Roosevelt was a president in a different style of democracy his words still ring true: “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.”

While we tend to set these men and women on pedestals above the citizenry we must temper that with the idea that those elected by us are sent to the House of Assembly to do our will. They are our employees at the end of the day and are subject to us.

I get the feeling that government does not recognize the fact that they are public servants and honestly they get that feeling from us. We have given them power to act on our behalf and as they act without the requirements of transparency and accountability it is no wonder that many end up serving themselves and the rich and powerful while consistently neglecting the needs of those who elect them.

When we decry the actions or lack of activity of our members of parliament we ought to be scolding ourselves. If it were not for the lack of accountability that we demand they might have done something for those they were elected to represent.

So we are upset with government? So what? Why should they care when come next election they will be reelected anyway (at least a good many will) and many were not elected for their ability to do anything and many have no record to run on; but they are reelected anyway.

Much of our problem as the electorate is that we are apathetic. We are upset but one would question if we cared enough to do something about it. Just like the illegal immigrant issue stirs a lot of emotion but nothing is ever done.

Former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling said once that if Bahamians are “not prepared to fight for your country you don’t deserve to have it.” Today we have a country that is progressing toward turmoil and unless we lose our complacency and stand up for our country we will likely have very little left worth fighting for.

So how do we move from turmoil and complacency to government accountability and national progress?

We must be willing to seek information – we need to seek facts about our country and the issues we face – and armed with truth speak to, call, email and write letters to our representatives and tell them what you expect from them. Share your thoughts on local and national issues. Request town meetings to regularly allow your voice to be heard.

Demonstrations and protests are necessary for representatives who are not listening. We need our representatives to know we demand their attention and that we require them to follow the will of the ones who elected them.

In the end the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt are again useful:

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”

The cries of the crowds of people who make up this country must be tempered with wisdom and as the electorate vote and seek accountability we must seek to be well informed and make sensible demands of government.

The beginning of the journey must begin with a demand for accountability and transparency and this road starts with the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The FOIA was passed by the previous administration but not enacted.

This administration has taken it off the table promising to adjust it and enact it before their term is done.

This crucial legislation must be demanded by all of us. The Prime Minister has alleged that he wants to deepen democracy yet while many pieces of legislation and numerous contracts make their way through the House of Assembly and on to the Senate we – who these acts and deals are signed on behalf of – have no idea what is being done in our name and where our hard earned money is spent.

FOIA is paramount to a free and democratic society and if the government is as corruption free as they claim to be it should be no problem for them to enact this legislation at their next sitting! We must demand it if we demand a corruption free government.

Beyond this and other relative legislation for the transparency and accountability of our public servants is the need for education reform. As quoted by President Roosevelt - “The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” The need for education is also vital to national progress.

An educated electorate is less susceptible to manipulative politicians and is more open to being an active cog in not only the democracy of a nation but the progress of the nation as a whole.

Let us seek to take those first steps toward building a better nation by demanding our government enact the FOIA and even demonstrating publicly if they do not get it done in a timely manner.

We are the ones who can save our nation and move our country in the right direction toward a common loftier goal!

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 17

Crime Report Possession of Unlicensed Firearm (Suspect arrested, charged and convicted) At 12:30pm on 19th August, 2013, officers of the Detective Uint abd M.H.P.S. reported executing a search warrant on the premises of Germain Dumercie, d.o.b.

18/9/82 of The Mudd, Abaco. Officers while searching discovered a black and silver .380 pistol with one magazine. As a result, Germain Dumercie and the other occupant Celicia Delton, d.o.b. 27/5/92 both of # 432 The Mudd, Abaco were arrested in reference to this matter. Both suspects were subsequently charged with reference to this matter. On 21st August, 2013, both accused were arraigned in court # 9 in New Providence. Celicia Delton pleaded guilty and sentenced to four (4) years HMP. Germain Dumercie pleaded not guilty and was given $10,000.00 bail with two sureties.

Possession of Unlicensed Shotgun and Ammunition (Suspect arrested and charged) At 4:35am on 24th August, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. reported that there was a fight in the area of Surfside Night Club and a male pulled out a shotgun from a vehicle. Police action requested.

Suspected arrested Officers of the M.H.P.S. arrested the suspect a 33 year old male of Central Pines, Abaco. Officers also recovered a black 12 gauge Shotgun with ten (10) shotgun shells. The suspect was transported to M.H.P.S. along with the exhibit.

He is scheduled to be transported to New Providence on 26th August, 2013, for arraignment.

Burglary (Suspect arrested and charged) On Tuesday 20th August, 2013, a male resident of Crown Haven, Abaco, reported that sometime around 8:00pm on 19/8/13, he went to bed leaving everything in order. Sometime around 3:00 am 20.8.13, he was awoken by a noise. He got up and saw a male known to him in his house, who fled and made good his escape stealing a black trunk containing clothes.

Police action requested.

Suspect arrested On 20th August, 2013, Byron Hield, of Abaco was arrested in reference this matter. On 22nd August, 2013, He was arraigned on 23/8/13 and the matter was adjourned until the 6/12/13 for P.I. Threats of Death At 10:07am on 25th August, 2013, a 25 year old male of the Mudd, Abaco, reported that while at his residence, he was approached by a man known as “K.K.” who threatened him, putting him in fear of his life. Police action requested.

Investigation continues.

Housebreaking At 4:25am on 24th August, 2013, a 60 year old female of Pelican Shores, Abaco, reported that about 4:20am on 24th August, 2013, while asleep at her residence, she was awoken by an unknown male who entered her residence. Police action re-

quested.

Investigation continues.

Housebreaking At 5:30am on 24th August, 2013, a 56 year old male of Dundas Town, Abaco, reported that sometime between 7:00pm on 23rd August, 2013, and 5:00am on 24th August, 2013, some unknown person/s entered his residence and stole an undetermined amount of cash and tools. Police action requested.

Investigation continues.

Housebreaking (Suspect arrested and charged) At 6:20pm on 19th August, 2013, a 26 year old male of Murphy Town, Abaco, reported that sometime between Saturday 17th August, 2013 and Monday 19th August, 2013, some unknown person/s entered his brother’s house located Murphy Town, Abaco. Nothing appears to be missing at this time. Police action requested.

The suspect in this matter was arrested and charged for this offence.

Threats of Harm (Suspect arrested and charged) At 4:15pm on 19th August, 2013, a 29 year old male of Central Pines, Abaco, reported that while at a local establishment in Marsh Harbour, a man known to him threatened to shoot him putting in fear for his life. Police action requested.

Suspect Arrested On Friday 23rd August, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. arrested the suspect Jackson Lamy, d.o.b. 11/11 84 of The Mudd, Abaco, at M.H.P.S. reference to his matter. He was interviewed, admitted to the offence and charged.

Stealing and Receiving (Suspect arrested and charged) At 10:30am on 19th August, 2013, a 35 year old female of Murphy Town, Abaco, came to M.H.P.S. and reported that sometime in April, 2013, some unknown person/s stole his brown/silver HP Pavilion Laptop from his vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of Doug’s Place located Marsh Harbour. The value of the computer is $1,500.00. Since then, he discovered that the computer is in the possession of an employee of Island Games, located in the Mudd, Abaco. Police action requested.

Suspect arrested At 12:30pm on 19th August, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. executed a search warrant on the premises of Germain Dumercie, d.o.b. 18/9/82 of The Mudd, Abaco and discovered the stolen laptop. As a result, the suspect was arrested and taken to M.M.P.S. The exhibit was shown to the complainant who positively identified the same. Germain Dumercie was arraigned on 20th August, 2013, pleaded guilty and fined $750.00.

Drug Arrest (Suspect arrested and charged) At 7:00pm on 20th August, 2013, officers of the F.T.P.S. reported that a 31 year old male of Fox Town, Abaco was

LAMINATED FLOORING

$2.50 sq.ft.

PADDING

$0.55 sq.ft. Commercial Carpet..$11.00sq.yd.

Carpet Padding........$5.75 sq.yd.

Ron-Paul Cabinets Plus Owner’s: Ronnie & Pauline Roberts

ADIRONDACK 4 DRAWER CHAIRS CHEST $210.00 WOODEN BUNK BEDS $575.00 METAL 5 SHELF BUNK BEDS BOOK CASE $450.00 WOODEN TODDLER BABY BEDS CRIBS $175.00

F R E E P I L LO W ! !

WITH ANY SIZE MATTRESS & BOX SPRING

Phone: (242) 367-0546

Visit our Showroom Located Opposite the old Lowe’s Pharmacy

under arrest in reference to Housebreaking. Officers conducted a search of the suspect and retrieved a brown paper bag containing suspected marijuana. As a result he was further arrested.

He was charged and was arraigned in court on 23/8/13.

Threats of Death & Causing Harm (Suspect arrested and charged) At 1:00am on 19th August, 2013, a 22 year old female of Coopers Town, Abaco, reported that sometime around 12:50am on same date, her boyfriend age 24 years of Coopers Town, Abaco, beat her about the body and threatened to kill.

Police action requested.

Suspect Arrested On 19th August, 2013 at about 4:10pm, officers arrested the suspect in this matter. He was charged and released on $1,500.00 bail to attend court on 23/8/13.

Drug Arrest (Suspect arrested and charged) At 5:40am on 1ST September, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. reported arresting a 26 year old male of Bahamas Palm Shores, Abaco, in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was arrested in the area of Dundas Town where he was found in Possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was charged and given bail for the offence.

Drug Arrest (Suspect arrested and charged.)

At 11:00am on Thursday 29th August, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. (D.E.U.) reported that while on patrol in the area of Surfside Night Club located Dundas Town, Abaco, a male was discovered with a clear plastic wrap containing a small amount of suspected marijuana. The 56 year old male of Central Pines, Abaco & Clarington Jamaica, was arrested reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

The suspect was brought to M.H.P.S. where he was charged for the offence.

Causing Harm (Suspect arrested and charged) At 8:45pm on 28th August, 2013, a 27 year old male of The Mudd, Abaco, came to M.H.P.S. and reported that on Wednesday 28th August, 2013, at about 5:00pm while at his residence, a man known to him attacked him causing injuries to his head and shoulder. Police action requested.

Suspect arrested At 8:49pm on 28th August, 2013, officers arrested the suspect a 31 year old male of Archer’s Hill, Abaco while at M.H.P.S. in reference to this matter. He was charged for the offence.

Disorderly Behaviour (Suspect arrested and charged) At 2:45am on 27th August, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. reported arresting a 29 year old male of Murphy Town reference to Disorderly Behaviour. Officers reported arresting the suspect in the area of B.E.C. Marsh Harbour where the accused was acting Disorderly. The suspect was charged for the offence.

Uncontrollable Child (Suspect arrested and charged) At 3:40m on 26th August, 2013, a 51 year old female of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, contacted M.H.P.S. and reported that her son, a 15 year old male of same address, was acting disorderly and she could not control him. She reported the matter to Social Services on 21/8/13 as uncontrollable.

Police action requested.

At 4:10pm on 26th August, 2013, officers arrested the 15 year old reference to Uncontrollable Child. He was charged in reference to this offence.

Shopbreaking on Walkers Cay Police are searching for person(s) who are responsible for stealing a safe that contained an undetermined amount of cash in Walker’s Cay. The incident reportedly occurred sometime between 5:00pm on Sunday 1st September 2013 and 11:00am on Monday 2nd September 2013.

Reports are that the culprit(s) gained entry into the building on Walkers Cay, Abaco by removing an air conditioning unit from a western window and stole a safe that contained an undetermined amount of money.

Vagrancy (Suspect Arrested) At 9:00am on 4th September, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. detective Unit, Abaco, reported arresting a 40 year old male of Dundas Town, Abaco, reference to vagrancy while Downtown Marsh Harbour at 2:08 a.m. and could not give a satisfactory account of himself.

He was interviewed and charged for Vagrancy.

Drug Arrest & Unlawfully Carrying Arms At 9:50am on Thursday 5th September, 2013, officers of the M.H.P.S. Drug Unit arrested a 31 year old male of Spring City, Abaco and Freeport G.B. reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Unlawfully Carrying Arms. The suspect was arrested in the area of One Stop Shop located Dundas Town where he was found in Possession of a suspected marijuana and a knife. He was charged for the offences and was granted $1,500.00 bail to attend court on 6/9/13.

Page 18

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

Business Entrepreneur Watch Lovely’s Delight

Joel’s Sweet Tooth

By Samantha Evans On August 5, 2013, Lovely’s Delight opened its doors on Don Mackay Blvd next door to Agape Dental under the motto: “A Good Meal, A Good Deal.” They specialize in pizzas and pizza turnovers but they offer a wide variety of dishes on their menu including sub sandwiches and wraps served with several meat choices, snacks served with fries and cole slaw or a salad, fritters, salads, breads and pastries.

New to the menu are chicken fritters, broccoli salad, loaded potato, and pizza fries. Breads and pastries are served every other day and specials change daily so persons are asked to call to find out what is available.

Breads include coconut, white, raisin cinnamon, combo and wheat. Sweets include assorted cookies, cupcakes and guava duff. Drinks include Shirley Temple, fruit punch, daiquiri, milk shakes and assorted drinks. Also new to the menu are sliders which are burger combos where patrons can choice three types of burgers from fish, chicken, conch or regular beef burger.

These sliders are great and have been hot sellers since they were introduced to the Abaco community. In fact, since they opened, all new dishes have been well received. According to owner Lovely Reckley, they add new dishes frequently to see how well they will be received so the menu is still growing and being fine-tuned.

The school lunch program is still operational and to date all days have been booked except Tuesday so any school that wants to include Lovely’s Delight on their weekly school menu can call her to reserve the last available day. Catering is also available for weddings, parties, birthdays, church functions or any special event.

They are open Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. The hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday 8:30am to 4pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30am to 10pm. The phone contact is 699-0310.

By Lee Pinder Specializing in homemade pizza, Troy and Denise Sands have just opened a convenient Take-Out Shop right in the middle of Cherokee next to the Methodist Church.

Open six days a week from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (closed Sundays) to satisfy your “hungries”. They plan to both work at the shop, but, of course, Denise doesn’t arrive back in Cherokee until nearly 7:00 p.m., but Troy and his mother Cathy will be “holding down the fort” until she arrives.

This is not frozen pizza, but some of the best pizza you have ever eaten. Who knew Troy had this hidden talent?

Troy was born right in Cherokee and normally works in construction, but is taking a break while recovering from medical problems and Denise is a Dentist with Auskell Medical Clinic in Marsh Harbour.

They have been married for four years and have a precious new baby boy named Joel, just eight months old.

They will make your pizza to order from scratch in three different sizes, Personal Pan, Medium and Large with a thick or thin crust (whichever you prefer), or they will have already prepared pizza available by-the-slice.

They plan to make these homemade pizzas every night except Tuesdays and Thursdays, but will still do special orders and if you call ahead at 366-2052 (or 242554-8327), it will be H-O-T, ready and waiting for you when you arrive.

They will also be doing conch fritters and will carry a full line of chips and freshly made Popcorn and other snacks and a variety of ice creams, do milk shakes or sell it by the cone or by the cup and can make Ices and Slushies (just the thing for these hot summer nights) and will carry bottled water, sodas and Vita Malt.

Being a brand new establishment, they are not sure what the public wants, but are willing to try new things to satisfy their customer’s needs.

Steps towards Business Success

By: Charmaine Bonaby Owner, C & C Accounting & Business Consulting Services Almost everyone that you would speak to would have the same dream in common: “I want to have my own business.” But when you would look around and see businesses shut down after just one year or even a few months, it makes you wonder why or is it even worth investing the time and energy to build a business.

But here are a few steps to help you to achieve business success: 1) Get educated on business fundamentals. Many entrepreneurs do not achieve business success because they did not have an understanding of what business is all about. Some don’t realize the expenses involved, proper employee training is needed, or if there is even an adequate demand for the product. You may not need a bachelors or master’s degree to be an entrepreneur, but learning business basics is important to manage a business.

2) Have a business plan prepared.

Either hire someone to do a business plan or have yourself prepare on. We all know the saying “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Having a guide on how to man-

age your company/ business is necessary to have a successful business.

3) Have a business budget. Just as we budget our personal finances, the same concept applies for your business. Once you begin operations, discipline the business finances according to a budget so expenses can be controlled and a profit achieved. Remember the goal of a business is NOT to make money, but to make a profit.

4) Do not use business funds for personal expenses. It is understood that when you become self-employed, initially you will need income from the business to take of personal expenses. But, this should not be a common practice and, if done, should be kept at a minimum. Having the business income take care of both you and the business will create a path toward failure.

5) Invest in hiring a Bookkeeper/ Accountant. Seeing financial reports is imperative to monitor the performance of your business. Understand that hiring an Accountant won’t be an added expense, but an investment that will help your business thrive.

September 15, 2013

AES

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 19

Page 20

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

Business Crawfish

From Page 1

“We have had a number of reports of crawfish with tar spots,” he said. Tar spots are black spots on the underside of the crawfish that indicate they are in the early stages of spawning. This tar spot contains thousands of sperm. The female lobster lays the eggs and holds them on her body, under her tail for two to three weeks, until they are ready to hatch.

Crawfish breed and spawn when the ocean is warm during the spring and summer; however, Mr. Cornish noted that the water was cooler than normal well into June this year and he believes it may have delayed the spawning process because crawfish don’t spawn in traps known as ‘condos’.

A local fisherman adds that there have been two hurricanes go up the entire Bahamas in the last two years which has damaged or killed off a number of juvenile crawfish. “We usually see lower numbers of crawfish after a major hurricane and we’ve had two in the last two years and it usually takes two to three years for the

numbers to come back,” he said.

The fisherman said that last year was down from previous years and “this year we are getting about fifty percent less than last year.” He said he believes it will be hard for fisherman for the next two years as they wait for crawfish stock to replenish.

Regarding the crawfishing out of season Mr. Cornish said that the fishermen need to get together to help stop it from happening.

“When you know someone who is selling fresh crawfish out of season you need to think about it, he’s getting that from your (fisherman’s) condo. And while he’s at it he is also taking the undersized crawfish and it is your bottom line that will be affected,” he said.

The local fisherman added that he would like to see a ban on all sales of crawfish while the season is closed making it less appealing for those who crawfish out of season. “Take away the money in it and you will see it stop.” He said.

Adrian LaRoda, President of Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance, said

that the season “has been very slow, there are many boats that have not made it out for the second trip of the season.”

“The crawfish season opened on the first of August and most operations would have been preparing for that time to make the first trip out, conventionally that trip would last probably fourteen days as it is expected that the yield would be good,” he said.

However Mr. LaRoda said most boats stayed out for twenty days as the yield in most areas particularly the Southern, Southwestern and Northwestern Bahamas was not as expected for the beginning of the season.

“There could be a number of factors for the drop in crawfish yield, but the primary reason is unregulated and illegal fishing,” he said.

Mr. LaRoda added that the problem has been compounded because “illegal, unregulated and unsustainable (IUU) fishing has caused many operators to begin to work in areas that were traditionally fished by other fishermen, thus creating conflicts.”

According to Mr. LaRoda “poachers have become more emboldened by the lack of Royal Bahamas Defense Force patrols, as they are now working further north.”

He said one of the problems that Abaco fishermen face is the tourist trade as many of the pleasure craft operators are not abiding by catch regulations and there are many charter tour operators and sport fishers that come to the Abaco's to fish commercially.

“The major plank in our own enforcement is for the government to act decisively when it comes to dealing with IUU fishing and it should be part of the government’s platform on trade talks,” he said.

Mr. LaRoda said “Instead of turning a blind eye to the problems, they should be the impetus for trade and diplomatic negotiations; meaning when we agree to something with the any foreign state we should insist that they enforce penalties on their nationals that break our fisheries laws.”

The Moorings and The Conch Inn Hotel and Marina Compliments of

Printed by Tides & Currents for Windows TM by Nobeltec Corporation (503) 579-1414 - www.tides.com

Tide - North Bar Channel October 2013

Sunsail

SAILING VACATIONS

The Conch Inn Marina • Full service docks with power • Cable TV connections • Texaco fuel station

The Moorings Yacht Charters

• The Best Sailing Vacations In The World!

• Prestige Class crewed yacht charter • Sailing Sloops and cats 35 ft. - 47 ft.

• Power catamarans 37 ft.

The Conch Inn Resort

• Hotel rooms on the harbour front • Fresh water pool • Curly Tails waterfront restaurant and bar • Dive Abaco - a complete dive facility

Cruise the Abaco Sound in one of our new sailing yachts - 36 ft. mono hull or 38 ft. catamaran

The Conch Inn Resort and Marina PO Box AB20469, Marsh Harbour, Abaco Ph 242-367-4000 • Fax 367-4004 Email: themoorings@batelnet.bs www.themoorings.com

Come and experience the beauty of the Bahamas. We are waiting for you.

September 15, 2013

The Abaconian

Section A

Page 21

Business

Cornerstones of Abaco Business

Training for Queen Conch Underwater Survey

A look at businesses that have stuck Abaco Tug & Transport and Marsh Harbour Boatyards

Above: Marsh Harbour Boatyards manager Laurence Higgs.

By Mirella Santillo Mr. Vincent Higgs, the original owner of Abaco Tug and Transport in Marsh Harbour, explained how his company came to be. In the late eighties, he said that he invested in a tug company, then located on Green Turtle Cay because his son Laurence was working there. The company had been founded by Percy Pinder. When Mr. Pinder decided to sell the business, Mr. Higgs thought it was a logical move to buy it since the company offered good basis for improvement. Upon its purchase in 1995, the business was moved to its present location in Calcutta.

While looking at sea, you might see a blue and white tug boat, pushing or pulling a barge or going to the rescue of a boat in

need. Abaco Tug & Transport owns three tug boats, two presently in operation and one being repaired.

Mr. Laurence Higgs, the owner / manager of Marsh Harbour Boat Yard, explained that the Boat Yard was created as an extension of Abaco Tug & Transport, some fourteen years ago.

“The resources were in place,” he explained, “as we had an under-utilized property with old equipment used for marine construction. We were then able to acquire a hydraulic trailer to haul and block boats.” It was the start of the successful Boat Yard presently in existence.

The next step was to order a boat lift able to hoist up to 85 ton and to customize it to fit the Moorings’ catamarans. The lift can now haul up a boat up to 25ft wide.

Over the years, more services were added. The company now offers boat painting and mechanical work but storage has become the main source of income. As the demand for storage increased, the storage capability was expanded to accommodate twenty more boats for long term storage.

Cradle storage has also helped minimize the possible damage of hurricanes. A marina was also created and the present forty slips will soon be increased by an extra sixteen.

Services that are not provided inhouse, such as electronics and canvasses, can be sub-contracted, mentioned Mr. Higgs.

As their father retired, his two sons, Laurence and Jonathan, took over the management of both companies, with Jonathan running Abaco Tug & Transport and Laurence managing the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard.

Above: Abaco Fisheries Superintendent Jeremie Saunders conducting an underwater survey.

By Timothy Roberts the country.

A group of thirteen (13) resource Mr. Saunders said that the program managers and fishers, including Abaco is a part of an effort to improve manageFisheries Superintendent Jeremie Saun- ment of the region’s queen conch fisherders, met in St. Vincent and the Grena- ies through development of a much needed dines to engage in a Training of Trainers management plans based on data from the workshop, focused on underwater visual local stock. census techniques for the queen conch The queen conch was added to CITES from August 6 – 24 2013. (the Convention on International Trade in The queen conch is an iconic native Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and dish and a valuable fisheries resource; yet, Flora) list of endangered species in 2003 many countries do not have the knowledge and have determined more recently that to conduct surveys to ensure the sustain- you need one hundred adult conch per ability of their populations. hectare in order to sustain a healthy popuMr. Saunders said that the training lation. prepared him to handle the fieldwork part Mr. Saunders said that funding has of this survey as The Bahamas seeks to asPage 22 sess the status of the queen conch stock in Please see Conch

CAN YOU BELIEVE CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE?

DON’T FORGET TO ADVERTISE IN THE ABACONIAN ONLY 6 ISSUES LEFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS

Don’t Forget to Advtertise Your: Open House Store & Merchandise Restaurant Specials Christmas & New Year Events Political & Business Thank You ads School & Church Program DEADLINE FOR AD PLACEMENT

October 1st issue is September 18th October 15th issue is October 2nd November 1st issue is October 23rd November 15th issue is November 6th December 1st issue is November 20th December 15th issue is December 4th

For more information you can contact us at 242-367-3200 - Email: abaconiannews@gmail.com or stop by and see us at our office located in Dove Plaza #106

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

EFFECTIVE: JULY , 2012

Ph: 242-367-0290

Fax: 242-367-0291

Boat Lifts

Sales and Service Quality boat lift dealer for 10 years

And Much More...

Offering unsurpassed attention to detail with almost two decades of hands on experience

Contact us today! www.lbtmarine.com bthompson@lbtmarine.com Cell: 242-357-6532 Ph/Fax: 242-367-2704

to Landing: 35

Hours

Between Aug 30 2012 and Aug 30 2013:

210,937 pageviews

at TheAbaconian.com.

Most Popular Feature: Digital Edition

Delivery Social Media

Florida (188)

223.

Drop points: Northernmost delivery point: Grand Cay School, Grand Cay Southernmost: Nancy’s Seaside, Sandy Point.

Furthest Subscribers:

$0.00 100% Ad Supported Place Yours: 242-367-3200

1,800+ Facebook Fans Engagement from 45 Countries Largest Age Bracket: 25-34

Hotels and House Rental Agents Hope Town..cont

Area Code 242 unless listed otherwise Abaco Cottage 114 hse Abaco Vacation Planner + 25 hse

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

20 minute ride

Residential and Commercial Customized to suit your lifestyle

Uploaded from Abaco, Published in Stuart, FL., Trucked to Ft. Lauderdale & Flown into Marsh Harbour.

Avg. Time from Upload

Largest Subscriber Base:

Island-wide Abaco Listings

Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War

242-357-6532 Dock Construction

Logistics Going digital

Subscribers Globally 633

Above: a delicious queen conch.

8:00am / 9:45am / 11:30am /1:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm / 5:00pm / 6:30pm

Brandon Thompson

LOOK INSIDE THE ABACONIAN

Germany (2)

There & Back.....Again

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.

Current Mascot.

Avg. today: 48

Purchase Price:

Hope Town to Marsh Harbour

“Honesty and Quality You Can Count On”

First issue: 12 pages

Avg. Run: 8,000 Papers per Issue.

Albury’s Ferry Service

Original Mascot.

65+ 6%

been provided to the Department of Marine Resources in order to carry out the survey of the queen conch stock in The Bahamas.

He said while it is not yet known the status of The Bahamas’ stock, after completing the survey the Department will know what management procedures need to be in place, whether or not there should be a closed season to allow stocks to recover and what further regulations need to be in place.

“After we have assessed our stocks the government will do something to ensure that are stocks are here fifty years from now,” he said.

Trainees represent the following CARIFORUM member states: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The training is divided into two phases: In the first phase, key experts conducted classroom training activities in Kingstown, St. Vincent, by presenting information to the group on the biology and management of conch, as well as survey techniques related to data collection, data analyses. The second phase of the program consists of 9 days of field activities in the Grenadines, in an area of approximately 248km2 around the Tobago Keys, Mayreau and Union Island. This location represents one of the most important conch fishing areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The field activities consist of estimating conch abundance using underwater visual census techniques using scuba divers, and by using towed underwater cameras.

The trainees participated in all phases of these activities.

This project was made possible with the support of the European Development Fund on behalf of ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of states) countries that created the ACP Fish II programme, which aims to improve sustainable fisheries management under their jurisdiction.

ACP Fish II provides benefits to The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism

(CRFM) with this project entitled “Training in underwater visual survey methods for evaluating the status of Strombus gigas, queen conch stocks”. The project was implemented by the consulting firm Société Française de Réalisation d’Études et de Conseil (SOFRECO), in coordination with the CRFM. 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.

The CRFM is an inter-governmental organization with its mission being to “To promote and facilitate the responsible utilization of the region's fisheries and other aquatic resources for the economic and social benefits of the current and future population of the region”

55-64 13%

From Page 21

Founded in 1993 The Abaconian is Abaco’s longest running publication.

22% 45-54

Conch

Stop The Presses

23% 25-34

Business

15% 18-24

Section A

2% 13-17

Page 22

366-0576 367-3529

Casuarina Point Sea Grape/Coco Plum

2 Units

367-2107

Cherokee Lee Pinder Marina Albury Cottages

3 hse 366-2053 5 cottages 366-2075

Grand Cay Rosie’s Place

352-5458

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lubbers’ Quarters Cay Lubbers’ Landing

4 villas

577-2000

Man-O-War Island Home Rentals Waterway Rentals

2 hse 14 hse

365-6048 365-6143

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

Pelican Beach Villas Regattas HG Christie

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

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

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

Spanish Cay Spanish Cay Resort

18 rm 6 hse 365-0083

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

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

Turtle Rock Villas at Palmetto Beach

Web Sites with Abaco Information

3 villas 262-820-1900

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

September 15, 2013

Emergency Services

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

Medical Services

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

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

Dental Services

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

Pharmacy

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

Veterinary

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

Airlines Serving Abaco

Abaco Air - Nassau, N Eleuthera, Moores Is............................367-2266 AirGate Aviation - New Smyrna Beah..................................367-1900 American Eagle - Miami ......................................................367-2231 US Reservation..............................1-800-433-7300 Bahamasair - Nassau,W. Palm B, Ft Laud .............................367-2095 Craig Air - Jacksonville...........................................................367-3522 Island Wings - Ft. Lauderdale.....................................1-954-274-6214 Regional - Freeport...............................................................367-0446 Silver Airline - Orlando, Ft. Laud and W Palm Beach.............367-3415 US Reservation...................................1-800-231-0856 Sky Bahamas - Nassau..........................................................367-0996 Reservation.......................................1-242-377-8993 Western Air - Nassau ............................................................367-3722 Local air charters serving Bahamas & S.Florida Abaco Air...............................................................................367-2266 Cherokee Air Charters .........................................................367-1920

Dive Shops

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 www.th e a b ac o ni a n. co m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring errors & revisions to our attention Revised July 2013

Bonefish Guides

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

Cherokee Donnie Lowe................366-2275 Maxwell Sawyer............366-3058 Marty Sawyer............. ..366-2115 Randy Sawyer............. 366-2284 Will Sawyer.................. 366-2177 Crossing Rocks Tony Russell................ 366-3259

Hope Town Maitland Lowe............. 366-0234 Tom Albury................... 366-3141

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

All phones use area code 242 unless noted

Green Turtle Cay Rick Sawyer................. 365-4261 Ronnie Sawyer............ 357-6667

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

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

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

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

Everyone reads The Abaconian

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

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

Charter Fishing Boats

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

Bikes & Scooters • Boats

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

Marsh Harbour cont...

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

Restaurant Guide Prices $ Low, $$ Moderate, $$$ Upper Marsh Harbour Abaco Pizza..................................$................... 367-4488 Anglers....................................$$$................... 367-2158 Casiah’s.......................................$................... 367-0514 Curly Tails ................................$$$................... 367-4444 Golden Grouper..........................$$................... 367-2301 Island Family Rest......................$$................... 367-3778 Java Coffee House........................$................... 367-5523 Jamie’s Place..............................$$................... 367-2880 Junovia’s.....................................$$..................367-1271 Jib Room ...................................$$................... 367-2700 Kentucky Fried Chicken................$................... 367-2615 Mangoes..................................$$$................... 367-2366 Rum Runners.............................$$.................. 367-0171 Snack Shack ................................$................... 367-4005 Snappas.....................................$$................... 367-2278 Wallys .....................................$$$................... 367-2074 Hope Town Abaco Inn ...............................$$$................... 366-0133 Cap’n Jacks.................................$$................... 366-0247 Firefly.......................................$$$................. 366-0145 Harbour’s Edge.......................... $$................... 366-0087 H T Coffee House (B & L)...............$................... 366-0760 HT Inn & Marina.........................$$................. 366-0003 H T Harbour Lodge ...................$$$................... 366-0095 Munchies.....................................$................... 366-0423 OnDa Beach...............................$$................... 366-0558 Sea Spray ‡................................$$................... 366-0065 Sugar Shack +.............................$................... 366-0788 Little Harbour Pete’s Pub...................................$$................... 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................................$$$................... 365-5175 Treasure Cay Bahama Beach Club.................$$$...................365-8500 Coco Beach Bar & Grill..................$................... 365-8470 Florence’s Cafe..............................$.................. .365-8185 Spinnaker Restaurant ..............$$$................... 365-8469 Touch of Class .........................$$$................... 365-8195 Treasure Sands Club.................$$$.................. .365-9385 Green Turtle Cay Bluff House..............................$$$................... 365-4200 Jolly Roger Bistro.......................$$................... 365-4247 Green Turtle Club .....................$$$................... 365-4271 Harvey’s Island Grill....................$$................... 365-4389 Lizard Bar & Grill........................$$...................365-4191 McIntosh’s Restaurant ...............$$................... 365-4625 Miss Emily’s Restaurant..............$$................... 365-4181 New Plymouth Inn.....................$$................... 365-4161 Pineapple Restaurant Bar & Grill.$$.................. 365-4039 Plymouth Rock Cafe...................$$................... 365-4234 Shorties Take-a-way...................$$..................365-4342 Sundowners...............................$$................... 365-4060 Sandy Point Nancy’s......................................$$................... 366-4120

Page 24

Section A

The Abaconian September 15, 2013

HURRICANE INSURANCE

You Can Be Blown Away By A Hurricane Or you can rest easy knowing that you have excellent insurance coverage no matter which way the wind blows.

Nobody does it better.

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

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) 332-2682 Fax: (242) 332-2863

Queen’s Highway George Town Tel: (242) 336-2304 Fax: (242) 336-2305

email: info@imbabaco.com