RADIO ABACO NEWS

January 2001 Table of Contents

RADIO ABACO NEWS

Bahamahost Graduation: In a ceremony held on 19th November at Below Decks, Abaco Beach Hotel, 63 Abaconians graduated from the latest Bahamahost programmes to be held on Abaco. The 15th Abaco Session was held at Different of Abaco and graduated 22 participants, while the 16th Abaco Session was held at Central Abaco Primary Schools and graduated 41. MP Robert Sweeting delivered the keynote address and congratulated all the participants on their success.

Sandy Point Road To Be Repaired: Hurricane Floyd left the road into Sandy Point in a sorry state but Chief Councillor Stanley White announced on 23rd November that repairs would be effected soon. Approval has been given by central government and the work will be done by the Ministry of Works early next year. A new sea wall will also be constructed to protect the road.

Christmas Bazaar Donation: Following the death of Syrvilla Williams, Charles Cooke announced that the profits from the Annual Christmas Bazaar in Marsh Harbour would go to Sybil's House, a home for the aged in Dundas Town which was founded and maintained by Mrs Williams and her husband, James Williams. In the event, several local groups provided music and there was a violin presentation from Jennifer Hudson. Patrick Bethel was again the inimitable auctioneer for several donated items and raised over $2,000. One of the immediate concerns for Sybil's House is an air conditioner.

Beauty Cannot Wait: Central Abaco Council has decided that the beautification of Central Abaco Primary School cannot wait until summer. Council has cleared the land between Forest Drive and the school wall and also along the crescent drive to the school. Several donations have been made, including a Lignum vitae tree and other plants from Hartis Pinder of Rocky Farms.

Manslaughter Verdict: Two and a half years ago Sambrianna Mayes, Clarence North and Jermaine Delancy died tragically in a car collision which occurred at the junction of Crockett Drive and Forest Drive. Patrick Roberts of Dundas Town was charged with killing the three in the course of dangerous driving. The matter came to a resolution when Roberts was found guilty in the Supreme Court in Nassau and sentenced to two and a half years in gaol.

Night Flights Coming: The Bahamas government is determined to bring night flights to certain Out Islands, Abaco included. Aviation Minister Hon C A Smith visited Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay international airports on 27th November, along with a delegation which included Director of Aviation Cyril Saunders, in order to make personal notes on the situation. A new satellite system was expected to be in place by 4th December. This would allow pilots to talk with Nassau while on the ground at Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay. Marsh Harbour would have taxi and runway lights and all the pine trees would be cleared within 250 feet of the runway. Chief Councillor for Central Abaco Silbert Mills pointed out to the Minister the need for additional seating at the airport terminal.

Prime Minister Presents Keys: On 30th November and 1st December Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham presented 47 keys to those who had lost their homes in Hurricane Floyd and had them rebuilt by government and other agencies. There were 10 keys presented at Fox Town, nine at Coopers Town, seven at Murphy Town, 11 at Crossing Rocks and 10 on Mores Island.

Stabbings: Two young men involved in an altercation, first at a wedding reception then later at a sporting event in Murphy Town, were stabbed on the night of 9th December. Jersmine Anderson and Tino Clarke were rushed to Nassau where they were treated. Anderson underwent a second bout of surgery the following day. Also injured was David Henfield who was treated at the Marsh Harbour Clinic then held by police for questioning. It was reported that, early Sunday morning, some six shots were fired at the residence of Henfield's sister in Dundas Town.

Boat Parade: Hundreds of spectators lined both the Pelican Shores and Front Street shorelines on 11th December to see the annual Christmas Boat Parade. There were more than 20 boats participating, all of them beautifully lit up with Christmas decorations. Following the three lap circuit there was a $5,000 firework display contributed by local businesses. Most of the proceeds from the boat parade will go to the Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Department.

Marsh Harbour Murder: The whole of Abaco was stunned by the news that Lucien Stratton had been murdered at his home a week before Christmas. See the article elsewhere in this issue.

Traffic Fatality: Michael Rolle of Blackwood left his home on 21st December and headed towards Treasure Cay. Reports are that Rolle apparently lost control of his maroon Corsica after turning a curve several miles north of the Treasure Cay Airport. The vehicle rammed into a pair of pine trees before bursting into flames. A crowd of people looking on were helpless because of the intensity of the blaze. The fire was eventually put out using several fire extinguishers. They were not in time as Rolle, who had been trapped in the vehicle, had perished and burned. Rolle was in his late thirties, a husband and father.

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