ABACO TOURIST OFFICE UPDATE
Wynsome Ferguson
HMY Billfish Blast took place at the Abaco Beach and Boat Harbour Marina 25th-30th May. A total of 44 boats took part in the event which attracted some 250 people to the island of Abaco. There were no fish caught during the tournament but the participants still had an enjoyable week on the island and were able to donate $7,400 to the fire victims of Pigeon Pea.
Brad Brent of Golf Cart Connection visited Abaco 27th-29th May to meet with golf cart owners in Abaco to discuss and encourage them to upgrade their security measures. Kendy Anderson assisted him during his visit.
A People to People wedding took place in Treasure Cay on 31st May when Alyssa Rheingold of Los Angeles and Benjamin Jones of New York were joined in holy matrimony. Some 30 family members and friends were there to share the precious day with them. Kendy Anderson was the coordinator of this wedding.
The first annual Green Turtle Classic Billfish Tournament took place at the Bluff House Yacht Club and Marina 8th-12th June. A total of six boats participated which attracted some 50 people to Green Turtle Cay. An additional 19 boats that were due to participate had to turn around due to the drenching that is needed in the harbour of White Sound. Even though the numbers were small it was a very well organised tournament and participants enjoyed themselves and indicated they would return next year. Debbie Smades caught the largest fish, weighing 625 lbs, not only the largest in this event but largest in all tournaments held in Abaco thus far. Don Cornish and Wynsome Ferguson attended the awards dinner where Mr Cornish gave remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism. David Smades was the tournament director and Phyllis Schatman served as chairperson.
Wynsome Ferguson has been appointed to serve as member of the Hotel Licensing Board effective June 2003 to June 2004.
Due to budgetary constraints the Ministry of Tourism is unable to fund Goombay festival 2003. As a result of this the festival has been cancelled this year. The Abaco Tourist Office apologises to our many visitors and the Abaco community who have always supported this great event.