RADIO ABACO NEWS

May 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

RADIO ABACO NEWS

Wild horses a national treasure. Speaking to Radio Abaco on 21st March, Mark Paulus, Head of the Equine Protection Division of the Humane Society of the US, declared that Abaco's wild horses were a national treasure that should be preserved. The horses, he said, were in fine condition, healthy, with no parasite problems and a sound herd structure. He suggested that the 16 remaining horses originated from Spain through the Spanish Conquistadors and were probably settled on Abaco in the late 1500's to early 1600's. Abaco's horses had one less vertebra than normal horses, an increasingly rare phenomenon. Tourists, Mr Paulus said, would pay millions to see them.

Taxi operators warned. At a meeting of taxi operators held on 23rd March, Road Traffic Officer Roland Swain told the 25 member gathering they must keep their vehicles up to standard or risk losing their licences. Rev Swain also noted that if cases of overcharging continued, the Ministry of Transport would have to impose a meter system. A Taxi Driver of the Year award was discussed and Rev Swain reminded everyone that public service vehicles were due to be licensed in May. Also in attendance was Chairman of the Road Traffic Board Mr Percival Archer.

Apathy in Dundas Town. A meeting of the Dundas Town Awareness Committee was called on 23rd March by Clifford Henfield Jr to discuss serious community matters, including a fire engine for the area. Only ten people turned out. Committee member Wayde Archer said the community must show an attitude of caring and sharing. Clifford Henfield Jr lamented that the poor turn out and lack of interest was upsetting. "Dundas Town has eight churches," he pointed out. "Eight churches and only ten people here!" A meeting held later in the week was better attended.

Old steel from sugar mill. Pat Smith of Casuarina Point has received official approval for the removal of scrap steel from the old Owens Illinois Sugar Mill site. Loading of the steel and derelict cars took place during March for export to Cartagena, Colombia.

We love you, Sir Lynden! Hundreds of PLP supporters gathered at Bay View Restaurant, Dundas Town, to celebrate Sir Lynden Pindling's 25 years of service to the country as Prime Minister. The banquet was sponsored by the local branch of the Progressive Liberal Party and Regional Coordinator Bernis Pinder was the MC for the evening. Also in attendance were Lady Marguerite Pindling, Party Leader Perry Christie, Party Chairman Obie Wilchcombe and Rev Frederick MacAlpine from Freeport. Sir Lynden noted in his address the irony of the situation. "The first island to invite me to celebrate 25 years of independence with them is the same one that once considered secession!" He also told the throng of well-wishers that his first trip to Abaco was to Coopers Town to represent Turks and Caicos Island workers who were striking against the Abaco Lumber Company. "That was my first introduction the people of Abaco and their struggles," Sir Lynden said. Almost thirty years ago a bomb was set off on Marsh Harbour dock during a PLP election rally. Sir Lynden experienced goose bumps of fear then; this time there were goose bumps of pleasure. Guest speaker was long time party faithful Bill Swain and the presentation to Sir Lynden of a carved Abaco dinghy was made by Gary Sawyer.

Fires in Murphy and Dundas Towns. The Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Brigade and Trauma One had a busy weekend on 28th and 29th March. A electrical fire was successfully extinguished in Murphy Town on the Saturday morning but on Sunday morning a house belonging to Rev Alphonso Dawkins was completely gutted. On Sunday evening a fire completely destroyed a small house in Dundas Town. Trauma One attends all fires and stands by in case of need.

Boat accident near Hope Town. Shortly after dark on 29th March a speedboat was wrecked in the vicinity of Pelican Cay. Three young men - Marcus Manuel, Ronnie Thompson and Warren Knowles - were injured and rescued by Hope Town Fire and Rescue and BASRA. They were taken by Trauma One to Blue Ridge Clinic, Marsh Harbour, where they were detained overnight.

Long service teachers. Coopers Town Primary School PTA held an appreciation service at the New St Andrews Baptist Church on 5th April for two teachers who had reached milestones in their careers. Charles Poitier had completed 30 years of teaching, starting as a Monitor at age 14. Although most of Mr Poitier's teaching has been in Coopers Town, he is at present on the staff of Abaco Central Secondary School. Shannalee Sands joined the teaching profession somewhat later, qualifying as a teacher through the mature student programme. Mrs Sands has given 26 years of dedicated service to the children of Coopers Town. Both celebrants will continue doing what they do best - serving the youngsters of the country in the most important way possible.

Great Abaco Triathlon. It was announced at a press conference held on 8th April at the Pavilion, Abaco Beach Resort, that the 1998 Great Abaco Triathlon would be held on 5th & 6th September this year. The Triathlon proper would be held on the Saturday and on the Sunday there would be a one mile swim. About 200 athletes are likely to take part and the economy of Abaco should benefit to the tune of half a million dollars. Local Organiser Brenda Mitchell hoped that many Abaconians would take part, especially in the swim race.

Free Trade Area of the Americas. A meeting of Marsh Harbour businessmen heard an address by John Hedden on the aims and progress of the FTAA. He urged the local businessmen to get involved in the process and keep abreast of developments as it is almost sure The Bahamas will be a signatory to the Agreement which is due to come into effect in 2005. He also suggested that the Chamber of Commerce be revived.

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