ABACO TOURIST OFFICE UPDATE

November 2001 Table of Contents

ABACO TOURIST OFFICE UPDATE
by Wynsome Ferguson

The month of October was declared Local Government Month under the theme "The Road to Economic Growth and Empowerment in Our Family Islands". A number of events were scheduled and symposiums on the theme were held in the four Abaco districts. Don Cornish represented the Ministry at two of the symposiums and Wynsome Ferguson the other two.

Ray Winder, president of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Abaco business community at a meeting held at the Abaco Beach Resort on Saturday 6th October. The purpose of the meeting was to once again establish an Abaco branch of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr Winder gave an overview of the Chamber of Commerce and those in attendance were able to ask him questions. A membership drive has been put in place after which election of officers will be held. Some 70 people attended the meeting.

Mr Roy Beales has been named the new general manager of Tangelos Motel, located in Wood Cay.

Cherokee Sound held a Home-Coming 12th-14th October to raise funds to turn the old schoolhouse into a community centre dedicated to the memory of Walter Sands, head teacher of the school for many years. The activities began with a cultural night on the Friday evening which included skits, songs, recitations and poems. Robert Sweeting, MP for South Abaco, gave remarks. On Saturday there were all-day activities including a scavenger hunt, tug of war, games, auctions (almost $4,000 was raised from bids on two quilts), raffles, eats, drinks and music. During the evening there was entertainment by Down Town Larry Brown from the US. The evening ended with a display of fireworks. The weekend's activities ended with an ecumenical church service at Epworth Methodist Church on Sunday. Proceeds from this event will go towards the restoration of the school which is believed to be over 100 years old.

Margo True headed a crew from Saveur magazine, a US monthly publication written for sophisticated, upscale lovers of food, wine, travel and adventure, who were on Abaco from 12th-15th October. Writer Lucretia Bingham, who grew up in Cherokee Sound, plans to take Saveur and its readers to her roots and to experience the Home-Coming in Cherokee Sound. The magazine will be reporting on the foods, people, activities (including fishing and conching) and the environment of Cherokee and surrounding areas. They will highlight the authentic Bahamas, not just the relaxing resort atmosphere which many people associate with Abaco and The Bahamas. A few recipes of traditional Bahamian cooking and a guide on the entire destination will accompany the feature. An interview on Bahamian culinary traditions and a cooking demonstration with Nettica Symonette of Different of Abaco were also covered by Saveur magazine.

November 2001 Table of Contents