HTML Copyright © 2001-2002, awsltd.netRADIO ABACO NEWS
Valentine Phone Card? Police are investigating missing money, vouchers and phone cards from the BaTelCo offices in Marsh Harbour. These items went missing on the evening of 14th February. BaTelCo is fitted out with steel bars and there was no sign of a break-in. Three weeks later two men were charged with shopbreaking and receiving. Bail was set at $5,000 and a further hearing was set for 22nd May.
Abaco Goes Against the Grain: The results of the referendum held on 27th showed once again that Abaco is different. Out of 40 constituencies, only four voted for the constitutional amendments and two of them were North Abaco and South Abaco. The amendments, in brief, were: 1. All forms of discrimination against women should be removed; 2. Approval of a Teaching Service Commission; 3. Approval of an Independent Parliamentary Commissioner; 4. Creation of an independent boundaries commission; 5, Raising of the retirement age for Supreme Court justices. Abaco voted thus:
North Abaco South Abaco
Yes No Yes No
1. 1,252 848 1,041 581
2. 1,265 833 888 789
3. 1.208 883 854 637
4. 1,206 888 865 625
5. 1,072 980 802 653
Total 6,003 4,382 4,450 3,285
Election in the Air: On 1st March the South Abaco branch of the Free National Movement, the present governing party of The Bahamas, opened its campaign offices at the previous National Marine site in Marsh Harbour. Member of Parliament the Honourable Robert Sweeting noted that Abaco had done well over the past nine and a half years under the FNM. Also present was Leader Designate Tommy Turnquest who noted that the referendum vote was purely that, not a vote along party lines.
Darkness on Abaco: A 7 pm failure at the BEC Crossing Beach, Marsh Harbour, sub-station caused the whole of Abaco to be blacked out for about an hour on 3rd March.
Fencing of Airports: In order to comply with FAA standards both Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay international airports will be fenced in within the next few months.
We’re Fed Up! Parents of students attending the Central Abaco Primary in Dundas Town stated on 7th March that they were fed up and were not taking it any more. They were aggrieved that - two years after being opened - there were still no playgrounds for the over 600 children, no landscaping, courtyards that flooded, open trenches, high bush, sewage leaks, no security and the buildings were not being maintained. On 8th March, led by PTA President Quentin Bastian, the parents marched to the Local Government offices in Marsh Harbour to register their complaints. On 11th March PTA officials met with members of the Central Abaco District Council, the school principal, District Superintendent Jackson McIntosh, District Engineer John Schaefer and Senior Island Administrator Everette Hart. Work had began on the school over that weekend. It was agreed that the problems were being addressed and the PTA called off their intended sit-out.
We’re Five! Radio Abaco celebrated its fifth birthday on 14th March. The company started broadcasting on 14th March 1997, the same day the FNM won its second term of government, with a 1,000 watt transmitter. Over the years there have been setbacks, mainly caused by hurricanes, but Radio Abaco now transmits at 3,100 watts from a 250 foot tower and can also be heard on Cable TV Channel 5. Radio Abaco works on the principle of providing yesterday’s favourites, today’s hits, news, weather, sports and a special attention to religious matters. Radio Abaco looks forward to officially opening its new facilities in May of this year. The staff thanked general manager Silbert Mills for his drive and leadership over the years and he in turn thanked his wife Dolly, president of the company, for her support plus all the listeners and advertisers who made everything possible. Particular mention was made of Abaco Hardware which has been an advertiser with Radio Abaco from day one.
US Embassy Wardens Appointed: During his visit to Abaco in February the US Ambassador Richard Blankenship interviewed several Americans to feel out suitable candidates for the role of US Embassy Wardens. The choice was made and Bob and Patty Toler were instated in the post. The appointment is voluntary and involves passing emergency messages, the welfare of US citizens on and visiting Abaco, and identification of their whereabouts in emergency situations. Bob and Patty Toler promised to do all they could to help US visitors to Abaco. Congratulations, Bob and Patty!
Curried Mutton & Pork Pies... and much, much more. Abaco Central High School classrooms turned from locations of learning into international cafeterias as a combination Commonwealth Day and International Food Day made its third and most successful presentation on 15th March. Cultural displays provided the early entertainment and then it was on to the food. Dishes were served at a modest fee from The Bahamas, Great Britain, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. After lunch there was dancing to music provided by a local Haitian band. Many other schools in the district sent students to learn about other countries and enjoy the festivities.