February 2002 Table of Contents
HTML Copyright © 2001-2003, awsltd.netRADIO ABACO NEWS
3 Years for Illegal Gun: A Nassau man was gaoled for three years after Abaco police stopped his car for having no rear lights. Jean Johnson, 22, of Carmichael Road, Nassau, was arrested when police found a .38 double-barreled handgun in the car. Three others with Johnson were arrested but released when Johnson admitted the gun was his. He was sentenced on 30th December by Magistrate Crawford McKee in the Marsh Harbour court.
GTC Junkanoo: The New Year Junkanoo festivities on Green Turtle Cay have become one of the major attractions on the island during the festive season. Junkanoo groups from all over Abaco - and one from Eleuthera - competed for a top prize of $500 watched by a crowd which included some 2,000 people from the mainland who braved rough seas to get to Green Turtle Cay. There were no altercations during the celebrations, just good clean fun. About 20 police officers were on duty in New Plymouth.
Fire Road Fire: A fire broke out at 11pm on 5th January at Murrays Service Station on the border of Fire Road and Coopers Town. The fire was so intense and widespread that those fighting the fire feared an explosion. A water truck ran out of water while fighting the fire and had to go the Treasure Cay to fill up as there are no hydrants in the area. By the time the water truck had returned the fire had spread to a nearby hardware store and laundromat belonging to Alfred Murray, both of which were completely destroyed. The fire was extinguished by 2 am.
Uh, Uh, Not Mine: Two men appeared in court on 6th January in Marsh Harbour for the possession of an unlicensed shotgun. Following a tip, police visited a residence on Godfrey Cooper Drive, Dundas Town, and found a 12-gauge shotgun which both residents denied belonged to them. They pleaded not guilty before magistrate Crawford McKee.
Local Contractors Disgruntled: Local building contractors are set to form an alliance to prevent their contracts being cut short when most of the construction work has been completed. Apparently, several foreign home builders have used local contractors until the latter stages of construction and then dismissed them and kept their Haitian helpers to complete the interiors. Some of them used the labour of friends. The contractors want local government to view their concerns.
Fire in Mud: Houses in the Haitian community of The Mud in Marsh Harbour are made of wood and usually built very close together. Any outbreak of fire could spread to many buildings. On 12th January a fire destroyed the house belonging to Julie Bien. Fortunately, the house was some distance away from neighbouring residences and the Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Department were able to keep the fire from spreading. It is believed that the fire started in a child's bedroom and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire Chief John Hall said he was always apprehensive when responding to calls in The Mud and Pigeon Pea as fires could spread very quickly.