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January 1999 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

RADIO ABACO NEWS

Rotary Speaker on Bahamian Stock Exchange: Speaker at the Rotary Club of Abaco's 16th November meeting was CIBC managing director, Terry Hills, who spoke on the coming Bahamian stock exchange. He noted that there was no stock exchange at the moment but the value of the stocks of 13 companies being traded on the open market was equal to $1.4 billion, or half of the Bahamian GDP. Once legislation has been completed, said Mr Hills, a Bahamian stock exchange could be up and working within months. "The new stock exchange would spur economic growth and job creation. Local financial institutions would have to become more competitive in their dealings."

Abaco Aid for Hurricane Mitch Victims: Chief Councillor for Central Abaco Mike Malone spearheaded an Abaco relief assistance drive for our neighbours in South America who suffered so cruelly from the ravages of Hurricane Mitch. Clothing, canned and dry goods, and cash were the priorities. Although Mr Malone acted as a private citizen, he made available the services of Great Abaco Shipping and Seaboard Marine to fill containers for onward delivery to the point of greatest need. Schools, companies, the Cancer Society, Rotary Club of Abaco and churches (through the offices of the Abaco Christian Council) all pledged support. Mr Malone was aided by senior customs officer Mrs Sheila McDonald and Mr Patrick J Bethel in his efforts.

Road or Recreation Area?: Concern about the use of the Crossing Beach area in Marsh Harbour as a party plaza was expressed both before and after a fracas broke out on the night of Saturday 21st November at about 10.30 pm during a beerfest. Police made three arrests, including two minors. The windows of a Chevy van were broken with rocks and a man was hit on the side of the head with a rock.

Abaconians Honoured: Receiving Bahamian Silver Jubilee Awards for service to the nation at a special ceremony at Government House on 26th November were Capt James Dean, Lernis Cornish, Candice Key, Randy Key, Benjamin Pinder, Rudy Pinder and Benny Sawyer. Each received a special $25 silver Jubilee coin and a certificate. Presenting the awards were Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Beats a Plaque Any Day: The teachers who were winners in their school districts for the 1998 Teacher of the Year Award each received a computer for being "champions of excellence". S C Bootle High School's Kenneth Romer, the national Teacher of the Year, was among the recipients.

Students Investigate Human Rights: Students from Forest Heights Academy, S C Bootle High School and Abaco Central High School made presentations at Forest Heights on the human rights records of various countries. Three students from each school had researched the records of the countries involved and made their cases for and against in the role of United Nations investigators. Present at the 2nd December gathering were Lionel Dorsett and Dr Leantendore Percentie of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association. The moderator was Mr Glynn Haynes of Hope Town.

Treasure Cay Postmistress Honoured: Mrs Terry Russell, Postmistress of Treasure Cay Post Office, received a plaque to honour her long service and was also awarded the Badge of Honour. The presentations were made on behalf of the Ministry of Transport at Government House in Nassau. On Friday 4th December, Mrs Russell completed 25 years of service.

Over $11 Million Spent on Abaco Roads: Mr Tommy Turnquest, while addressing the Rotary Club of Abaco at the Jib Room on 7th December, noted that the government has spent over $11 million on Abaco's roads since coming to power. He also said the public water system would be overhauled in the near future. Minister Turnquest pointed out that government must not compete with the private sector but be the engine to economic growth.

Mouse Seen in Schools: A mouse was seen in several Abaco primary schools on 8th and 9th December but there was no cause for alarm. The mouse in question was Walt Disney's Mickey, who visited Cherokee Sound, Crossing Rocks, Central Abaco Primary, Sandy Point and Mores Island schools to greet the children and distribute special drinking straws and candies. The children at Cherokee were so surprised and excited they could not get their minds back on their lessons after Mickey had left. Mickey also took part in another activity: see Disney Cruise Line Donates Medical Equipment.

Ca$h Grab in Mar$h Harbour: No, it wasn't a bank robbery. It was Texaco Bahamas supporting the new Quality Star Auto Service Centre on Don MacKay Boulevard. For several months there have been presentations of Bose stereo systems for those who have purchased at least $10 worth of gas and been drawn from the hat. On 12th December, there was no hat: there was an air-flow tent that rustled around paper money. Winners from the promotional draw were invited to spend 30 seconds in the tent and grab from the air as many floating multi-dollars as they could. The low score was $77 but there were a couple of people who made in the $500+ range and one who grabbed $603 from the air. A total of $3,110 was grabbed by Abaco gasoline buyers in a fun event that brought many people to Texaco Quality Star Auto to watch the money fly.

Mores Island Airstrip Open: Mores Island airstrip was declared open on 17th December after extensive repairs had been completed by Waugh Construction out of Freeport over a three week period. In addition to the repairs, the airstrip was extendeded by 1,000 feet to 3,000 feet. Although not paved, the airstrip is said to be in excellent condition.

Fire in the Mud: In the early hours of 19th December a fire raged in the Mud district of Marsh Harbour which is populated mainly by Haitians. An estimated 18 dwellings were destroyed in the most extensive property fire in Abaco's history. The dwellings were very close together and a strong breeze was blowing when the fire broke out. Many residents had to escape and leave all their belongings behind. Over 100 men, women and children were left homeless. The Department of Social Services and local churches and government agencies were rallying support for the dispossessed.

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