SIMPSON_MCKINNEY.shtml

May 1999 Table of Contents

SIMPSON McKINNEY
A legend in our time
by Joan Appleton & Zoé Durrell

Just after Hurricane Betsy struck Treasure Cay in 1965, a new name appeared
in Treasure Cay: Simpson McKinney, a talented and sympathetic gentleman.
Born in Sandy Point in 1944, Simpson began his career as a waiter on a
cruise ship, then in 1965 as a waiter in the newly established Treasure Cay
Hotel, then to a management position at the Conch Inn in Marsh Harbour,
reporting to Wally Smith. His expertise in weaving hats and birds
from palm fronds caught the eye of the Bahamian public relations people and
he was sent to England where he demonstrated his art at Fenwicks on Bond
Street in London.

Simpson returned to Marsh Harbour to his management position at the Conch Inn.
His care and thoughtfulness are well remembered by many of the earlier
residents and visitors. One time at the Conch Inn he arranged accommodation
for some senior guests so that they would not have to drive back to Treasure
Cay at night on the ghastly road of that time.

Some time later, he returned to the Treasure Cay Hotel where first he was
maître d'hotel in the Abaco Room, then was promoted to Food and Beverage
Manager. All this was during the glory days of the Treasure Cay Hotel. Once
when the hotel telephone used to shut down at 9:00 PM, he personally drove
out to a homeowner on Ocean Boulevard with the news that an overseas call
had to be returned. He then waited around until he was sure that no disaster
had happened.

During the preparation of a promotional campaign, the advertising people
wanted to take a spectacular photo of Simpson holding a big fish in the
ocean. He was made to stand on a platform in 20 ft. of water, the flat top
of which was covered in tinfoil. The result was that it looked as if he were
standing in four feet of water, and the water and the tinfoil reflected the
light beautifully. At that moment, he murmured: "It's better in The
Bahamas!" and the now-famous publicity slogan was born.

Golf has always been a great interest of Simpson's. He plays with much
enthusiasm and takes a great interest in the game.

Over the years he has done many things. He is always on hand when there is
an accident, barbecuing wild pigs, handling parties of all kinds, guiding
fishermen, helping to raise funds for people less fortunate or in distress,
and running a straw shop on Guana Cay when the cruise boat used to come in.
His latest venture is a rolling barbecue lunch kitchen.

Always with a big smile and a cheery word, Simpson is truly one of Treasure
Cay's best known personalities. On March 10th at the Annual Meeting of the
TCPOA, Simpson finished his term of office as a member of the Executive
Committee. His insight and knowledge have made his contributions of
inestimable value and have added much to the accomplishments of the
Committee.

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