October 2001 Table of Contents

Circumspect Expansion: Reginald Sands of Abaco Markets Ltd said that the expansion to Solomons Abaco Ltd in Marsh Harbour would initially be used to broaden the range of retail items while Golden Harvest Supermarket is being replaced. He assured the public that there would be no Walmart type of operation as had been rumoured. Space does not allow for a Super Saver Centre on Abaco such as Abaco Markets Ltd runs in Nassau. Mr Sands said such a store was not appropriate for Abaco at this time as the consumer base was too small and a delicate balance had to be established to protect smaller retailers. The new floor space at Solomons would be 20,000 square feet while Super Savers in Nassau is 80,000 square feet.

Thanks, Robert: FNM leader designate Tommy Turnquest thanked South Abaco MP Robert Sweeting for his two terms in office at a rally on behalf of the party in the AID parking lot, Marsh Harbour. Mr Sweeting is not seeking re-election in the upcoming election. Mr Turnquest noted that Mr Sweeting was always very direct in what he said and whatever he said was for the people of Abaco, north and south. Mr Turnquest also said the side roads in Dundas Town will be completed and dropped a hint that American Bridge would be chosen as the main contractors to build the $10 million dock in Marsh Harbour.

Hope Town Man Drowns: The body of Dale Cash, 52, was found in the waters of Hope Town harbour on the morning of 26th August. Mr Cash had last been seen shortly before midnight. The case is being treated as an accident.

New Administration Building: The National Insurance Board agreed a contract with Freeport architect Donald Dean to design a new administration complex to be situated south of M & R Food Store on Crockett Drive, Marsh Harbour. There are 17 government departments and corporations using rented offices at the moment and the new complex would save money. The new building would have an area of 30,000 square feet and consist of two storeys, with an elevator, and a large meeting room.

Fire at School: Fire destroyed a school building at Mores Island School just two days after children returned to school for the new academic year. The fire was detected shortly after 11 pm on 4th September in a building used to house Grade 3 and the school library. Three other classrooms were unaffected.

Body Discovered: The naked body of a black middle-aged male was discovered at 4 pm on 6th September in an abandoned house on Front Street which was once used as a Ministry of Education teacher's residence. The body was badly decomposed and it was estimated it must have been there for at least five days.

Arnold Edwards 1933-2001: Popular Dundas Town resident Arnold Edwards, 68, succumbed in New York to cancer after a two year fight. His son Deno was at his bedside. Soft-spoken Edwards came to The Bahamas from the US to work for the precursor of BaTelCo as an electrical engineer in the late 1960's and was one of the first people to build on Forest Drive. He had been a member of Rotary, JC's and the Masonic Lodge. He served on several local boards and was a dedicated Methodist. On his 68th birthday at Aldersgate Methodist Church, Marsh Harbour, he gave thanks to God for everything despite his serious illness.

Trauma One Celebrates: Trauma One, Abaco's only ambulance service, celebrated six years of service on 13th September. Trauma One has been there for the Abaco communities since 13th September 1955 when a plane crashed near Marsh Harbour Airport with nine aboard. Sadly, the last major incident also involved a plane crash with nine aboard, all of whom perished. The celebration was muted because, as Coordinator Dan Wiltfang noted, donations have not kept up with expenses. Mr Wiltfang suggested that if every Abaconian pledged $25 a year the service would be able to continue efficiently.

Unlucky Date: 14th September is fast becoming an unlucky date for Radio Abaco. Two years ago on that date Hurricane Floyd took down the transmission tower with high winds. This year the transmitter was hot by lightning putting the station out of service for several days. The damage was extensive but with assistance from Norwell Gordon service resumed at 5 watts, then was boosted to 50 watts. It is anticipated that full 300 watt service will be resumed by mid October.

We Feel For You: All through The Bahamas there were minutes of silence for those killed in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. From the highest levels of government to small church and town meetings, Bahamians grieved the events and prayed for strength to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased.

Primary School Student Injured: Little Marvin Louvin left his class at Central Abaco Primary School and, in company of friends, ran with them over the Forest Drive highway, Dundas Town. A black Toyota driven by Nicholas Mills hit him and left him injured. An eye-witness, Rev Carlton Dorsette, said that he knew young Marvin was going to be hit before the accident happened. He tended to the boy and guessed that one of the boy's legs was badly broken. Some 1,400 school children walk Forest Drive to and from the three schools situated there and Radio Abaco urges all drivers in the area to observe the school zone speed limit and be especially careful and watchful when children are around.

Mary Cartwright: After a several year struggle with cancer, Mary Cartwright succumbed shortly after 7 pm on 24th September at her home in Little Orchard, Marsh Harbour. She had been in and out of coma recently and passed away peacefully in the company of her husband, Pastor David Cartwright, and their children Andrew, Jonathon and Cecile. Mary had been a long-serving primary school teacher at Marsh Harbour Primary School and, more recently, at Central Abaco Primary School. She is loved and will be remembered by so many.

October 2001 Table of Contents