September 2002 Table of Contents

ABACO TOURIST OFFICE UPDATE
Wynsome Ferguson

Airport entertainment at the Marsh Harbour International Airport came to an end on 19th July. This project began in April in conjunction with Rosie & Sons Ltd, headed by William Davis. Music was provided by ‘Music Man’ Estin Sawyer with complimentary drinks by Rosie & Sons Ltd. The whole idea of the airport entertainment was to showcase Bahamian music and local talent during busy arrival periods.

Silbert Mills, former Chief Counsellor for Central Abaco, has been appointed chairman of the Hurricane Preparedness Committee. The committee seems to be fully prepared for a storm except for the need for additional shelter workers. Sarone Kennedy, chairman of the Shelter Committee, is willing to have individuals properly trained once they come forth. It was also agreed that BaTelCo will put in place additional phone lines at the Abaco Tourist Office so that visitors can call home after a hurricane. Wynsome Ferguson and Kendy Anderson attended the meeting along with Craig Woods, general manager Out Islands.

There was a decline in boat numbers for the month of July caused mainly by boaters being denied insurance coverage from 21st June to 30th November because of recent hurricanes in The Bahamas.

The island Diversity trade press trip visited Abaco from 5th - 7th August. Charity Armbrister of the Public Relations Department coordinated the trip. The group was hosted at Different of Abaco, Abaco Beach Resort, Mangoes and Nippers. Kendy Anderson assisted them on the island.

An assessment meeting was held on 6th August between Dave Ralph of Regatta Time in Abaco and the staff of the Tourist Office. Discussions centred on ways in which the regatta can be improved and involve more local sponsors and a stronger committee. It was agreed that a coordinator dedicated to organising the event was the best approach. This individual will be paid to organise the entire event including coordination of committees to manage marketing, the races, parties, booklets and T-shirts. The goal is to set clear objectives for this individual to achieve.

The All Abaco Regatta held a planning meeting on 6th August when final plans for this year’s regatta were disclosed. The committee reported a $20,000 shortfall and noted severe difficulties raising sponsorship for this year’s event. The committee is seeking the Ministry of Tourism’s help in bringing the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band to the closing ceremonies of this year’s event in order to boost entertainment and raise critical cash.

September 2002 Table of Contents