Radio Abaco News

September 1999 Table of Contents

RADIO ABACO NEWS

Bahamas Development Bank: The Bahamas Development Bank celebrated 21 years of existence by opening a branch in Marsh Harbour at Garnett Archer Plaza. MP Robert Sweeting urged Abaconians not to be shy of starting small. He pointed out that the Bahamas Development Bank came here because of Abaco's impressive growth rate. The keynote address was delivered by Hon William Allen, Minister of Finance and Planning. He said that the priority of the bank was to assist entrepreneurs in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, tourist facilities and light industry. "The island of Abaco is a vibrant and dynamic example of the country's economic renaissance. There has never (in The Bahamas) been a greater widespread renewal. We have no inflation, strong balance of payments performance, low rates of interest, fiscal stability and a friendly environment." Mrs Maggie Sweeting, wife of the South Abaco MP, cut the ribbon to officially open the new premises - the first branch of the Bahamas Development Bank in the Out Islands.

Historic Appointment of Woman: It was only after appointing Felemease Sawyer to be chairman of the Central Abaco Licensing Board that the Council realised they had made the first female appointee as board chairman in Abaco history. "Ms Sawyer is the right person," said Deputy Chief Councillor Jason Swain. "All the communities relate to her." Ms Sawyer had previously served on the board from 1992 to 1996, so has the required experience. The prior chairman had declined the post. Other chairmen to be appointed were: Chad Sawyer, Port Authority; Greg Gomez, Hotel Licensing; Sherman Swain, Tourism Advisory Committee; Jason Swain and Faron Sawyer to monitor the Crossing Beach area, roads and highways; David Williams, Town Planning; David Williams and Faron Sawyer to monitor schools and clinics; Carl Archer and Cubel Davis Jr to monitor docks and airports.

Road Works Ahead: On Tuesday 10th August the Deputy Director of Works Gordon Sutherland and Family Island Engineer Richard Bruno from the Ministry of Public Works arrived in Abaco and reported in to the Central Abaco District Council. They were accompanied by Deputy Chief Councillor Jason Swain to view the settlement roads in the district. An area in Spring City where water settles after rainstorms was noted. The road from the Abaco Highway into Snake Cay was also earmarked for repairs. The surface of the road at the junction of Crockett Drive and Don MacKay Boulevard was deemed rough and unacceptable and will be resurfaced. Bay Street in Marsh Harbour was also considered critical for repair. All of the side streets in Dundas Town and Murphy Town were also inspected, along with South Side road. Jason Swain was happy that the Prime Minister had responded to the Council's personal call to repair all the roads. A suggested centre turning lane on Forest Drive at the Central Abaco Primary School was given to Messrs Sutherland and Bruno for the Ministry's consideration.

Get Legal, Stay Legal: Radio Abaco reminded boat visitors to The Bahamas of the restrictions to catches effective in Bahamian waters. A fishing permit is required in order to catch the bag limits of six dolphin, six kingfish or six wahoo plus 20 lbs of other scale fish, or ten pounds of or six crawfish per person on a vessel. Diving is restricted to free diving with the use of a Hawaiian sling. No spearfishing is permitted within 200 yards of the shore. Crawfish tails are to be not less than five and one-half inches total length. No grouper or rockfish weighing less than three pounds can be taken. The penalties are severe, Radio Abaco reminded visitors, up to $3,000 per offence.

New Disney Cruise Ship: Disney Cruise Line's latest vessel, the Disney Wonder, called in at Castaway Cay, Abaco, for the first official time on 17th August. The 2,400 passenger capacity ship will bring visitors from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Castaway Cay twice weekly, sharing the route with its sister ship Disney Magic. Between them the two cruise vessels will bring half a million visitors to Castaway Cay every year.

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