North Abaco Celebrated One Bahamas
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December 15, 2008 The Abaconian Section A Page 1 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 24 DECEMBER 15th, 2008 North Abaco celebrated One Bahamas Guests included Governor General and Olympian Gold Medalist By Vernique Russell Patriotism, pride and nationalism defi- nitely set the mood as North Abaconians gathered at the S.C. Bootle High School for the One Bahamas Celebration 2008 on November 27. The celebration began back in the 90s by Sir Orville Turnquest, then Governor General of the Bahamas. Since then during the month of November a week has been assigned to reflect on what makes us Bahamians and what unites us as one country. With a cool Atlantic breeze blowing, One Bahamas was portrayed in songs, ring games and dances done by students from North Abaco. The schools brought forth their best choirs, dancers and soloists to complete the celebrations. These renditions truly brought out what it means to be Bahamian. In attendance was Sir Orville Turnquest, Sir Durward Knowles and other dignitar- ies from Nassau and Abaco. Sir Orville Turnquest, the Father of One Bahamas, encouraged the students to remember that we are one, no matter which island we hail Sir Durward Knowles was part of the group visiting North Abaco to celebrate One Bahamas. He is shown here giving representa- from. Sir Durward Knowles urged those tives of each of the schools in North Abaco a DVD copy of his life story. He was the first Bahamaian to win a gold medal in the Olympics and it was in sailing. Please see One Bahamas Page 13 Armed Robbery ends in Murder U.S. Ambassador visited By Julian Lockhart Shots rang through the peaceful silence of Central Abaco Primary Marsh Harbour on November 27th when two The U.S. Ambassa- young men from New Providence took the dor to The Bahamas, life of Abaco resident Dion Brendon Strachan, Mr. Neil Siegel, vis- 25. He was working at his father’s store, M ited Central Abaco & R Food Store on Crockett Drive in Marsh Primary School on Harbour, when two men entered the store in November 24. After an attempt to rob it shortly before 8 p.m. A a program that the short while later Dion Strachan was killed when students put on in his shot multiple times to the body. The thieves got honour, he spoke to away with approximately $1,300 in cash from them about the impor- the store. Dion’s father, Roderick Strachan, had tance of reading and left the shop minutes previously to take a cus- read to them a chapter Please see Page 14 from the book Morn- Murder Murder victim Deon Strachan ing Girl. The story is significant because it shows the importance Housing Minister pleased of sharing emotions with family. While on with new houses Abaco he was hosted by the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, visited the new development at Schooner Bay and was hosted by Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club on Great Gua- na Cay. See story on page 6. Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below. The Abaconian PRSRT STD Stuart Web Inc. US POSTAGE 1521 SE Palm Ct PAID Stuart, FL 34994 WEST PALM BCH FL Forward and Address Correction Permit NO 4595 The Minister of Housing, the Hon. Kenneth Russell, center, inspected the houses under construction in Spring City being built by government. Accompanying him were Mr. Melvin Seymour, the Hon. Brensil Rolle, both from the Ministry of Housing, and Administrator Cephas Cooper. See story on page 2. Page 2 Section A The Abaconian December 15, 2008 Minister updated community on housing By Mirella Santillo Mr. Melvin Seymour, officials of the Min- the Ministry is currently building some 76 The size of the homes ranges from 800 The government’s housing programme istry of Works, Ministry of Health, Water houses in the Spring City Subdivision and to 1200 square feet with either two or three that started in Nassau and Freeport contin- and Sewerage and the Bahamas Electricity that a large number of those are nearing bedrooms and will be sold at prices rang- ues on Abaco with 76 homes under con- Corporation. completion. ing from $50,000 to $80,000. Already 160 struction in Spring City and the Ministry of Mr. Russell’s first stop was in Spring “We are hoping that quite a number of would-be “first time homeowners” have Housing offering local residents additional City at a three-bedroom house close to them would be completed for Christmas so applied to buy the houses that are to be fully serviced lots to carry out their own completion. He described the Spring City that people could move in them and bring built. The whole project called for a total construction both in Spring City and the Housing Subdivision as the continuation of new life here to Spring City,” he stated. of 319 lots to be developed. Mr. Russell Central Pines Subdivision in Marsh Har- a dream. “Spring City was a historic place “What impressed me the most is that the hopes that people will be lured to Spring bour. and the intention was to bring Spring City workmen here on Abaco are working dili- City by the reasonable prices to buy the To follow up on the progress and inform back to life. I think looking around at not gently to complete these house at top qual- reminder of the vacant lots and build for the community at large on what to expect, just the number of houses here, but the ity,” he said. themselves. He mentioned that financing is the Minister of Housing, the Hon. Ken- quality of houses so far; it is a wonder- While pointing out that they are current- available through the Bahamas Mortgage neth Russell, visited Abaco to inspect the ful testament for a city that was built here ly constructing 76 homes at Spring City, Corporation with five percent down pay- new phase of construction in Spring City many years ago during the pine days,” he Mr. Russell said it is his Ministry’s inten- ment or through private banks. The gov- and the building sites in Central Pines. Ac- said. tion to build a total of 100 homes there. ernment has plans available for building companying Mr. Russell was a delegation Mr. Russell pointed out that there are He expects all the homes to be completed low cost homes. Anyone using these plans including the Parliamentary Secretary in several models of houses being construct- by the first half of next year. Seventeen the Ministry of Housing, the Hon. Bren- ed in Spring City, making it attractive to contractors are doing the construction and Please see Housing Page 16 zil Rolle, the Acting Permanent Secretary, many potential dwellers. He added that inspectors are on site daily. Fifteen of the houses under construction in Spring City are nearing completion. This is the kitchen in the main room of a three-bedroom two-bathroom house. Early indications are Mr. Kenneth Russell and his group were pleased with the quality of construction of the that this is a popular model. On the left is the Hon. Brensil Rolle, Parliamentary Secre- government-built houses in Spring City. Seventeen contractors are working on houses and tary in the Ministry of Housing, and on the right are the Hon. Kenneth Russell, Minister the construction is inspected daily. The new houses are creating a new greatly upgraded of Housing, and Mr. Melvin Seymour, Acting Permanent Secretary. look to this community. Lots are available for those wanting to open businesses there. ABACO SHIPPING COMPANY We wish all of our valued customers A Very Merry Christmas & A Wonderful New Year! M/V Duke of Topsail Reliable, Dependable and Personalized Service On Abaco Call (242) 367-2091 • Fax (242) 367-2235 P.O. Box AB 20737, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas [email protected] In USA call Gulfstream Lines/Heavy Lift Services 801 Avenue E, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Ph: 561-840-9393 • Fax: 561-863-3451 December 15, 2008 The Abaconian Section A Page 3 Page 4 Section A The Abaconian December 15, 2008 December 15, 2008 The Abaconian Section A Page 5 Page 6 Section A The Abaconian December 15, 2008 Ambassador stressed importance of reading By Samantha V. Evans attentively to every word that was spoken. that the book lets them in on the life of bassador that early that morning the boys November 24th was an exciting day The students spoke eloquently which made this family. It showed them how to share were honored for excelling in reading. She for the students of Central Abaco Primary everyone present very proud. feelings they may be going through and told the students that once they are able to School as they had a day filled with the Ambassador Siegel commended the the importance of letting people into their read, they will find that the negative activ- focus on reading. The day began with the leaders of Abaco and the educational sys- lives. At the end of the program, the Am- ity they once found pleasure in would be awards ceremony for the Boys Reading tem for the wonderful job they are doing bassador was presented with a gift and he diminished. Additionally, once they leave Challenge followed by a very memorable with these students. He told the students in turn gave the moderators, principal, and school, they would be able to function visit by the U.S. Ambassador to The Ba- that reading helps them to dream so that superintendent a small gift as well. throughout life as they would have learned hamas, Mr.