March 15th, 2002 The Abaconian Page 1 VOLUME 9, NUMBER 6, MARCH 15th, 2002 National Election Set for May 2 Ingraham Resigns As FNM Leader After Losing Referendum By Anita Rolle Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has an- Hope Town Celebrates Heritage Day nounced that the general elections will be held on May 2, 2002. Mr. Ingraham has ad- vised the Governor General, Dame Ivy Dumont, to prorogue the House of Assem- bly. Dame Ivy has been advised to dissolve Parliament on April 3 and to issue a writ of election on April 4. In an address to the nation Mr. Ingraham said he had completed his legislative agenda for his second and final term. “I shall not again seek the Office of Prime Minister. This is in keeping with the position I communi- cated to the Bahamian people in 1992.” He went on to say, “I am pleased to have done as much as I have, as soon as I did it, to implement the pledges I made and to keep our commitments to you, the people of the Bahamas.” The Prime Minister said the Bahamas is a different and better place now than it was in 1992 and that he leaves office knowing that he has given his best in serving the Ba- hamian people. “My fellow Bahamians,” he said, “Our Constitution requires that I must now return the government to you, the people, to elect whom you wish to serve you for the next five years.” He said that in setting the date for the elections he took into consideration new elec- tors who will have their first opportunity to The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum held its annual Heritage Day on March 8 in Hope Town. This year was the 25th anniversary vote - to have the maximum period to be on of its organization and it coincided with the opening of Phase 1 of its new building. Heritage Day is a fund raising event and this year’s the register of voters; persons who have funds will go toward the construction of Phase 2 to take place later this year. Shown above are spectators listening to guest speaker, Director Gail Saunders of the Department of Archives. Please see Election Page 2 Surfers Compete in S. America PTA Wants Better Conditions Students at Central Abaco Primary improvise a teeter-tooter with a broken light pole. PTA President Quentin Bastian led a demonstration on March 7 to protest the many deficiencies at the school. See story on page 10. A surfing team from Abaco represetnted The Bahamas at a recent competition of the Pan Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below. American Surfing Games held in Venezuela. They came in sixth among the eight coun- tries competing. Shown above are, l. to r., Scott Patterson, chaperon Marlene Mason, The Abaconian PRST STD Andrew Wilhoyte, team manager Patrick McCully, Christine McCully, Lou Kanitsch, 7571 N.W. 78th St. US POSTAGE Medley, FL 33166-7530 PAID Tim Albury, Blake Sands and Joshua Sands. Blake and Joshua are from Guana Cay. The Forward and Address Correction Permit #5050 others are from Hope Town. MIAMI FL 331 Register to Vote Now Page 2 The Abaconian March 15th, 2002 Voters Reject Referendum By Anita Rolle anticipating long queues at the 475 polling The gaps between “yes” and “no” widened endum, the Prime Minister said that he is Bahamians sent out an astounding message stations. New Providence represented 67per- as any chance of change weakened, finally ashamed that Bahamians rejected change. “I last month when the majority voted “no” to cent of the voting population, Grand Bahama disappearing. Many were caught off guard am ashamed, but I accept it. That is the will all five proposed amendments in the country’s 17 percent and the other 16 percent in the as hours before the majority of the polling of the people.” He went on to say, “I have first referendum. An aggressive campaign other Family Islands. stations had submitted their final tally, Prime no regrets whatsoever. People are perfectly was launched by both the PLP and FNM As early ballot results were broadcast live Minister Hubert Ingraham conceded defeat. entitled to accept or reject any proposition throughout the Bahamas leading up to the over ZNS radio and television it was clear In a statement read by announcers over put to them.” He felt he was mistaken when, historic event. With over 134,000 registered from the onset that a trend was emerging, the airwaves he said, “The results of the Ref- during the referendum campaign he declared voters, the polling stations opened at 8 a.m. leaning against the proposed amendments. erendum clearly indicate that the Bahamian the results of the referendum would be in- populace have voted “no” to each of the pro- dicative of the outcome of the general elec- posed amendments to the Constitution in tions. “I said many things - that is one of the Tommy Turnquest Will Lead today’s Referendum vote. This is a rejection mistakes I have made.” of the last but one of my assignments. I ac- FNM into Next Election cept full and complete responsibility for this Election From Page 1 result. I wish to thank all those who came Free National Movement leader elect The conclave provided an opportunity for out and voted in the referendum. I thank you changed their places of residence - to have Tommy Turnquest was handed the torch to the party’s leaders and delegates to focus, all who made the past nine and a half years ample time to have their names transferred carry the party into the next general elec- discuss and organize the election campaign of a Government led by me possible.” When to the new constituency in which they will tion. Officially announced at a conclave, the for the upcoming general election and to write the final tally was in, approximately 65 per- be eligible to vote; persons who might have decision comes following Mr. Ingraham’s Manifesto III. Dion Foulkes, deputy leader cent of the voters voted “no” while 35 per- had problems with their registration in the earlier announcement that he would not be designate, now moves into position next to cent voted “yes.” referendum exercise - to have sufficient time seeking a third term in office. In accepting Mr. Turnquest. In an effort to show solidar- At a press conference following the refer- to sort out such problems. the responsibility of his new role, Mr. ity among the party’s leaders, Foulkes along Turnquest said, “As leader, I have counted with defeated leader elect Algernon Allen the cost and have determined that I am pre- will serve as co-chairmen of the national elec- pared to pay the price for leading this team tion committee. into battle and the awesome task of govern- ing our country.” 30 Boats to choose from All Meticulously Maintained Our Customers Get Extra Attention Boats equipped with: Weekly Rates: VHF • Bimini Top • Cooler 26’ Paramount $945 Anchor & Lines • Compass 23’ Albury Bros’ $840 Dive Ladder • Life Jackets 22’ Boston Whaler $798 Paddle • Flares • Flashlight 20’ Albury/Hydra $770 Fire Extinguisher • First Aid Kit 18’ Privateer $560 Rates do not include gas Located in Hope Town & Marsh Harbour Call (242) 367-2513 • Fax (242) 367-2516 Open 7 days 8am - 5pm www.seahorseboatrentals.com Stop in and see our fine selection of Wines, Spirits & Beers bahamian cuisine on Hope Town's waterfront Bar Opens Daily 10 a.m. Closed on Tuesdays 2 New Locations Happy Hour 5 - 6 p.m. Queen Elizabeth Dr., Marsh Harbour Lunch & Dinner Daily Treasure Cay Shopping Centre, Treasure Cay Lunch 11:30 am • 3 pm Dinner 6 - 9 pm RENTRENTRENT Open Monday - Saturday • 9 am - 6 pm Appetizers 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m ALALAL BIKESBIKESBIKES ICEICEICECall 366-0087 • 366-0292 • VHF Ch 16 Ph: 367-2180 • Fax: 367-5241 Weekly freight between W. Palm Beach, Nassau, & Marsh Harbour General Cargo, 20 & 40 ft. Containers, Drive-on Stern Ramp 20 ft. Refrigerated Containers Specify M/V DUKE OF TOPSAIL New Schedule as of March 10th, 2002 Sunday • Depart Marsh Harbour Wednesday • Depart Marsh Harbour Monday • Arrive Port of Palm Beach Thursday • Arrive Arawak Cay, Nassau Monday • Depart Port of Palm Beach Thursday • Depart Arawak Cay, Nassau Tuesday • Arrive Marsh Harbour Friday • Arrive Marsh Harbour In Abaco Call (242) 367-2091, Fax (242) 367-2235 or call on VHF ch. 16 P.O. Box AB 20737, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas UNITED ABACO SHIPPING COMPANY In USA call Palm Beach Steamship Company at (561) 844-5387 Office located above B&D Marine at the traffic light Warehouse A 2nd door, 158 “B” East Port Road, Riviera Beach, Fl 33404 March 15th, 2002 The Abaconian Page 3 NN EE WW PLPPLP VOTEVOTE FORFOR IMPROVEDIMPROVED EDISONEDISON KEYKEY HONESTY, INTEGRITY, EXPERIENCE FACTS ABOUT YOUR PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE FOR SOUTH ABACO • HOMETOWN ABACO BOY • SERVED AS SENATOR FOR 10 YEARS • SERVED AS M.P. FOR MARSH HARBOUR FOR 10 YEARS • SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF BATELCO FOR 7 YEARS TOGETHER WE WILL BUILD A BETTER ABACO SIGNED: EDISON M. KEY Page 4 The Abaconian March 15th, 2002 South Abaco News Cherokee direct power to receive constant reception. suarina and Colton Sawyer from Marsh men still mend nets by hand. Sad to say plat- A New Boating Ramp Harbour. We feel both these boys will be ting is now almost a lost art here where in By Lee Pinder Several local boat owners worked together challenged to do the very best they can under years gone by almost everyone knew how to Cable Bahamas Service to build a new concrete boat ramp near the their new teachers and we welcome them to plat and, of course, there were those special Cable Bahamas has left information cards upper end of the creek that will make launch- Cherokee.