Destination Abaco Volume 23 Feb-July 2015

waterfront lifestyle Largest selection of unique waterfront properties in the Abacos.

Visit our website at

SIRbahamas.com

Hope Town elbow CAy

242.366.0163 242.366.0035

MARSH HARbouR 242.367.5046 nASSAu offICe 242.322.2305

info.Abaco@SothebysRealty.com

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242.577.0298 242.359.6885

YOUR TRUE OUT ISLAND EXPERIENCE AWAITS. LUXURY RESIDENCES BAHAMIAN & INTERNATIONAL CUISINE 1ST CLASS SERVICE

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ABACO, THE BAHAMAS

REDISCOVER

TREASURE CAY RESORT

Our laid-back Bahamian Out-Island resort is anchored by more than three miles of award winning white sand beach.

Treasure’s genuine Caribbean paced experience is reminiscent of a truly relaxed way of life.

150 Slip Marina - 18 Hole Championship Golf Course - Tennis 3 Restaurants & Bars - Coffee Shop - Free WiFi - Nightly Events 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom Mariner Condo Waterfront Suites Boat Rentals & Charters Scuba, Snorkeling, Fishing Charters Direct Daily Flights from Florida Lowest Priced Fuel & Water On Abaco Seasonal Rates - Dockage Specials - Instant Credit Offers Small Boater’s Packages - Public Welcome

Marina & Fax: 242-365-8250 24 Hr Cell: 242-577-0373 Resort & Golf: 800-327-1584 or 242-365-8801

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T RE A S u re C a y

arT beauTY proVenanCe Selling The Bahamas’ most desired homes REAL ESTATE SALES • RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • APPRAISALS Marsh harbour hope Town

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Sales@HGChristie.com

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Cover Credits Jaime Cash - Sweeting

In Every Issue

Visitors’ Services .............13 Ferry Schedule.................12 Calendar of Events...........14 Where to stay..................24 Map of Marsh Harbour......26 Where to shop.................44 Map of Abaco...................51 Where to dine..................54 Things to do....................56 Diving.............................64 Golfing............................68 Marina Information...........70 Tours...............................76 General Information.........80

Contributing Writers Canishka Alexander, Kristen Pearce Samantha Evans Photography Jaime Cash-Sweeting, Delphie Club Blair Saunders, Canishka Alexander

Destination Abaco is published bi-annually

by Execuprint Ltd. ŠCopyright 2015 by Execuprint Ltd. Destination Abaco is distributed free of charge to all visitors. You can locate a copy at airports in Abaco, Nassau and Freeport, all ferry offices and throughout businesses in Abaco. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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Abaco

Regatta Time In Abaco.....18 Birds of Abaco..................42 Artists Lori Higgs-Thompson......50

Publisher Ruth Saunders - Execuprint Ltd.

Tel (242) 367-3202 or 357-6836 US (305) 394-8274 Fax (242) 367-3201 P.O.Box AB-20968 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas http://www.destinationabaco.net Email:destinationabaco@gmail.com Editorial:rudiecs@gmail.com

Destination Abaco Destination

Features

Sales, Marketing and Research Blair Saunders Jack Hardy Dave and Kathy Ralph Art & Graphic Design Ruth Saunders, Nicolette Russell Jermaine Strachan

8

WELCOME TO THE ABACOS

The Abaco Islands are known as one of the world’s top boating and sailing destinations. The Abacos are a complete destination with quaint colonial towns, golf courses, miles and miles of stellar beaches, great fishing and diving, and a wonderful selection of hotels and resorts and restaurants and bars. This makes the Abacos one of the most complete vacation destinations in The Family of Islands.

The Abacos are a group of islands and cays that form a 120-mile-long chain stretching over 650 square miles. The coastlines are scalloped with bays, coves and protected harbours that feature full-service marinas and resorts. Great Abaco Island and Little Abaco serve as the “mainland”.

Great Abaco is the home of Marsh Harbour, which has a lively downtown area with all city amenities. North of Marsh Harbour is Treasure Cay, which boasts miles of pristine beaches, including Treasure Cay Beach one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

The Cays of Abaco include Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay, which are old English loyalist settlements, where one can find beautifully preserved colonial architecture with a touch of Bahamian pastels. There is also Guana Cay famous for Sunday barbecues atop the island’s tall sand dune, which overlooks a magnificent seven-mile-long beach.

The friendly and warm people of the Abacos welcome visitors all year round and will make you feel at home. Visitors will find that the Abacos have everything that they could possibly desire including wonderful beaches, history, fishing, diving and warm and friendly people.

The Abacos are a wonderful destination for families, couples or groups who I am sure will want to return.

Hon. Obediah H. Wilchcombe, MP

Minister Of tOurisM

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Visitor’s Services TIPS

on Traveling on the Ferries!

ALL FERRIES LEAVE ON THE SCHEDULED TIMES *** Be at the ferry dock at least 10 mins before departure to allow time for parking and walking to the ferry dock. *** If taking luggage, be prepared to tote it to the ferry boat allowing ample time to load the vessel. Pets need to be crated. *** If travelling from Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay Ferry Dock allow driving time of about 30 mins and another 10 mins to park and walk to the ferry dock. *** Taxi Cabs are available at both ferry docks for transportation to various destinations. *** If visiting for more than a week, inquire at the Albury’s Ferry office about a Frequent Travel Card (5 roundtrips/10 one ways) Charters are available if your travel time does not meet the schedule.

For more information call Green Turtle Ferry at 365-4166 Albury’s Ferry at 367-3147

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www.destinationabaco.net

For further information contact the local tourism office at 699-0152 or 367-3067

Airline/Charter Services

MHV Fire & Rescue (MH)...........367-2000.

Fire Department (TC)................365-8919 Bah Air Sea Rescue Assoc..........366-0587 ...........................................475-1389

American Airlines / American Eagle US Reservations..........1-800-433-7300 Air Gate Aviation (MH)...............367-3636 Reservations.............. 1-386-478-0600 Air Flight Inc Charters......... 954-359-0320 Bahamasair Marsh Harbour Airport..........367-2095 Boomerang..................904-404-8108 Cherokee Air Ltd. Aviation.......................... 367-1900 Craig Air Center Marsh Harbour.....................367-3522 Flamingo Air..............699-0312/351-4963 IBC Airways ...................... 954-848-2300 Silver Airways Marsh Harbour Airport..........367-3415 Treasure Cay Airport.............365-8615 United Airlines........... 1-800-231-0856 Sky Bahamas............................367-0996 Reservations.............. 1-242-702-2600 Privaira Charter.................. 954-651-6376 Western Air...............................367-3722

Long Distance Services

AT&T USA Direct............. 1-800-331-0500 Canada Operator............. 1-800-463-0501 MCI Customers............... 1-800-955-0925 Sprint Customers............. 1-866-866-7509 UK Operator.....................1-800-389-4444

Medical Services

Abaco Family Medicine...............367-2295 Abaco Medi-Center....................367-7999 Auskell Advance Medical............367-0020 Chiropractor - Dr. Lewis.............367-0020 Corbett Medical Center..............365-8288 Integrated Medical Center (MH)...367-1304 Treasure Cay.........................365-8092 Health Therapeutic Massage.......375-8416 Contineto Massage - Sheryl........436-0043 Satori Massage, Yoga................367-3591 Government Clinics Marsh Harbour......................367-2510 Cooper's Town......................365-0300 Green Turtle Cay...................365-4028 Hope Town...........................366-0108 Sandy Point..........................366-4010 The Kidney Center.....................367-3310 Marsh Harbour Medical..............367-0050 Out Island Chiropractor.............367-2584 Agape Family Dental.......... 367-4355 Diamante Dental Clinic..............367-4968

Banking & ATMs

Commonwealth Bank....... 367-2370 - ATM CIBC First Caribbean Int’l Bank Marsh Harbour........... 367-2166 - ATM Royal Bank of Canada Marsh Harbour........... 367-2420 - ATM Treasure Cay............. 365-8119 - ATM Scotiabank (Bah) Ltd....... 367-2141 - ATM Fidelity/Western Union (MH)......367-3135

Directory Assistance

Travel Agencies

US & CANADA..... 1-(Area Code)-555-1212

A & W Travel Agency .................367-2806 Diamond Travel..........367-0097/225-9014

Embassies/Consulates

United States Embassy.... 1-242-322-1181 ................................. 1-888-407-4747 Canadian Consulate...... 1-242-393-2123/4

Visitors Info

Ministry of Tourism............ 699-0162 People-to-People.......................367-3067 Chamber of Commerce..............367-6279 Post Office................................367-2571 Administrator’s Office................699-0000 Time................................................ 917 Weather.................................VHF CH 68

Emergency Services‘919’

Royal Bahamas Police Force.......367-2560 Emergency Medical Services.......367-2911

www.destinationabaco.net

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Destination Abaco

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Calend February TBA

and collective displays are all featured at the event. The event is supported, enjoyed, and attended by the residents, second homeowners, and visitors.

Contact (242) 367-3607 Abaco Tourist Office

TBA

Abaco “Love Rush” Junkanoo Weekend Annually held this exciting cultural event that attracts many visitors and locals alike to the streets of Marsh Harbour. On display are Senior and Junior Junkanoo groups compete to see who would win the attention of spectators and most importantly the judges, through their elaborate costumes, dance moves and soul touching music, with hopes of being the best group on the island. The event is held over a two night period with the junior category being held on the first night and the senior on the last night.

7th

FRIENDS Reef Ball - Hope Town Contact Friends of the Environment (242) 367-2721

The Annual Reef Ball is held in recognition of persons who have made it their duty to protect and sustain the environment. The ball also serves as one of the leading fundraisers for the Friends of the Environment organization. Profits are made through live and silent auctions and raffle sales. The event provides a great music experience, comfortable atmosphere, and most importantly mouthwatering food.

25th

People to People Winter Residents’ Reception

Contact (242) 367-3607 Abaco Tourist Office

Promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, this event is held annually in efforts of allowing the local People-to-People ambassadors to mix and mingle with the visitors and winter residents. This year’s event will be held at the Coco Beach Bar in Treasure Cay from 6pm8pm and will feature traditional Bahamian foods, music and cultural performances.

March

Barefoot Man Concert Guana Cay

Contact (242) 365-5111 Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill

Year after year many party goers gather on the Guana Cay shores at Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill to enjoy the sounds of a renowned musician performing in a live free concert.

Not only is there great music featured at the event but there is also amazing food and excellent drinks.

20th-22nd

3rd Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend Treasure Cay

Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office

For the past two years many families have gathered together, in efforts of supporting and having fun on a weekend of fun-filled coordinated sporting events. During these events contestants can choose to compete either signaly or with a team. The top performers will be awarded for their accomplishments.

28th

FRIENDS Reef Ball Marsh Harbour

Contact Friends of the Environment (242) 367-2721

The Annual Reef Ball is held in recognition of persons who have made it their duty to protect and sustain the environment. The ball also serves as one of the leading fundraisers for the Friends of the Environment organization. Profits are made through live and silent auctions and raffle sales. The event provides a great music experience, comfortable atmosphere, and most importantly mouthwatering food.

TBA

April

Contact (242) 366-0293 Wyannie Malone Museum

Abaco Anglers Fishing Tournament

Hope Town Heritage Day Hope Town

The Hope Town Heritage day is a fundraiser that is held and organized every year by the Wyannie Malone Museum. History, art, food 14

16th-25th

Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office

This family oriented deep sea and bottom fishing tournament, has been around for the

dar of Events past thirty plus years. This event attracts fishing fishing enthusiasts to Abaco to participate, along with the local fishing devotees. The tournament encourages all levels of fishing capabilities, all age group are welcome to participate. This also provides both participants and spectators the opportunity to experience Hope Town, Elbow Cay’s finest settlement, and enjoy all it has to offer.

22nd-25th

Bahamas Billfish Championship Series (BBC), Guana Cay

GROUP LTD CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

ESTATE SERVICES

nick sims

PRESIDENT & ENGINEER

Contact (242) 365-5157 Orchid Bay Marina

Drawing lots of seasoned and shrewd deep-sea fisherman, the Bahamas billfish championship series, subsidized by Rolex is expressed as the premier fishing series in the Bahamas. Great Guana Cay will mark the start of the first leg of the tournament.

May TBA

Goombay Summer Festival at Sea Spray Resort Hope Town

Contact (242) 366-0065 Sea Spray Resort & Marina

Sea Spray Resort & Marina on Elbow Cay presents an exciting six week long series of cultural festivals, headed by the resort’s management team. The festivals will feature fire and limbo dancers, talented Bahamian musicians, and delicious cuisines from their Bahamian style buffet. Transportation between the mainland of Abaco and Elbow Cay will be provided by Albury’s Ferry.

1st-3rd

11th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival Green Turtle Cay Contact (242) 365-4336 Annabelle Cross

Over the past few years, the Island Roots Heritage Festival has become a hit throughout the historic New Plymouth settlement.

The festival showcases and celebrates the relationship between New Plymouth and its sister settlement Key West. Being that the event is very well organized it features lots of educational facts about the relationship between the two cities, great Bahamian food and entertainment, and beautiful straw pieces.

DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION Planning, Management Execution of all Stages of Residental, Commercial Infrastructure or Renovation Projects

ENGINEERING DESIGN & CONSULTING Structual & Civil Engineering Licensed Professional Engineer

ESTATE SERVICES Property Management & Maintenance Abaco Shopping Center P.O.Box AB 20200 Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas jnicksims@gmail.com

242-577-7467 Tel/Fax: 242-367-sims

BETTER BUILDING SOLUTIONS 15

Calend 13th-16th

Customs Shootout

Contact (242) 367-2158 Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour

The Customs Shootout is bounded to custom-built inboard sport-fishing boats, and is a sole by invitation-only billfish tournament. The tournament disburses over $500,000 to various charities, breast cancer research, 9/11 fallen heroes and the leukemia& lymphoma society.

27-30th

Bahamas Billfish Championship Series (BBC), Treasure Cay Contact (242) 365-8801 Treasure Cay Resort

Drawing lots of seasoned and shrewd deep-sea fisherman, the Bahamas Billfish Championship series, subsidized by Rolex is expressed as the premier fishing series in the Bahamas. Great Guana Cay will mark the start of the first leg of the tournament.

29th

Hope Town Box Cart Derby Elbow Cay, Abaco Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office

Box carts of all description are designed and constructed by local Elbow Cay contenders and other patrons, in time to participate in the annual ‘Big Hill Box Cart’ challenge and family fun day. Participants can compete in the junior or senior category, which officially begins at 12 noon at the Big Hill race site.

June TBA

Goombay Summer Festival at Sea Spray Resort Hope Town

Contact (242) 366-0065 Sea Spray Resort & Marina

Sea Spray Resort & Marina on Elbow Cay presents an exciting six week long series of cultural festivals, headed by the resort’s management team. The festivals will feature fire and limbo dancers, talented Bahamian musicians, and delicious cuisines from their Bahamian style buffet. Transportation between the mainland of Abaco and Elbow Cay will be provided by Albury’s Ferry.

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3rd-6th

Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational, Marsh Harbour

Contact (242) 367-2158 Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour

The Bahamas’ most elite fishing tournament has made its entrance tagging along its $100,000 in cash prizes. An average of about 40-50 invitations are sent out, allowing those anglers to be placed in the middle of one of the world’s top Marlin spots.

5th-7th

Sandy Point Home-Coming Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office

Year after year the quaint Sandy Point settlement brings their community together to host their annual homecoming that takes place over a three day period, drawing many local and domestic visitors to their side of the island. The event brings about the true island cultural feel, featuring great Bahamian foods and music and lots of exciting and interactive activities.

10th-13th

Bahamas Billfish Championship Series (BBC), Marsh Hasrbour Contact (242) 367-2158 Abaco Beach Resort

Sponsored by Rolex the final leg of the BBC, draws lots of experienced and clever deepsea fisherman all on a quest to gain highly recognized bragging rights and the thousands of dollars cash and prizes. The competitors have the opportunity to enjoy and experience the scenery of the Abaco nightlife, along with its great shopping and numerous dining choices.

12th, 19th, 26th Junkanoo Summer Festival

Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office

Ministry of Tourism organizes a series of summer festivals that showcase the vibrant and exciting Bahamian culture. Both locals and tourist have the opportunity to enjoy delicious native foods, great entertainment, Junkanoo rush-outs, beautiful local crafts an host of other cultural presentations.

dar of Events Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird Linda Huber

17th-21st

32nd Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Championship Contact (242) 365-8801 Treasure Cay Resort

Catering to a distinct division of fisherman, the Treasure Cay Billfish Championship is known as the “Mainstay” amongst the Abaco fishing events and serves as the dominant promotional event for the North of Abaco.

Featuring at the event will be an awards ceremony and lots of outdoor activities.

July TBA

Goombay Summer Festival at Sea Spray Resort, Hope Town

Contact (242) 366-0065 Sea Spray Resort & Marina

Sea Spray Resort & Marina on Elbow Cay presents an exciting six week long series of cultural festivals, headed by the resort’s management team. The festivals will feature fire and limbo dancers, talented Bahamian musicians, and delicious cuisines from their Bahamian style buffet. Transportation between the mainland of Abaco and Elbow Cay will be provided by Albury’s Ferry.

TBA

4th Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend, Treasure Cay Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Touist Office

Large crowds of concert goers and enthusiasts gather to enjoy a free concert featuring the Barefoot Man at the beautiful Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill under the summer sun.

TBA

Barefoot Man Concert Guana Cay

Contact (242) 365-5111 Nippers Beach Bar & Grill

Come and take part in and event that’s initiative is to protect our waters controlling invasive lionfish numbers, while both learning and having fun. Up for grabs will be cash and prizes, along with the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the lionfish cooked on the spot.

TBA

Sands ‘Man in the Boat’ Sculling Championships Treasure Cay

Contact (242) 367-2936 Mr. Lynden Johnson

The Abaco round of the championship of the

sands ‘Man in the boat’ sculling event is held on the beautiful Treasure Cay beach, with many Abaconians trying to claim the ‘Man in the Boat’ title. This event brings out many spectators who will have the chance to enjoy great food and music.

3rd-9th

Regatta Time In Abaco

Contact (242) 367-2677 Dave & Kathy Ralph

Kicking off with the famous “Stranded Naked” event on Fiddle Cay, the renowned Regatta Time sailing event which is held between both the American and Bahamian independence showing its link. Sailing enthusiasts flock to the Abaco waters in quest to see the American boats. The event commences in Green Turtle Cay and ends in Marsh Harbour.

9th

Bahamas Independence Celebration

Contact (242) 699-0000 Administrator’s Office

Celebrating our 42nd independence events will be held all around the island in recognition of the nation’s accomplishment as an independent country.

26th-27th

7th Annual Lionfish Derby

Contact (242) 365-4271 Green Turtle Club & Marina

Come and take part in an event thats initiative is to protect our waters controlling invasive lionfish numbers, while both learning and having fun. Up for grabs will be cash and prizes, along with the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the lionfish cooked on the spot.

17

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by Kristen Pearce Photo by Rebecca Burg

19

E

ach summer sailboats from the Bahamas, the United States, and the rest of the world join together on Abaco for Regatta Time in Abaco. This year the celebrations are bound to be the best yet as Regatta Time in Abaco celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Regatta Time in Abaco (RTIA) is a weeklong sailing regatta, held in July, which takes place in protected Abaco Sound. It begins north of Green Turtle Cay working its way down through the settlements to Hope Town. Each race has a different course, with varying challenges including wind variables, tides and currents.

The event is open to any cruising sailboat.

The races are open to all sailors, no matter their experience level.

In 1974 a collective effort was made to raise finances to build a sloop that would represent Abaco in the Bahamian George Town Regatta. The first race of Regatta Time in Abaco was held off of Marsh Harbour in September 1976 with ten cruising boats, four fishing sloops from Nassau, and one sloop built in Man-O-War. Man-OWar built several of the sloops that have represented Abaco in varous Bahamian regattas. This included the Abaco“Rag which is now based in Hope Town.

The second year the event grew slightly with 15 boats, including two sloops from Man-O-Wa, and a few local sailboats.

By the third year the event was held in June and had expanded into three different race venues, Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle Cay and Treasure Cay. As the years passed, more races were added. A Hope Town race was added in 1980, and a ManO-War race was added in 1982.

Originally the boats were meant to be native fishing sloops, with the hopes that the number would increase each year; how20

ever, it was soon realized that it would be more beneficial to Abaco’s economy to gear the races towards visiting sailors.

Over the years RTIA has developed quite a bit, with shifting venues and accommodating sponsors. Originally each race was intended to be organized by the venue’s host community. But as the event grew, the management of the different races evolved into a single committee that was responsible for the entire five-race event.

Since 1991, the races have been held in July, starting on July 4th off Green Turtle Cay to accommodate the American participants. Since then the event has grown to incorporate traditional Olympic triangular courses, round-the-island courses, and point-to-point courses.

Regatta Time in Abaco now has two main goals. The first was to increase Abaco’s summer tourism activity since the summer season was very slow. The second goal was to increase the boating visitors’ exposure to the outstanding cruising offered by this area.

The Regatta’s social events have attracted a large following of land-based visitors, in addition to the sailors. Each year hundreds of visitors, both land and sea based, come for the festivities. Restaurants, marinas and guest houses all over Abaco look forward to Regatta Time because of the financial benefits to all of the settlements. Regatta Time in Abaco has been a significant contributor to Abaco’s lively summer activity, making Abaco’s summer season the envy of other Bahamian islands. The goal of the Regatta committee is that the participantw and visitors return home with memories of good times and memorable evnts in our maritime en-

vironment.

The Regatta committee has divided the boats into several classes. These include classes for serious racers, mult hulls and the most popular Mother Tub class for casual cruising boats.

Each year the Stranded Naked Cheeseburger In Paradise beach party on Fiddle Cay precedes the Green Turtle Cay race. Regatta events continue over the next week with races in various locations on Abaco.

Regatta Time In Abaco Tentative Schedule 2015 July 3rd – Cheeseburger Beach Party on Fiddle Cay followed by skipper’s registration at Green Turtle Cay’s Settlement Point at 6:00pm July 4th – Race 1 – Green Turtle Cay July 6th – Race 2 - Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour July 7th – Race 3 – Marsh Harbour to Hope Town July 9th – Race 4 – Hope Town For more information on Regatta Time in Abaco or this year’s events visit www.regattatimeinabaco.com.

As a part of this tribute to the 40 year Anniversary of Regatta Time in Abaco, provided below is a brief history of the Abaco Rage. Also experienced, and influential, sailors Stafford Patterson and Richard Cook have gladly provided accounts of their experiences of sailing in Abaco, with the RTIA and the Abaco “Rage”.

T

he Abaco “Rage” was built in Man-OWar in 1980, from where it was been raced and labeled the boat to beat. The sloop won the Out Island Regatta in Exuma two years in a row in 1983 and 1984. But after a few complications and placing second in 1990, the Abaco “Rage” was retired in Man-O-War, where it sat for seven years.

In October of 1997, a group of new owners emerged from Hope Town, holding fundraisers, making repairs, and scrounging materials. The sloop was moved to Hope Town, completely stripped down to the wood, repaired, and repainted. The first race of the new and improved Abaco “Rage” was in April of the following year in George Town, Exuma. In the years since, the “Rage” has sailed in many races and Regattas all over the Bahamas, and has been an important fixture in the RTIA, even winning quite a few races. Stafford Patterson and Richard Cook, our two featured sailors, both have much experience with this Abaco-built sloop.

Stafford Patterson moved to Hope Town, along with his family in 1968 at the age of 11. He has been based out of Hope Town ever since, where he has become a huge part of the Abaco/Hope Town sailing community.

In the early 1970s Stafford joined the Hope Town Junior Sailing Club, where he first learned to sail.

The Hope Town Sailing Club (HTSC), which also incorporates the Junior Sailing Club, was established in 1964. The objectives of this club are: to promote the sport of sailing in Hope Town, to hold and arrange regattas, races and other competitions, to encourage Bahamians to continue 21

any interest in sailing and racing, to provide social amenities, to finance the Objects of the Company through membership fees, and to support community projects. For more information on the HTSC, visit www. hopetownsailingclub.com.

Stafford’s early sailing experiences with the HTSC definitely came in handy later in life, as he grew to be an influential part of the sailing community.

In 1998, Stafford began sailing the Abaco “Rage.” Over the years, he has skippered the “Rage” in many Regattas around the Bahamas Family Islands, including George Town, Exuma, Long Island, and Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

Stafford has been a great part of the Regatta Time in Abaco family since the very beginning. He sailed in the first race in 1976, before it was labeled RTIA. And he has sailed the Abaco “Rage” in RTIA for the past 12 years. The Abaco “Rage” has won several races over the last few years including the Hope Town race in RTIA last year. Stafford quoted that he has “enjoyed this time very much.”

Stafford has a passion for the Hope Town Junior Sailing Club, and it’s no wonder considering his early sailing experiences began with this club. It is his desire that all children in the area be given the opportunity to sail at least once in their life. It is an unforgettable experience - you never know where that experience could lead.

With a sailing history such as his, it is quite clear why Stafford Patterson has become such an influential sailor in Abaco.

Richard Cook also started sailing at a young age. He learned to sail sunfish boats at the age of 13 in northern Virginia. He then moved on to larger yachts while racing out of Annapolis, Maryland. During that time, he took part in a few major regattas, including Key West Race Week (where he won his class), Annapolis to Newport, 22

Annapolis Race Week, Governors Cup, and the Screw Pile Challenge in the Chesapeake Bay area.

After this period of time, he went on to cruise the Exumas in the Bahamas during winter for 6 years onboard the “Morgan 51 Out Island.”

In the year 2000, Richard moved to Hope Town, where he started helping out with the Abaco Rage and sailing in the National Family Island Regatta and the Salt Pond Regatta in Long Island. After that, he went on to help form the Abaco Rage Sailing Syndicate, a non-profit organization, to promote sloop sailing and acquire the second boat, the B Class “Lonesome Dove,” which won Georgetown and Long Island.

Richard then started using the Abaco “Rage” to race in the local Hope Town Sailing Clubs winter series, and he became a club member in 2001. He has also been the Commodore at Large for the past three years. The last two years Richard has skippered the Abaco “Rage” in the Hope Town races and the Regatta Time in Abaco events, winning many races along with Stafford, including Boat of the Year in the Hope Town Sailing Club and the Hope Town race in RTIA last year. He has stated that it is “nice to win a local race!”

Richard has also been helping promote sailing through the Hope Town Sailing Club and the Junior Sailing Club. He is also involved in the Sunday Sailfish races outside of Hope Town during the winter months.

Richard Cook has definitely been a great part of the sailing community in Abaco.

Stafford, Richard, and all of the participants, as well all locals and visitors are looking forward Regatta Time in Abaco’s 40th Anniversary. It should be the best year yet!

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Abaco’s most popular destinations await you…

Welcome to the island of Abaco where time passes by unhurried to give our visitors the opportunity to capture their most memorable moments and create lasting friendships.

Indeed, each settlement and cay offers glimpses of our rich Bahamian history and heritage intertwined with remnants of colonial charm, island hospitality, renowned landmarks and captivating views of the island’s natural, pristine environment.

Visitors can arrive at mainland destinations via rental car or taxi service, and the cays can be accessed by ferry service thanks to Albury’s Ferry, and the Green Turtle Cay Ferry, which have been servicing Abaco and its cays for years.

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Commercial Banking Boat Rentals Shopping Hub for ferries to various cays Tourism Information

Airport - Travelling Government Offices Post Office Restaurants

irst, let’s focus on the capital city of Abaco – Marsh Harbour.

Marsh Harbour was founded by American Loyalists in 1783. Since then it has grown to a population of more than 7,000 residents and is ranked as the nation’s third largest city.

With your arrival at The Bahamas’s second busiest airport and recently upgraded facilities at the Marsh Harbour International Airport, we welcome you to the island’s main commercial hub. Nearby is a full slate of airline services offered by Sean Nixon’s Inter Island Charters, Zig Zag Airways, Cherokee Air and Cherokee Aviation FBO.

Because it is centrally located and situated on a peninsula off the Great Abaco Highway, visitors will intersect Marsh Harbour whether travelling toward Abaco’s most southern or northern regions.

The famed Abaco parrot sits regally in the center of the Shervin Archer Circle (airport roundabout) as you head toward downtown Marsh Harbour.

Visitors are always surprised to hear that

Marsh Harbour is also home to Abaco’s only functioning traffic light. However, this great city is by no means limited in the amount of services it offers.

Any number of services and businesses can be found tob for fulfill your shopping, entertainment, dining, lodging, medical, banking and religious pursuits. These include service stations, hardware stores, liquor stores and sports bars, jewelry stores, clothing and grocery stores, medical facilities, financial institutions, churches and shopping plazas.

Visitors interested in learning more about Abaco can engage in eco-friendly tours, or stop by Friends of the Environment or the Bahamas National Trust to discover more about the environment and sustainability measures being put in place.

Dive Abaco is another popular spot for embarking on scuba diving and snorkeling trips.

Annually, a variety of festivals and parades are held particularly during the summer and holiday months.

F

25

MARSH HARBOU Rainbow Rentals

Arawak Agency

Emergency Medical Services

The Abaconian Newspaper

The Medi-Center

Fine Living

Dundas & Murphy Town

Monkey’s Uncle Integrated Medical

British American Financial

Bahamas National Trust

Abaco Chamber of Commerce The Chemist Shoppe Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire & Rescue

The Paint Place

Abaco Family Medicine

Auto Care Corner Friends of the Environment

Dundas & Murphy Town Administration Offices National Insurance Business License Abaco Tourist Office Ministry of Education Court House

Treasure Cay DNR Sports Pub

Palm Cottage & Wood You Home Fabrics Computer Creations Abaco Vacation Planner

The Kidney Center

Presbyterian Church

Methodist Church

Bargain Car Rentals

Cherokee Aviation

Bahamasair Destination Abaco - Sky Bahamas American Airlines

26

Destination Abaco The Abaco Print Shop

A&K Liquors Abaco Island Pharmacy

UR Island Boy Marine Store

Damianos

Jimmy’s Liquor Store

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour

Shear Dynamics Jake’s Hair Salon Restaurant

Bud’s N Bloom

Pharmacy

27

Destination Abaco

27

Central and South Abaco Marsh Harbour

Abaco Beach Resort........ 367-2158 Abaco Vacation Planner. 367-3529 Conch Inn Hotel............. 367-4000 Living Easy........................... 367-2202 Lofty Fig Villas...................... 367-2681 Island Breezes Motel............. 367-3776 Pelican Beach Villas............... 367-3600 Regattas of Abaco................. 367-0148 The Crossing......................... 577-0277 Villas at Palmetto Beach...262-820-1900

Sandy Point

Oeisha’s Resort .................... 366-4139 Pete & Gay’s Resort............... 366-4119 28

Spanish Cay

Spanish Cay Resort............... 365-0083

Cherokee Sound

Lee Pinder............................ 366-2053 Cherokee Cottages................ 366-2075 The Abaco Club .................... 367-0077

Casuarina Point

Sea Grape/Coco Plum......... 367-3202/4

Lubbers Quarters

Lubbers Landing................... 577-2000 Moonrise Cottage... 367-3454/477-5871

N

ext, is a skip and a hop over to Man-O-War Cay onboard Albury’s

Ferry.

Man-O-War Cay, which is about 2.5 miles in length, is widely known as the “Boatbuilding Capital of The Bahamas,” and this century-old legacy includes the names of skilled men like William H. Albury, who built his first schooner at the age of 14.

Additionally, the longstanding tradition of building fishing and sailing vessels lives on through generations of men, and those who remain at Albury Brothers and Joe’s Studios continue to construct seaworthy vessels. At one time, these “Abaco Dinghies” were the mainstay of the fishing and commercial industry of The Bahamas, and it is what drove Man-O-War-Cay toward becoming the premier boat building center.

The method has changed from building wooden vessels from various hardwoods specifically Abaco Pine, which was grown and harvested locally, to include fiberglass material. However, the attention to quality and detailed craftsmanship is evident in Man-O-War Cay’s boatbuilding industry.

With a population of approximately 440 Bahamian and foreign residents, it is no surprise that Man-O-War’s residents are close knit and many of them are related to

one another. The island is virtually crime free, and its surroundings are well maintained and clean. Visitors frequently enjoy diving, snorkeling and other water-related activities.

While no liquor is sold on the island, there are a number of businesses including grocery stores, gift shops, restaurants and bakeries, golf cart operations, a hardware and lumber store, marina and boat yard to visit.

Man-O-War also has a clinic, primary and high school, three churches, and a branch of First Caribbean International Bank. The stores that line the harbour are nautically-themed and house the finest canvas and locally crafted products found in the world. Some of the popular ones include the Albury’s Sail Shop and Sally’s Seaside Boutique.

At the Man-O-War Heritage Museum, visitors can learn about the community’s vast history that bears an extensive record of their tragedies, accomplishments, and their continued contributions for the betterment of Abaco’s economy.

Their biennial Heritage Day held around the month of April and called “Sojer Day,” gives residents the opportunity to relive their history as they build an even greater future.

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H

ope Town, which is located on Elbow Cay, is a definite stop on your list, and perhaps the most popular of our cays. Like its neighbour, Man-O-War Cay, Hope Town also has a generous serving of businesses and attractions as well as historic sites and landmarks, secluded beaches and amazing opportunities for sailing, diving, snorkeling and fishing.

Hope Town was established in 1785

by Wyannie Malone, a widow from South Carolina, who relocated there with her four children. Her life and legacy and the history of Hope Town led to the formation of the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum in 1977.

The museum contains many artifacts and photos that document the way of life for farmers, fishermen and their families as well as the pitiless pursuits of wreckers and pirates.

In 1999, the first of two buildings were constructed after the Museum suffered substantial damage by Hurricane Floyd. This move allowed expansion for the building’s interior and the addition of its Genealogy center, library and displays.

The staff of the Wyannie Malone His32

torical Museum has also been instrumental in the organization of Hope Town’s Heritage Day where residents and visitors enjoy a day of food, culture, art and fun-filled activities.

Held on the first Saturday in March, the event also allows everyone to learn valuable information about Hope Town’s history and heritage. The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum is located just off the upper public dock, next to the Post Office and Hope Town Government Clinic.

Across the harbour is possibly the most notable landmark of Hope Town and Abaco – the Hope Town/Elbow Reef Lighthouse, which just held its 150th Anniversary celebration this year. The Lighthouse was built in 1862, and is one of the last operational kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world and manned by two lighthouse keepers.

Over the years, Hope Town steadily gained prominence among the cays, and more tourists began to settle there and purchase land and build homes following World War II. Visitors have the option of renting private homes, but a few hotels and inns like the Hope Town Harbor Lodge and

Abaco Inn.

Celebrities are frequently spotted on Hope Town from stars like Jay Z and Beyonce to the cast of the TV comedy show Scrubs and TLC’s “Little People, Big World.”

The location is also a popular spot for weddings.

Although vehicles are allowed on the cays, golf carts are the main source of transportation. Cars and golf carts are not permitted in the main part of town, but bicycles and walking are permitted. Most of the supplies for the area are brought in by barge each week.

Because of its diversity and wide range of activities, Hope Town is suitable for families, and individuals looking for a unique vacation spot. Hope Town has a number of remarkable beaches and areas suitable for surfing, boating and exploration to nearby cays, coves and underwater scenery. Nearby reefs are perfect for snorkeling, and kayaking in the creeks is a wonderful pastime.

Bonefishing guides, deep-sea fishing charters or world-class sailing can be booked with a number of companies on the island. Island hopping can also be arranged with Froggies Out-Island Adventure, which offers excursions to surrounding islands.

The Hummingbird Art Centre and Gallery opened its doors in 2013.Additionally, there are numerous gift shops, grocery stores, excellent restaurants and beach bars. Massage, yoga and spa services are also available for visitors, and there are also three parks equipped with playgrounds, sports fields and community swimming pool.

Hope Town’s nightlife consists primarily of restaurants or bars that organize happy hours with live bands or local deejays who provide entertainment on location after guests have dined on scrumptious meals.

In recent years, residents have introduced a karaoke and movie night and bingo nights.

In November, the Hope Town Harbour

Lodge organizes its annual art show and droves of people come to observe the annual Big Hill Box Cart Derby, which is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is a great all-day event with handcrafted race cars.

The Hope Town Fire and Rescue organizes an annual fair, and along with local foods and activities, safety and emergency techniques are also displayed.

A Hope Town Youth Soccer League invites children ages four to 12 years old. There is also a Hope Town Sailing that has a Club Optimist and Sunfish sailing program, and each year regattas like the Homer Lowe Memorial Regatta in Marsh Harbour and The Derek Lee Trophy race in Hope Town take place.

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34

HOPE TOWN HIDEAWAYS

Inclusive of Chris Thompson Real Estate www.hopetown.com

Breezy Palms - Stunning 5 bed, 5.5 bath beach house with private pool situated in Dorros Cove.

Features include panoramic ocean views, generator, high end furnishings & dock slip. $2.825M

Lower Harbour, Tilloo Cay - One-of-a-kind offering Take Two, Guana Cay - Unique 5.8 acre estate w/3.87 acres "Sea to Sea" including a dock house & deck offering "Sea to Sea" views, with a 3B/2.5B main house, (perfect for restoration). High elevations, spectacular views of a private 2B/1B apartment above a garage, & a separate the harbour & Atlantic Ocean, 250' of waterfront and a safe tackle storage shed for boater enthusiasts $3.85M haven for vessels. $750,000

Clearview - Beautifully furnished Bahamian harbour front 3 bed, 2 bath home with beach path to the ocean's edge, an elevated deck offering ocean views, and gorgeous views of sunsets, the lighthouse and the harbour. $1.1M

Fig Tree - Historic 3 bed, 3 bath home with a fabulous large deck offering unparalleled views of the harbour and the lighthouse. Features a rare 140' private dock on 85’ of waterfront in the safety of Hope Town harbour. $1.5 M

Tahiti Hai - Spectacular 3 bed, 2 bath home w/great ocean views & dock slip located within walking distance of Tahiti Beach. Features high ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, well appointed finishes, fixtures and more. $839,000

A Legacy - 3B/3B Sleeps 10. Private turn key home overlooking the harbour with dock and well manicured gardens. Access to pool, restaurant, lighthouse and shuttle service to Hope Town village. Perfect for 2 couples or large families.

From $3,500/wk plus tax

Blue Heaven - 3B/3B Sleeps 6-8. Recently remodeled beach house with pool in the heart of Hope Town!

Home has two balconies to enjoy sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean or Hope Town Harbour sunsets.

From $4200/wk plus tax

Paradise – 4B/3B Sleeps 10, plus a 2B/1B Guest house Sleeps 4. Paradise offers one of the most spectacular views on Elbow Cay. Complete with private pool and dock overlooking White Sound.

From $8,000/wk plus tax

Lots For Sale:

Guana Cay- Ocean View Lot totaling 11,000 sq ft in Ocean Ridge Estates. $109,000 Big Point Lots- Elevated lots from 9400 - 9700 sq ft, centrally located on Elbow Cay. From $115,000 Marnie's Landing - Great investment opportunity! 1/2 Acre parcels in gated community with dockage. From $585,000 – $850,000

Specializing in Residential & Commercial Real Estate throughout the Abacos Local 242.366.0216 • US 561.208.8369 • realestate@hopetown.com

HOPE TOWN HIDEAWAYS Queen’s Highway, Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, The Bahamas

Hope Town • Marsh Harbour • Guana Cay • Lubbers Quarters • Treasure Cay • Man-O-War Cay • Green Turtle Cay • Tilloo Cay 35

Destination 36Abaco

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37

Destination Abaco

N

ext, we make a stop on Great Guana Cay which is believed to have earned its name from the misinterpretation of the word iguana – a protected species of lizards found in The Bahamas.

Centrally located, visitors can traverse waters to Guana Cay via ferry or their own boat from Green Turtle Cay in the north, and Elbow Cay in the south.

This small island is eight miles in length with a five and a half mile long beach that faces its ocean side, and the beaches are a popular hangout for various turtle species to nest.

Even more remarkable is that Guana Cay is home to one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world known as the Great Abaco Barrier Reef. As a result, the area has one of the healthiest surviving Elkhorn and Staghorn coral in the West Indies, and the reef system are filled with fissures that have formed trails, caves and what is known as Coral Gardens. Some names of the underwater sites are called: The Blue Hole, Guana Gardens, The Tower, The Catacombs and Wayne’s World.

Back on land, visitors can take on an adventure through the large forested area remains in its natural state and beckons to migrating birds and other native bird species and indigenous vegetation.

There is a cove located on the island called Kidd’s Cove named after the pirate William Kidd. Similar to the other cays, Great Guana Cay’s settlement is known for its rich loyalist culture and architecture, and a number of traditional loyalist homes 38

are present.

Like most of The Bahamas, Guana Cay can boast of spectacular beaches with sun-kissed waters complimented by the idyllic, warm temperature, cool drinks and rhythmic Caribbean music playing in the background.

The population of Guana Cay is 150 people, but with the introduction of beachfront resort developments like Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club, Orchid Bay Yacht Club and Marina, and Grabbers Bed, Bar and Grill, the number of inhabitants fluctuates particularly in the busy season.

There are a number of rental cottages, souvenir shops, and a grocery store to meet the needs of visitors. Dive Guana offers a full-service dive center with half and full-day diving and snorkeling trips.

Hands down, Nippers Beach Bar & Grill is the main hot spot on the island particularly on Sunday. It is Guana Cay’s party spot for drinking, sampling a variety of grilled specialties, and socializing among locals and visitors.

On the flip side, Guana Cay offers a slower pace for those looking to unwind and enjoy island life. Couples or families can enjoy beachcombing, a private picnic or indulge in world-class deep sea fishing and bone fishing on the Sea of Abaco side of Guana Cay.

Golf carts or bicycles are the main transportation for exploring the island; however, some sections are not accessible to the public because they are designated as gated or private communities.

S

imilar to Hope Town, Treasure Cay is home to many of the island’s second-homeowners and it shares the same close-knit quality.

However, Treasure Cay is set apart as a world-class destination. The threemile beach at Treasure Cay is spectacularly breathtaking, and is ranked among the region’s best with its powdery sand complimented by sun-drenched, aquamarine water.

There is no shortage of restaurants to choose from beginning with the Touch of Class leading up to Treasure Sands Club or the famous Spinnaker, Coco Beach Bar and Grill, Tipsy Seagull Bar and Bahama Beach Club. From themed nights to special dining arrangements, these restaurants serve up an appetizing variety native and cultural dishes from around the world.

Accommodations and signature Bahamian hospitality are endless at Treasure Cay’s exclusive villas, resorts and hotels.

Aquatic activities promise an unforgettable time for visitors who wish to go scuba diving, snorkeling, diving or exploring blue holes. Treasure Cay also offers fishing championships like the Treasure Cay Billfish Championship held every May. Each year, anglers travel to Treasure Cay to capture elusive game fish and to explore the bonefish flats.

Boaters can arrange to drop anchor at the full service, 150-slip Treasure Cay

Marina, which accommodates yachts up to 140 feet. For more land-based activities, tennis and golf are most popular. Treasure Cay has an 18-hole golf course designed by Dick Wilson and is rated among the best in The Bahamas.

Feel free to rent a bicycle or golf cart rentals for more detailed exploration of the community. Visitors can shops for groceries or souvenirs, and Abaco Ceramics is a onestop-shop for personalized handcrafted products.

Volunteerism and community mindedness is seen throughout Treasure Cay where there is a full outfitted Treasure Cay Volunteer Fire Station as well as The Treasure Cay Community Center for hosting community and charitable events. Annually, the Abaco Christmas Celebration is held at Treasure Cay Primary School.

Worth mentioning is the Corbett Medical Centre, which is a medical facility that has been in the community for many years.

It houses state-of the-art medical equipment and services and also has an imaging center.

Earlier this year, Integrated Medical Center and Island Pharmacy both opened their second locations at the Rev. Stafford Symonette Medical Pavilion, the Diane Solomon Surgical Centre, and the Integrated Medical Spa Complex, which is next to the Spinnaker Restaurant.

39

T

he final stop takes us to Green Turtle Cay where its inhabitants have struck an ideal balance of modern conveniences combined with the rich history of The Bahamas. Named after the large population of green turtles that once inhabited the cay, this three by one and half mile settlement is presently home to 450 people.

Most people take the 15 minute ferry boat ride aboard the Green Turtle Cay Ferry from the Treasure Cay Ferry Dock to Green Turtle.

New Plymouth is the main town on Green Turtle Cay, and is among the country’s oldest communities. The settlement has a post office, bank, grocery stores, restaurants and bars and a number of churches. Residents travel by car, but like most of the cays, golf carts and bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation.

Located in New Plymouth, the Albert Lowe Museum was officially opened on November 6, 1976, and was named after the father of famed Bahamian artist, Alton R. Lowe. Albert Lowe was a craftsman of ship models, a sailor, fisherman and a farmer.

The Albert Lowe Museum is The Bahamas’ oldest historical museum, and was established to preserve Abaco’s unique his40

tory and development that spans a time period of three centuries. The museum features artifacts, photographs, paintings, writings and other fascinating exhibits on display of our Bahamian past.

The Memorial Sculpture Garden gives insight into the diverse heritage Green Turtle Cay with a collection of bronze busts of Bahamian historical figures.

Meanwhile, the Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival celebrates Green Turtle’s sister-city relationship with Key West, Florida. The festival provides educational presentations with speakers, displays, and a Genealogy Research Center as well as food and craft booths and a great line-up of Bahamian entertainment.

Added to its historic allure, however, Green Turtle Cay boasts excellent beaches and has luxurious, full-service resorts and marinas like Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina and the Green Turtle Club and Marina.

Visitors are sure to enjoy the extraordinary beaches for relaxation, deep-sea fishing and diving. Exploration on land can lead to the 200-year-old cemetery, and the island’s original jailhouse.

During the holiday season, the streets of Green Turtle Cay are jam-packed, and

come to life with sights and sounds of Junkanoo every New Year’s Day with brightly coloured costumes and the booming rhythm of goatskin drums accompanied by other musical instruments.

By this time you would have worked up an appetite, and you will discover that there are many selections to choose from like McIntosh’s Bakery and Restaurant,

Treasure Cay

Abaco Estate Services.... 365-8752 Bahama Beach Club........ 365-8500 Pineapple Point.............. 800-545-0395 Treasure Hunt Villa......... 845-651-3298 Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina ....365-8578/365-8810

Hope Town Abaco Inn.............................366-0133 Crystal Waters & Villas .321-4632-2631 Elbow Cay Properties..... 366-0035 FireFly Resort................. 366-0145 Hope Town Hideaways... 366-0224 Hope Town Inn & Marina.366-0003 Hope Town Lodge .......... 366-0095 Sea Spray Resort ........... 366-0065 Turtle Hill ....................... 366-0557 Hope Town Villas...................366-0266 Sea Glass..............................366-0290 Sea Gull Cottages .................366-0266 Tanny Key.................... 366-0053/0140

Wrecking Tree, Harvey’s Island Grill, Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar and Sundowners.

And when the time comes to leave, don’t worry if you did not get a chance to visit all of the cays or enjoy all of the attractions. Simply make a list of what you missed, and what you want to experience again when you return to our beautiful shores. The cays of Abaco …await you!

Guana Cay Dolphin Beach Resort.............365-5137 Abaco Sea Fan................ 603-664-2608 Ocean Frontier Hideaway............... 1-888-541-1616 Frangipani Cottage.......... 772-336-7023

Man-O-War

Island Home Rentals.............365-6048 Waterways Rentals................365-6143

Green Turtle Cay

Bluff House........................... 365-4200 Green Turtle Club & Marina.... 365-4271 Other Shore Club Marina ....... 365-4226 Coco Bay Cottages..........561-202-8149 Island Property Mang............ 365-4047 Ocean Blue Properties........... 365-4636 Roberts Cottages................... 365-4105 New Plymouth Inn................. 365-4161

41

Birds Toof Abaco order your copy please contact - Delphi Club Abaco 1-242-366-2222 delphi.bahamas@gmail.com

The islands of the Bahamas offer wonderful birding opportunities, and arguably the best are to be found on Abaco.

The island’s resident birds include four of the five species found only in the Bahamas. The unique ground-nesting Abaco Parrot – the island’s avian icon – has been saved from the brink of extinction by an intensive conservation program, and there is now a sustainable breeding population. Abaco is also home to many migratory species in both winter and summer. The very rare Kirtland’s Warbler overwinters on Abaco, as does the scarce Piping Plover, which can be found on some of the beautiful beaches.

The Delphi Cub has published The Birds of Abaco, with more than 350 stunning photographs showcasing some 160 species found on Abaco.

The birds shown here, all photographed in their natural surroundings on Abaco, illustrate the rich and varied birdlife to be found on the island.

Keith Salvesen

42

Birds of Abaco

Cuban Pewee

Bahama Yellowthroat

Abaco Parrot

American Redstart

Kirtland’s Warbler

Bananaquit

Black-necked Stilt

Painted Bunting

Piping Plover

Green Heron

Sanderling

Bahama Woodstar

White-cheeked Pintail

Cuban Emerald

Yellow Warbler

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Shopping Abaco Souvenirs

Abaco Ceramics (TC) ...... 365-8489 Abaco Island Artist (MH).........367-3744 Abaco Seaglass (MH)..............477-5871.

Abaco Treasures (MH) ...........367-3460 Albury’s Sail Shop (MOW) ......365-6014 Bahama Dawn (MH)...............367-4648 Blue Sky Gallery (MH).............367-0579 Buds n Blooms (MH)...............367-2837 Da Crazy Crab (HT)................366-0537 Ebb Tide (HT) .......................366-0088 El Mercado (HT).....................366-0661 Gone Conchin’ (GC)................365-5215 Hope Town Harbour Lodge......366-0095 Iggy Biggy (HT) .............. 366-0354 Iggy Biggy (MH) ............. 367-3596 Java Coffee Shoppe (MH)........367-5523

44

Joe’s Studio (MOW) ...............365-6082 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154 Monkey’s Uncle (MH)..............367-3223 Munchies (HT) ......................366-0423 Native Creations (GTC) ... 365-4206 Nippers Gift Shop (GC)...........365-5143 Pete’s Pub & Gallery (LH)........577-5487 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH) ......367-4405 Sea Spray Marina (HT).... 366-0065 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 T’zers Gift Shop (MH) ............367-2158 The Crazy Crab (HT) .............366-0537 The Harbour Shoppe (TC).......365-8757 The Painted Fish (MOW).........365-6013 Triple J Gift Shop (TC)............365-8761 Tropical Souvenirs (MH)..........367-2431

SHOPPING

Bakeries

Da Best Yet Bakery (MH)........367-3616 HT Coffee House (HT)............366-0760 Florence’s Café (TC)...............365-8185 Island Bakery (MH)................367-2129 Java Coffee Shop (MH)...........367-5523 Lola’s Bakery (MOW)..............365-6073 McIntosh Bakery (GTC)...........365-4625 Simply The Best (TC)..............365-8258 Vernon’s Groceries (HT)..........366-0037

Beauty Salons & Supplies

Bahama Waves (MOW)...........365-6310 Hubert’s Cut & Curls (GTC).....365-4100 Shear Dynamics (MH).............367-3844 Snazzie’s (MH).......................551-5524 The Hair Stylist (MH) ............367-4246 The Chopping Block (HT)........366-0052

Books & Magazines

Abaco Treasures (MH)............367-3460 Bellevue Business (MH)..........367-2701 Ebb Tide (HT)........................366-0088 Educational Depot (MH)..........367-5757 Fruit of the Vine Christian Bookstore (MH) .....................367-3288 Joe’s Studio (MOW)................365-6082 Kemp’s Souvenir (HT).............366-0423 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154

Bicycles, Scooters

Brendal’s Dive Ctr (GTC).365-4411 Jack’s Bikes (HT)....................366-0635 Rental Wheels (MH) ..............367-4643 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 Seaside Cart Rentals (GTC).....365-4147 Wendal’s Bicycle Rental (TC)...365-8687

Boat Rentals & Charters

Abaco Dorado Rentals (MH)....367-1035 Blue Wave Rentals (MH).........367-3910 Captain Plug’s Adven. (HT).....366-0023 Cat’s Paw Boat Rentals (HT)....366-0380 Conch Pearl Rentals (MOW)....365-6059 Dive Guana (GC)....................365-5178 Donnie’s Boat Rentals (GTC)...365-4119 Florida Yacht Charters (MH)....367-4853 Island Marine Rentals (HT) ....366-0282 J.I.C. Boat Rentals (TC) .........365-8582 John H Rentals (US)........ 772-287-6842 Man-O-War Marina (MOW)......365-6013 Rainbow Rentals (MH) ... 367-4602 Reef Boat Rentals (GTC).........365-4145 Roberts Hardware (GTC).........365-4122 Sea Horse Boat Rent (MH) .....367-2513 Sunset Marine (GTC)..............365-4634 45

Shopping

The Moorings (MH).......... 367-4000 Waterways Rentals (MOW)......365-6143

Boutiques

Bluff House Boutique (GTC)....365-4200 B’s Sunrise(MH).....................367-4822 Corner Value (MH) ................367-2250 Fantasy Boutique (HT)............366-0537 Green Turtle Club Boutique.....365-4271 Gone Conchin (GC).................365-5215 His & Her Jeans (MH)........... 367-2011 Iggy Biggy (MH) ............. 367-3596 Iggy Biggy (HT)............... 366-0354 Island Gal Boutique (MH)........367-0283 Laura’s Boutique (GTC)...........365-4287 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154 Mangoes Boutique (MH).........367-2366 Nippers Gift Shop (GGC).........365-5111 Orchid Bay Marina (GGC)........365-5175 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH)........367-4405 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 Wally’s Boutique (MH)............367-2074

Photography/Photos

Abaco Photos (MH)................367-0707 Computer Creations (MH).......367-2004 Snap Shop (MH).....................367-3020

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Wally’s Studio (MH) ...............367-2722

Car Parts & Assesories

A.I.D. (MH)............................367-2077 Auto Care Corner (MH)...........367-0400 CarQuest (MH).......................367-2452 K & S Auto (MH)....................367-2655 Quality Star Auto (MH)...........367-2979

Car Rentals

A & P Auto Rentals (MH).........367-2655 Bargain Car Rentals (MH)........367-0500 Cornish Car Rentals (TC) ........365-8623 Rental Wheels (MH) ..............367-4643 Executive Car Rentals (MH).....434-5840 Sea Star Car Rentals (MH) .....367-4887 USave Car Rental (MH)..................367Triple J Car Rentals (TC).........365-8761

Crystal Treasures

Abaco Treasures (MH) ...........367-3460 Corner Value (MH) ................367-2250 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH) ......367-4405

Dental Offices

Abaco Dental Ass. (MH)..........367-0164 Agape Dental (MH) ...........367-4355/54

Florists

Buds & Blooms (MH) .............367-2837 Pinewoods Nursery (MH) ..... 367-2674

Freight/Courier

Abaco Shipping (MH)..............367-2091 Dean’s Shipping (MH).............367-2653 FedEx (MH)...........................367-4339 IE Imports (MH).....................367-3622 Seacor Island Lines (MH)........367-0329 GWS Express (MH).................367-2722 UPS (MH)..............................367-3136 Tropical Shipping (MH)...........367-0225

Furniture & Accessories

Fine Living (MH) ....................367-0329 Furniture Plus (MH)................367-7587 Palm Cottage (MH).................367-2300 Wood You (MH)......................367-9663

Golf Cart Rentals

Albury’s Property Man (GC).....365-5175 Blue Marlin Rentals (TC) ........365-8687 Cash’s Cart Rentals (TC) ........365-8771

SHOPPING

Diamante Dental (MH) ...........367-4968

C & D Rentals (GTC) ..............365-4311 Chris Cart Rentals (TC)...........365-8053 Cruising Cart Rentals (GTC)....367-4065 Claridge Cart Rentals (TC).......365-8248 D & P Cart Rentals (GTC) .......365-4655 Elbow Cay Cart (HT) ..............366-0530 Harbour View Cart (GTC)........365-4411 Hope Town Cart (HT).............366-0064 Island Cart Rentals (HT) ........366-0448 JR Cart Rentals (HT)...............366-0361 Kool Kart Rentals (GTC)..........365-4176 Ria-Mar Cart Rental (MOW).....365-6024 Seaside Cart Rent(GTC) .. 365-4147 South Beach Rental (GTC)......365-4375 T & A Cart Rentals (GTC) .......365-4259 T & N Cart Rentals (HT)..........366-0069 Triple J Cart Rentals (TC)........365-5761

Grocery Stores

Abaco Groceries (MH).............367-5308 Albury’s Harbour St (MOW) ....365-6004 Cherokee Food Fair................366-2022 Curry’s Food Store (GTC) .......365-4171 Golden Harvest (TC) ..............365-8350 Guana Harbour Groc (GC).......365-5067 Harbour View Grocery (HT).....366-0033 Lowe’s Grocery (GTC) ............365-4243

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Shopping

LVA Convience (HT)................366-0056 MOW Grocery (MOW) ............365-6016 Maxwells (MH).......................367-2601 Munchies (HT).......................366-0426 Roderick’s Food Store (MH) ....367-3237 Price Rright (MH) ..................367-2020 Sid’s Grocery (GTC) ...............365-4055 Vernon’s Grocery (HT)............366-0037 24/7 Shell (MH) ....................367-5064

Hardware & Paint Stores

Abaco Hardware (MH) ...........367-2170 AID (MH)...............................367-2077 Corner Value (MH)..................367-2550 Imports Unlimited (HT)...........366-0136 MOW Hardware (MOW) .........365-6011 New Plymouth Hard. (GTC).....365-4305 Roberts Hardware (GTC).........365-4122 Standard Hardware (MH) .......367-2660 The Paint Place (MH)..............367-2271 Treasure Cay Home (TC).........365-8258

Ice Cream

Destiny’s Delight (MH)............367-0154 Jamie’s Place (MH).................367-2880 Just Chicken (MH)..................367-6365 Munchies (MH).......................475-1920

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Munchies (HT).......................366-0423 Sugar Shack (HT)............ 366-0788

Insurance

Abaco Insurance (MH)............367-2549 British American (MH).............367-5601 Colina Imperial (MH)..............367-3432 GRM Insurance (MH)..............699-3068 Family Guardian (MH).............367-3264 Insurance Manag(MH)............367-4204 J.S. Johnson (MH) .................367-2688 Van Stratton Ins. (MH)............367-2222

Internet/WiFi/Phones

Bahamas WiMAX (MH)............367-3717 Batelco (MH)..........................367-2200 Island Care Wireless (MH).......367-0429 Out Island Internet (MH)........367-3006

Jewelry

Abaco Treasures (MH)............367-3460 Ebb Tide (HT)........................366-0088 El Mercado (HT).....................366-0661 Iggy Biggy (MH).............. 367-3596 Iggy Biggy (HT) .............. 366-0354 John Bull (MH).......................367-2473 Mangoes Boutique (MH).........367-2366

Kayak Rentals

Abaco Adventures (TC)...........365-8749 Abaco Dive Adven (MH)..........367-2213 Abaco Paddleboard (HT).........475-0954 Brendal’s Dive Ctr (GTC).365-4411

Legal Services

Black Sound Marina (GTC) .....365-4567 Edwin’s Boat Yard (MOW).......365-6007 Island Boy Marine (MH)..........367-3228 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154 Master Marine (MH)................367-4760 M-O-W Marina (MOW)............365-6008 M-O-W Hardware (MOW)........365-6011 National Marine (MH) ............367-2326 The Outboard Shop (MH).367-2703 Roberts Marine (GTC).............365-4249 Standard Hardware (MH)........367-2660

Party Supplies

Home Fabrics (MH).................367-6003

Alexiou, Knowles (MH)............367-2010 Frederik F. Gottlieb (MH).........367-3120 Higgs & Johnson (MH)............367-3215 L.C. Hull Chambers (MH) .......367-2030 The Firm (MH).......................367-3572

Pet Veterinarians

Marine Stores

Abaco Island Phar(MH)... 367-2544 The Chemist Shoppe (MH) .....367-3106

Abaco Ace Hardware (MH)......367-2170 Abaco Marine Props (MH).......367-4276 Abaco Outboards (MH) ..........367-2452 Abaco Yacht Services (GTC)....365-4033 Boat Harbour Marina (MH.......367-2158

SHOPPING

Native Creations (GTC) ... 365-4206 Pete’s Pub & Gallery (LH)........366-3503 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH)........367-4405 Silver Moon Designs (MH).477-5871 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 T’zers Gift Shop (MH) ............367-2158 Tropical Treasures (MH) .........367-5576

Caribbean Veterinary (MH)......367-3551 Island Veterinary (MH)............367-0062 Pinewoods Nursery (MH)........367-2674

Pharmacies Perfumes

Abaco Treasures (MH) ...........367-3460 John Bull Ltd (MH) ................367-2473

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Shopping

Physicians/Clinics

Abaco Family Med (MH)..........367-2295 Auskell Medical Clinic (MH).....367-0020 Corbett Clinic (TC)..................365-8288 Government Clinic (MH)..........367-2510 Integrated Medical (MH).........367-1304 M.H.Medical Center (MH)........367-0049 Abaco Medi-Center (MH).........367-9999

Printing Services

Abaco Print Shop (MH).... 367-3202 Abaco Signs and Emb (MH).....367-3081 Abaco Tshirt & Design (HT).....366-0024 Computer Creations (MH).......367-2004 Outisland Printing (MH)..........699-2496

Sandals & Shoes

Abaco Shoe Gallery (MH)........367-5510 Brass & Leather (MH) ............367-3643 Iggy Biggy (HT) .............. 366-0354 Iggy Biggy (MH) ............. 367-3596 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 T’zers Gift Shop (MH) ............367-2158

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Service Stations

24/7 Shell (MH) ....................367-5064 K & S Auto Service (MH).........367-2655 Quality Star/Rubis (MH) .........367-2978 TC Fuel Station (TC)...............365-8869

Scuba/Diving Gear

Brendal’s Dive (GTC)....... 365-4411 Dive Abaco (MH)....................367-2787 Dive Guana (GC)....................365-5178 Dive Time (MOW)..................365-6235 Froggies Out Island (HT) .......366-0431

Wines & Spirits

A & K Liquors (MH) ...............367-2179 Bristol Wines (MH) ................367-2180 Borderline Liquors (MH)..........699-2161 Burns House (MH) .................367-3712 Down Through St (GTC).........577-4424 Fig Tree Wines (GC) ..............365-5058 HT Wines & Spirits (HT)..........366-0525 Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits (MH)..367-2936 Lighthouse Liquors (HT) ........366-0567 Plymouth Rock Liquor(GTC)....365-4234 Spanky’s Liquor Store (TC) .....365-8385

Fox Town

Mount Hope Wood Cay Cedar Harbour

Crown Haven Little Abaco Island

LEGEND

Cooper’s Town Fire Road

Blackwood

Green Turtle Cay

Airports Settlements

Guana Cay

Treasure Cay

Inter Island Ferries Information

Man-O-War Cay

Clinic Telephone Internet

Elbow Cay Marsh Harbour

Lighthouse

Hope Town

Spring City

Port of Entry

Great Abaco Island Little Harbour Moore’s Island Cherokee Sound Casaurina Point Bahama Palm Shores Gorda Cay

Crossing Rocks

Sandy Point

About Abaco

Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas’ third-largest city and the commercial center of Abaco. Boating Capital of The Bahamas - Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay are the five major inhabited cays in the Abaco chain.

Population: 16,000+ Island Size: 120 miles long, 1/2 mile to 10 miles wide Area: 650 sq. miles Highest Point: 134.5 ft.

Location: Lat. 26°25’N & Long. 77°10’W Distance from Nassau: 105 miles northeast from Nassau Distance from Florida: 175 miles, E ofWest Palm Beach

Hole-In-The-Wall

51

Lori Higgs-T hompson .

A Local Abaco Artist

L

ori Thompson has a story worth telling; one that can inspire young people to pursue a rewarding career in arts and crafts. Thompson can remember her love for the fine arts always being there. She stated that she can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to draw or paint. In fact, she recalls that her grandmother would often chastise her parents for sending her to school, in her opinion, early.

To this her parents would respond by saying, “But she can colour!” One piece of artwork from her childhood stands out, however.

When she was ten, Thompson had her father sit for her to draw a portrait of him. Everyone remarked that it looked exactly like him. She humbly responded that she is pretty sure he still has that drawing today. Needless-to-say, she has been creating art from a very early age. Some people change their ideas about what career they want to pursue or what major they choose in college, but Thompson always knew she wanted to be an artist – some type of artist.

At the age of fifteen, she attended the Central Bank Summer Art Workshop, where she was privileged to be taught by teachers like Antonio Roberts. She proudly displayed her paintings in the show and received a scholarship cheque as an award for her work. The following year, her par52

ents sent her to an art school when she was sixteen.

The name of the school was Interlochen School for the Arts. There she completed a summer art program which cemented her choice of a career in the arts. After completing high school, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Communication from Florida Southern College. It was then at her senior art show that she tasted her first defeat. She placed second to another art major in the show.

After returning home to Nassau, Bahamas, she worked towards the goal of her first solo show, which was held at a local gallery located near the Paradise Island Bridge. It would be her first time selling her art under the title of professional.

Longing for more excitement, she decided to return to school to study teaching, and since then she explained, “there hasn’t been a dull day since.” She achieved her teaching certificate in art education for secondary school. She spent three years teaching in Nassau in the government sector, and it was there that she was really introduced to the craft of Junkanoo.

Of course, she grew up admiring the beautiful costumes displayed on Bay St, but it wasn’t until she taught at D. W. Davis Junior High School, under the art department head, Lendrox Ross, that she first got to see how the costumes were made.

Thompson was able to assist Mr. Ross with the Junkanoo program at D. W. Davis, but it wasn’t until she moved to Abaco and taught at Abaco Central High School that she was able to try her hand at constructing her own costumes. Needless-to-say, she has been involved with Junior Junkanoo on Abaco ever since. She has been

fellow Abaco artists Colette Bootle, Harriette McDonald, Beth Sweeting, Marjolein Scott, and Jeep Byers. At times, she also displayed students’ work in art shows and put the funds raised towards necessary supplies, such as art tables or art supplies.

Thompson has won numerous awards and competitions; most of which were won whilr in school, but during her adult career, she has frequently participated in the Rotary Sidewalk Chalk completion and has won various awards. Additional awards have come from Junior Junkanoo competitions. She is currently working along with

working with and learning from Junkanoo greats like Colon Curry and Gilbert Davis, as well as with fellow artist Marvin Russell.

Each year, Thompson tries to push herself to improve on the costumes of the previous year. Even Roscoe and Rocky, as well as her sister Alana, have learned the art of Junkanoo.

After moving to Abaco, she and her husband Roscoe, along with their neighbor and fellow artist, Jeep Byers, planned and held an art show on Tahiti Beach during the Christmas season for two consecutive years where fellow artists displayed their work, as well as student artists. She has also displayed pieces in local art shows around Abaco, including The Abaco Beach Resort, and her paintings can be found at Java Coffee Shop currently.

Thompson was also a part of a show at the Central Bank along with

her mother at Stephie designs, designing and sewing resort clothing but is also the Art Teacher at Forest Heights Academy. Of course with the latter, she is busy working towards her school’s Junkanoo performance in Nassau this December. Her advice to students looking for a career in art is to find a mentor who is already established from whom to get advice. The artist community, especially on Abaco, is very welcoming and helpful so if this is their passion then they have lots of experienced minds to glean from.

by Samanatha Evans-Knowles

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Angler’s - Abaco Beach Abaco Pizza Bayview Restaurant Becky’s Take-away Conchy Joe’s Rest & Bar Chat n’ Chill Curly Tails Delphi Club Golden Grouper Guava Duff and Stuff Island Family Restaurant Jake’s Jamie’s Place Jib Room JuNovia’s Restaurant Just Chicken Kentucky Fried Chicken Lovely’s Pizza Mangoes Restaurant Mother Merle’s Nathan’s Bar and Grill Pete’s Pub & Gallery Rumrunners Snappas Bar & Grill Snack Shack Sunset Bar & Grill Wally’s Restaurant

outdoor

waterfront

entertainment

happy hour

credit card

price range

meals served

Marsh Harbour South/North Abaco

telephone

Dining Out 367-2158 B,L,D $$$ l - l l l 367-4333 L,D $ - - - - 367-3738 L,D $ - - - - 367-4244 L,D $ - - - - 375-9115 L,D $ l l l l l 367-1266 L,D $$ l l l - 367-4444 L,D $$$ l l l l l 366-2222 D $$$ - - - l l 367-2301 B,L $$ - - - - 699-3016 L $ - - - - l 367-3778 B,L $$ - - - - 367-5253 L,D $$ l l l - 367-2880 B,L,D $$ - - - - 367-2700 L,D $$ l l l l l 367-1271 B,L,D $$ - - - - l 367-6365 L $ - - - - 367-2615 L,D $ - - - - 699-0310 L,D $$ - - - - 367-2366 B,L,D $$$ l l l l l 367-2770 L,D $ - - - - 699-3247 B,L&D $$ l l - - l 577-5487 L,D $$ l l - l l - L,D $$ l l - - l 367-2278 L,D $$ l l l l l 367-4005 B,L $$ - - - - 375-9858 L,D $$ l l - l l 367-2074 L,D $$$ l l - l l

Treasure Cay

Coco Beach Bar & Grill Treasure Sands Club Touch of Class Spinnaker Restaurant

365-8470 B,L,D $$ 365-9385 L,D $$ 365-8195 D $$ 365-8469 B,L,D $$$

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Hope Town

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Abaco Inn Boat House at Sea Spray Capt’n Jacks Cracker P’s Firefly Sunset Resort Harbour’s Edge Hope Town Inn & Marina Hope Town Harbour Lodge Hope Town Coffee House Lubber’s Landing Munchies

366-0133 B,L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0065 B,L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0247 B,L,D $$ l l l l l 366-3139 L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0145 L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0087 L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0003 B,L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0095 B,L,D $$ l l - l l 366-0760 B,L $ l - - - l 577-2000 L,D $$ l - - l l 366-0423 L,D $ - - - - l

On Da Beach Sugar Shack

366-0558 L,D $$ l l l l l 366-0788 B,L,D $ l - - l l

Man-O-War Cay Islander’s Seaside Restaurant

365-6380 B,L,D $$

Guana Cay The Market Place (Baker’s) Guana Grabbers Nippers Bar & Grill Sun Setters - Orchid Bay

612-1021 365-5133 365-5111 365-5175

B,L,D L,D L,D L,D

$$ $$ $$ $$

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Green Turtle Cay Jolly Roger Bar & Bistro GT Club & Marina Harvey’s Bar & Grill Lizard Bar & Grill McIntosh Restaurant Miss Emily’s Blue Bee New Plymouth Inn Plymouth Rock Café Sundowners

365-4247 365-4271 365-4389 365-4191 365-4625 365-4181 365-4161 365-4234 365-4060

***Meals Served - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Credit Cards - Visa and Mastercard Prices shown indicate cost of menu items actual prices may vary, $=$10, $$=$11-$20, $$$=$21-$30 and up***

,Sugar ,Shack Hope Town

,Abaco

Sweet Treats & Good Eats

Ice Cream-Milkshakes-cupcakes-cookies-candy-popcorn-hotdogs Daily Lunch specials-PIZZA-SANDWICHES-SALADS-BEER & WINE & More!

Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Monday­Saturday 7:30am­9:30pm Open On Sunday's in July

242­366­0788

abacosugarshack@yahoo.com

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Things to do

Abaco’s Lighthouses

Hole-In-The-Wall Lighthouse was built in 1836, but with its original mechanism dismantled, the lighthouse now has an automated light. Some interested residents hope to restore the beauty of this once proud beacon of light to ships that sailed on our beautiful waters of the Atlantic.

The Elbow Cay Lighthouse is probably the most recognizable landmark on Abaco. This 89-foot high candystriped edifice was built in 1863 and is one of two hand-wound kerosene-burning lighthouses still operational in the world. It is worth viewing.

Things to do

Art Galleries

Bahama Dawn Design Working studio for a variety of handmade items including quilting, handmade glass beads, fused glass, jewelry and ceramics. Classes offered in quilting, silk painting, jewelry and ceramics. By appointment only. www.bahamadawn.com 367-4648 Blue Sky Gallery The Blue Sky Gallery offers fine Bahamian art, prints, professional framing & photography by Tuppy Weatherford. Additionally, you will find the displayed artwork of Lou Lihou, Anne Ray, Fritz Keck, Beth Sweeting and Zyandric Jones. This gallery is located on Don MacKay Blvd. in Marsh Harbour.

Call 367-0579.

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Lovely Island Tings Lovely Island Tings specializes in straw work. Fine items such as straw bags, wallets, handbags and hats as well as household items like mats, cushions and bath accessories can be found here. It is located on Don MacKay Blvd in Marsh Harbour.

Call: 367-4297/551-7453/367-3442.

Abaco Ceramics Established in 1983, Abaco Ceramics continues to offer a wide range of beautifully hand-painted functional and decorative ceramics created in its workshop located on the road into Treasure Cay. Abaco Ceramics is open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel: 365-8489. www. abacoceramics.com Abaco Island Artists Works from Brigitte Bowyer Carey, Jo-Ann Bradley, Lillian Cash, Leanne Russell, Donna Spadafora, Marjolein Scott, Bob Zwickel, Tim Higgs, Donnie Wood, Jeep Byers, Zyandric Jones, Attila Feszt, Louis Schneider and Colyn Rees can be found at Mangoes Boutique and Palm Cottage in Marsh Harbour. These friends are loyal supporters of the Abaco Cancer Society’s Art Shows.

The group believes in the artistic talent of The Bahamian youth and encourages and mentors aspiring local artists. For more information on Abaco’s artists, visit their Web site at abacoislandartists@gmail.com or call 367-3744.

Painted Bunting

Pete’s Pub & Gallery Located in Little Harbour, the Johnstons produce bronze art in their foundry. Clients and visitors are welcome to tour the foundry, then visit the Gallery where the finished sculptures are available. It is open from November through August beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, call 5775487 or 954-353-2465. www.petespubandgallery.com Edna’s Handicraft Edna’s Handicraft features works of art fashioned from material exclusive to Abaco’s environment. Located on Forest Drive in Marsh Harbour, Edna Kemp’s collection boasts sand-blasted vases, shell floral arrangements, beaded coconut, Abaco glass jewelry, hair accessories, and colossal mirrors delicately outlined in an exquisite display of native shells. Call: 554-9905.

Birding

Beaches

There are many spectacular stretches of sand here, most notably Treasure Cay Beach’s stunning white sand that was voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world.

Tahiti Beach, Hope Town, has soft white sand, seven-mile-long Guana Cay Beach has a tall dune, Abaco Beach Resort’s sand is shaded beneath palm trees, and Sandy Point Beach has lots of shells.

Casuarina Point Beach Crossing Rocks Beach Hope Town Beach Long Beach Manjack Beach Pelican Beach Villas Beach Sandy Point Public Beach Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay Treasure Cay Beach

Bareboat Boat Charters

Charter a live aboard boat that will help you experience beautiful Abaco and its surrounding cays.

The Moorings (MH)............... 367-4000 Abaco Bah Charters(HT)........ 366-0151 Abaco Multihull (HT).............. 366-0552

Boating & Sailing

With an entire chain of enchanting islands arrayed around a warm, calm sea, Abaco Islands are one of the world’s best cruising and sailing areas and have been The Bahamas’ boating capital since colonial times.

Whether you’re a sailing purist willing to tack until the last gasp of wind or a pow57

Things to do

With more than 65 species of birds native to Abaco, it truly is a bird-watcher’s paradise and the only place in The Bahamas where you can find the green Abaco or “Bahama” Parrot, mainly in South Abaco near Hole-inthe-Wall. Other birds you’ll encounter are the Bahama Yellow-Throat Warbler, Cuban Emerald Hummingbird, Woodpecker, RedLegged Thrush, Olive-Capped Warbler and Flamingos.

Abaco National Park - This national park, comprising 22,500 acres in Southern Abaco near Hole-in-the -Wall, has been designated a preservation area by the Bahamas government and is managed by the Bahamas National Trust. Included are 5,000 acres of pine forest – the nesting area and habitat of about 1000 endangered Abaco Parrots. The parrots once lived on as many as seven islands in The Bahamas, but now only exist on Abaco. A similar species is found on Great Inagua.

Black Sound Cay National Park, a twoacre mangrove reserve, was established in 1988. It is located on Green Turtle Cay. Although small in size, this national park is an important habitat for waterfowl and other avifauna which winter in the region.

The Tilloo Cay Reserve, established in 1990, is an important nesting habitat for seabirds with an approximate size of 11 acres.

photo credit - Delphie Club

erboater who throttles up to ensure you’re at the anchorage by happy hour’s first call, this is truly a yachtsman’s heaven.

Boating Information The Cruiser’s Net, Abaco’s most popular radio information site - VHF 68 at 0815 Use the VHF to stay in touch.

• Channel 16 - Calling Only • Channel 06 - Taxis • Channel 68 - Cruiser’s Net • Channel 83 - Medical and BASRA • Channel 72 - The Elbow Cay Rescue Squad, Emergencies only When you hear someone on VHF 16 answer “Go Over”, you can bet they are going to “their” channel. In fact, you know you’ve finally arrived when you know where “over” is.

Bonefishing Guides

Things to do

Are you an avid bone-fisherman? Or do you want to have a guide teach you the basics to bone-fishing? With miles of flats, many professional guides on hand, access to the world-renowned “marls,” and large numbers and sizes of bonefish, Abaco is the perfect place for bone-fishing. There are a number of bonefish lodges, tours, and guides across the island, some of which include Rickmon Bonefish Lodge, Pinder’s Bonefishing, Bonefish Heaven, Abaco Bones, Jr’s Bonefish, and Abaco Fly Fish.

Cherokee Sound Dana Lowe........................366-2275 Donnie Lowe.....................366-2275 Lionel(Dee) Albury.............366-2018 ..

Marty Sawyer.....................366-2115 Will Sawyer........................366-2177 Randy Sawyer....................366-2284 Robin Albury......................366-0278 Coopers Town Drexel McIntosh.................365-0132 Kirk McIntosh....................365-0150 O’Donald McIntosh.............365-0126 Fire Road Ken Gardiner.....................365-0266 Green Turtle Cay Ronnie Sawyer...................365-4070 Abaco Fly Fish....................365-4261 Hope Town 58

Maitland Lowe...................366-0234 Tom Albury........ 366-3141/477-5243 Marsh Harbour Jay Sawyer........................367-3941 Danny Sawyer....................367-3577 ..

Buddy Pinder.........................366-2163 Justin Sands......................359-6890 Sidney Albury....................477-5996 Richard Albury...................577-0313 Jody Albury....... 375-8068/367-6231 Mount Hope Pedro Thurston..................365-2405 Sandy Point Floyd Burrows....................366-4175 Kirk Bain............................475-1982 Rickmon’s..........................366-4233 Pete’s Guest House............366-4119 Patrick Roberts...................366-4285 Treasure Cay Carey McKenzie..................365-8313

Deep Sea Fishing Guides

Casuarina Point Junior Albury.....................366-3058 Green Turtle Cay Rick Sawyer.......................365-4270 Eddie Bodie.......................357-6784 Hope Town Robert Lowe......................366-0266 Ira Key..............................366-0245 Truman Major....................366-0101

Fisherman’s Calendar

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beSt gOOD MODerate Fair Blue Marlin White Marlin SailfiSh SWordfiSh dolphin Wahoo KingfiSh MacKerel YelloWfin tuna Bluefin tuna BlacKfin tuna oceanic Bonito BonefiSh perMit tarpon aMBerjacK grouper Snapper Barracuda SharK

Lubbers Quarters Michael Schreiner...............366-3143 Treasure Cay Clark Burrows....................375-3543

Things to do

Cultural Activities

40th Regatta Time In Abaco Regatta Time In Abaco is a five-race series held each year incorporating the American and Bahamian Independence Day holidays.

Its primary focus is to encourage cruising sailboats to compete. The races are held on the waters off different communities from Green Turtle Cay to Hope Town. The shore activities include street parties, Junkanoo and hosted parties at a different location each night for the 9-day event. Check us out on Facebook. regattatimeinabaco.com Homecomings Every year various settlements or towns throughout Abaco host local homecomings.

These homecomings give residents, past and present, an opportunity to showcase their community spirit and give visitors a chance to enjoy the festivities. Some of the communities that stage such homecomings are Sandy Point, Blackwood, Cedar Har60

bour, Moore’s Island and Murphy Town.

Man-O-War Cay’s Independence Day Every July locals and visitors participate in a variety of old-fashioned games and activities in celebration of Independence Day on Man-O-War Cay. Swimming events are held along with popular games where all participants are rewarded. A traditional cookout concludes the day’s events.

Annual Pink Rose Ball The second Pink Rose Ball was held on October 25, 2014 at Great Abaco Beach Resort to help raise funds for the Abaco Cancer Society (ACS). As a Breast Cancer Prevention Fundraiser, the event features a cocktail reception where guests walk the Pink Carpet in formal attire and are photographed like the celebrities they are. The event is complimented by a silent auction and classical music was provided saxophone player as those in attendance mingle and dine.Throughout the evening, a video presentation of heart-rending testimonials from Abaco’s breast cancer survivors was shown, and survivors are honoured. Last year, the Pink Rose Ball raised $10,000, and

this year $15,00, the funds were presented to the Abaco Cancer Society.

The Pink Rose Ball committee is comprised of amazing individuals: Melinda Pinder, Laura Albury, Brenda Sawyer, Theresa Albury, Ruth Saunders and Wynsome Ferguson, who organized the worthy cause.

Please show your support this year by attending the 3rd Annual Pink Rose Ball on Oct. 26, 2015 at Great Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina. For more information contact Melinda Pinder at Buds n Blooms 367-2837.

“Sojer” Day Every other year residents of Man-O-War Cay celebrate their Heritage Day called Sojer Day – in recognition of the residents who are nicknamed “Sojers.” Throughout the day, locals acknowledge their history and rich heritage through food, skits, musical selections, artifacts, tours and booths that reflect the cay’s reputation as The Bahamas’ boatbuilding capital. The next Sojer Day is scheduled for April, 2016.

Hope Town Box Cart Derby Every November Hope Town becomes the venue of a major event called the Big Hill Box Cart Derby. The competition consists of junior and senior categories, and the selection of homemade box cars entered vary in design, size and colours. The event is a popular one drawing those with competitive spirits and scores of spectators. Food and beverage stands are set up. Earnings from the event assist in youth sports devel-

opment in the community, particularly the Taylor Park Ballfield and the Abaco Junior Sailing Program.

Junkanoo The Junkanoo Parade, the traditional Bahamian dance with elaborate costumes, is held in Marsh Harbour for two nights in February and several weekends in June and July. Green Turtle Cay has an annual Junkanoo Parade on New Year’s Day. Sea Spray Resort also holds an annual competition in Dec. in Hope Town. Listen to the sounds of the horns and whistles and feel the pulsating rhythms of the goatskin drums and cowbells. Join in a rushout with local groups like the Spring City Rockers, Supreme Dancers, Green Turtle Cay Rockers and the Treasure Cay Explorers.

Annual Christmas Festivals The Christmas Festival is held the first weekend in December on Marsh Harbour.

Treasure Cay the festival is celebrated on the second weekend in December. These events involve the community with a family day that offers lots of games, music, Bahamian food, various local talents and live entertainment. It showcases community spirit to bring in the Christmas cheer with visitors having a chance to enjoy the culture of the Bahamian people.

Island Roots Heritage Festival Join us as we celebrate our connection with our sister city, Key West, Florida. It’s a festival full of delicious Bahamian treats, unique 61

Conch Cracking Contest Island Roots Heritage Festival

Bahamian crafts and fine art, informative speakers and displays, not to mention our fabulous Bahamian entertainment that will not disappoint you! The complete schedule of events for the weekend will be posted on the website the month before the festival and will be posted in the April Abaconian issue. For more information, please contact

The Abaco Tourist Office at 367-3067. You can also visit www.islandrootsheritagefestival.com. See you there!

9th Annual Green Turtle Cay Christmas Festival of Lights, Fair and Boat Parade The event will begin early evening at Set-

Managing National Parks –

Things to do

Bahamas National National Trust Trust Bahamas

Preserving our Future

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The Bahamas National Trust is a non-profit membership organization with statutory responsibility for management of 26 national parks and protected areas.

The BNT is a unique collaboration of the private, scientific and government sectors with notable conservation accomplishments over the past 50 years.

ESTABLISHING the Inagua National Park in 1965 to protect one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of West Indian Flamingos.

DESIGNATING the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in 1986 as the first no-take marine fishery reserve in the wider Caribbean.

CREATING the Abaco National Park in 1994 to protect the northern breeding habitat of the endangered Bahama Parrot.

ANNOUNCING the Fowl Cays Land and Sea Park in 2009 as the newest national park in celebration of the BNT’s 50th Anniversary.

WORKING with scientists to continue to monitor the breeding population of the endangered Bahama Parrot on Abaco.

DOUBLING the size of the national park system in 2002 to over 700,000 acres throughout the archipelago – an unprecedented conservation achievement.

DEVELOPING award winning environmental education programmes for teachers and students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The MANAGEMENT of 26 national parks is a huge responsibility. As we plan for the future, we ask for you to support our national parks by becoming a member of the BNT so that we can continue to protect and manage the biodiversity of The Bahamas for future generations of Bahamians.

For membership information contact us at:

Nassau: P.O. Box N-4105 | Ph: 242-393-1317 • Fax: 242-393-4978 Abaco National Park: Ph: 242-367- 6310 • Fax: 242-367-6309 www.bnt.bs • Email: bnt@bnt.bs

tlement Point with a Thanksgiving dinner and an exciting stage program ending with a torchlight procession. Come and see their quiet village transformed into a fairyland and experience the cart parade and jingle bell trot. Later, join them for the Lite the Nite Boat Parade. The route will take the boats from Black Sound, White Sound, and Settlement Creek to the Main Dock at Settlement Point. Bunce, Hail’em gal and a Junkanoo rush will be performed along with another late night of bingo. It is guaranteed to be three weekends of fun. Call Erin Albury at 365-4395 or Marilyn Saunders at 365-4120 for more information.

10th Annual Cancer Society Art Show and Auction Held in Green Turtle Cay at the Green Turtle Cay Club, the 8th Annual Cancer Society Art Show and Auction will feature local art, jewelry, sculpture and much more. For more infomation email: abacocancersociety@gmail.com or call 367-3744.

Junkanoo Summer Festival Summertime on Abaco means Junkanoo Time. This festival, staged by the Ministry of Tourism throughout the summer months, highlights everything that is truly Bahamian. Local residents and visitors get to sample the flavour of the islands. In addition to the variety of Bahamian dishes and drinks, there are performances by the world famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and local Junkanoo and dance groups. Fire dancing, limbo, hair braiding and native crafts are also displayed.

4th Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend Treasure Cay gets overrun with athletes and families from Friday through Sunday, March 20-22nd. The fundraiser for Friends of the Environment and the Rotary Club of Abaco attracts athletes from across the Bahamas and the world. Competitors can compete in one or all of a 1-mile open water swim, Sprint or Olympic triathlons & relays, and a 5k & 10k fun run/walk. A kid’s

Things to do 63

Certification

Training courses

Tanks

# Boats

Instructors

Blue Holes

Walls

Reefs & wrecks

Snorkeling

Shark Encounters

Night Dive

Dive Information Brendals Dive Center

8 8 8 8 8 8 4 3 80 8 8

Green Turtle Cay, 365-4411

Dive Abaco

8 8 8 8 8 8 2 1 100 8 8

Marsh Harbour, 367-2787

Dive Guana

8 8 8 8 8 8 2 1 100 8 8

Guana Cay, 365-5178

Dive Time

Froggies Adventure

1 1 80

8 8

8 8 8 8 8 2 3 80

8 8

8 8 8 8 8

Man-O-War Cay, 365-6235

Hope Town, 366-0431

Things to do

1-mile race, cheerleading camp, and a paddleboard clinic round out the fun-filled weekend. Visit www.GAFFW.com or their Facebook page for more information.

Abaco Turtle Trot Friends of the Environment hosts the Abaco Turtle Trot in Hope Town on Thanksgiving Day and Marsh Harbour that Saturday.

The 3 mile course starts in historic Hope Town and loops around the scenic Northend. The Hope Town Primary School has a 1-mile kids run immediately after the adult race. That Saturday Marsh Harbour hosts a 5km event for those in mainland Abaco.

Contact Friends at info@friendsoftheenvironment.org or 367-2721.

242 Colour Run The 242 Colour Run returns to Hope Town for a third season in December 2015. The 5k (3-mile) event is fun for all ages and abilities. Participants toss colour and then walk or run through multiple colour stations on the course; there are no winners and the event is not timed. All persons are eligible for fun prizes and awards after.

Funds raised go towards the Rotary and Rotaract clubs of Abaco. For more information visit www.run242.com or visit their facebook page.

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Art For The Parks The Bahamas National Trust, Abaco Beach Resort, local artists and corporate supporters have come together to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to Abaco to view and purchase the works of more than 30 talented Bahamian artists on Jan. 23 - 25, 2015. The event features artists who work in all mediums with a number of high-end jewelry and craft artisans participating. Saturday and Sunday features a variety of food, an interactive children’s crafts area, and local musical talent. All funds raised at the event help to maintain the six Abaco National Parks and support conservation education initiatives on Abaco. Contact the Bahamas National Trust at bnt@bnt.bs, or call the BNT Office in Marsh Harbour at 367-6310.

Diving & Snorkeling Snorkeling Sites • Angelfish Reef • Blue Strip Reef • Crawfish Shallows • Elkhorn Park • Fowl Cay Reef • Hobias Head • Hope Town Reef • Jeanette’s Reef

NEW GAS CARTS for your land touring!

FREE Pickup & Drop-off Hourly • Daily • 3 Day Weekly • Long Term Rates Long Term GREAT RATES Available!

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Meghan’s Mesa Mermaid Reef Pelican Park Pirate’s Cathedral Sandy Cay Reef Sanka Shoal Smugglers Rest Spanish Cannon Spiral Cavern The Pillars White Hole Wreckers Reef

Diving Operators

Brendal’s Dive Ctr (GTC).........365-4411 Dive Abaco (MH)....................367-2787 Dive Guana (GC)....................365-5178 Dive Time (MOW)..................365-6235 Froggies Out Island (HT)........366-0431 Spanish Cay (SC)...................365-0083

Things to do

Reef, Cave, Cavern, Wrecks, Walls & Blue Hole Diving Much of the water that surrounds The Ba-

66

hamas is less than 20 feet deep, making it home to numerous reef dive sites.

The Aquarium - This site is located on the outside of the reef north of Shark Ledge and is frequented by friendly Caribbean Reef Sharks and Groupers. There are interesting coral structures to explore.

Cuda Alley - This is a beautiful reef located at the north end of Guana Cay. There are beautiful coral formations, lots of fish and sometimes schools of barracudas hanging about. The reef has a huge ledge which leads to a beautiful cavern room that’s filled with silversides in the summer.

Grouper Alley - Numerous tunnels cut through and beneath a monstrous coral head in 40-foot depths.

Guppy Garden - These are two beautiful coral heads located near the maze off Scotland Cay. The maximum depth is 30 feet. The heads have lots of fish, corals and interesting crevasses to explore.

Kristin’s Crannies - This is a beautiful coral head located near The Cathedral.

This site has lots of fish, corals and very interesting crevasses and tunnels running

heads near The Tunnels. There are nice corals and colorful fish on these heads. It is a nice reef for beginners and snorkel divers.

Wayne’s World -This is a tour of the outside of the barrier reef in 70 feet of water.

The Catacombs - A 20’ shallow sun-splattered cavern with abundant tropical fish.

The Cathedral - This site is located in the reef on the north end of Scotland Cay. There are gigantic cavern rooms with formations resembling the inside of a cathedral. Large openings overhead allow light to stream through to the sandy bottom and shafts of sunlight dance on the ocean floor.

Guana Coral Caverns - This cavern-filled reef is located on the north side of Guana Cay. Beautiful colorful coral gardens with many varieties of fish surround this horseshoe shaped reef. The reef features large numbers of caverns and tunnels. Some are very dark and lead to well lit caverns with no visible openings large enough to get outside. Divers should go here with a guide and not go beyond where visible openings to the outside can be seen.

Dive Shops & Equipment Diving on Abaco is definitely a must. You do not want to miss the magnificent, peaceful experience that the waters of Abaco have to offer. Equipment can either be brought along with you or rented from the local dive shops. Even the most experienced divers are advised to use local dive operators to help you explore the dive sites of Abaco.

The many dive shops also provide instruction courses, from beginner to dive master certification. Some of the dive shops on Abaco include Dive Abaco, Froggies Out Island Adventures and Brendal’s Dive Center.

67

Things to do

through it.

The Maze - This is a beautiful site near Scotland Cay. The reef structure here has six or more very long, wide tunnels running through it like a maze. The tunnels are quite large and well lit with many large openings in the overhead. The maximum depth is 30 feet.

Sandy Cay - This site is located in the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park. It is a beautiful coral reef with lots of fish and the occasional Spotted Eagle Ray. The Skyscrapers - These are dive sites on the outside of the main reef at the north end of Guana Cay. These sites have a maximum depth of 60 feet. Each is unique with amazing coral structures that reach the surface from the bottom at 60 feet. Here you will find beautiful tunnels and caverns hidden behind some of the huge cliff- like formations. Black tip sharks, eagle rays, tarpon and other life are often seen on these reefs.

Tarpon Reef - High-profile corals provide a home for a school of Tarpon and a huge Green Moray.

The Tower Garden - This site is called “Fly Wheel” in the Cruising Guide. There are lots of Chubs and Yellowtail Snappers here. The site has interesting coral formations with nice well lit tunnels running through them.

The Towers - The site is located outside the reef near The Tower Garden and is home to Caribbean Reef Sharks, Rays and Turtles. There are huge coral heads that come close to the surface from depths of 60 feet, plus tunnels and caverns.

The Tunnels - This site is called “Tombstone” in the Cruising Guide. There is a memorial to Skeet Lachance’s son under one of the ledges. This is a nice coral head with lots of fish and coral.

Twin Sisters - These are two round coral

Things to do

Eco-Adventures

Mangroves Due to the flat land and typically shallow waters, The Bahamas largely consists of wetland ecosystems, making them the most important ecosystem in the country.

Wetlands, often referred to as swamps or marshes, are areas that are regularly flooded with salt or fresh water, even though they are sometimes permanently or temporarily dry due to tides or arid seasons.

Wetlands can either be coastal or inland.

Coastal wetlands are influenced by the tides. The plants found here are very salt tolerant and protect the coastline from storm surges and run off into the sea. Inland wetlands are cutoff from the sea and are more influenced by rainfall, rivers, or ground water.

Mangroves are the trees that can be found in these wetland areas. Worldwide, there are over 50 species of mangroves, four of which can be found in The Bahamas.

The Red Mangrove is the most water loving of them all and can be seen on the coasts of the salt water. Easily identified by its reddish colour and branching prop roots, the Red Mangrove has oval, green leaves that grow opposite each other, and yellowcream flowers.

The Black Mangrove often grows just behind the Red Mangrove, but it is also salt tolerant. It’s extended, horizontal roots easily identify it, from which grow vertical “breathing roots.” The Black Mangrove often has a blackened bark, longer and narrower leaves and produces a small cluster of white flowers.

The White Mangrove is the least salt tolerant, and therefore it prefers drier conditions and can be found growing more 68

inland behind the Black Mangroves. The White Mangrove is easily distinguished from the other mangroves by its rounded, lighter green leaves and its pinkish stem, with two visible glands called nectarines, which are thought to prevent it from herbivorous attacks. The flower is very small, white, and bell shaped.

The Buttonwood, also known as the Grey Mangrove, prefers much drier land and can be found further inland than the others; however, it is very salt resistant. The Buttonwood is found in two colour forms: green and silver. The flowers are “buttonlike” and develop into brown fruits. The leaves are alternate from one another and also have sugar secreting nectarines, which are thought to defend against herbivorous attack. All mangrove trees not only protect the island from erosion and coral reefs from pollution, they also serve as a nursery, shelter, and protection for many embryonic crab, lobster and fish.

Fun Run/ Walks

Several times in the year, the people of Abaco get together for 5K running challenges.

The challenge is to run or walk 5 kilometres, all to raise funds, with the aid of sponsors. There were several 5K events that took place in on Abaco in 2013. The Anglican Church hosted a 5K in October. Also the Christian Counseling Center hosted a 5K and optional 10K in November of 2013.

With the help of sponsors and an entrance fee, each challenge was a success to raise money for their organizations. Both of the associations hope to host the same event annually for years to come.

Par Yards Food Pro Golf Bar Shop Pro

Designer

Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club

72 7,327

X

X

X

Tom Fazio

4

15

Treasure Cay Resort and Marina

72 6,985

X

X

X

Dick Wilson

8

10

Holes

Tough Easy

Great Guana Cay Tel: 365-5802

Treasure Cay Tel: 365-8045

The Abaco Club on 72 7,183 X X X Tom MacKenzie 3 & 11 6 Winding Bay Donald Steel

Cherokee Sound Tel: 866-605-8681 or 367-0077

Golfing

Treasure Cay Golf Course The Treasure Cay Golf Course is an outstanding 18-hole championship course designed by Dick Wilson, one of America’s most renowned golf course architects. With several classic courses, the golf course consistently ranks in Golf Digest’s Top 100.

With 186 acres and tropically landscaped, Treasure Cay golf course was the last Dick Wilson planned. After he died in 1968, his assistant, Joe Lee, completed the course

and went on to become a famous golf course architect.

At 6,985 yards from the blue tees and with 66 strategically placed sand bunkers, the Treasure Cay course presents an impressive challenge. With ocean winds, tight fairways, and a layout that makes you ponder every club selection, you certainly will want to play more than once! Whether you are single and looking for a partner to play with or have a partner already, the Treasure Cay Golf Course is perfect for you. Tee times are not necessary! During the winter season, homeowner tournaments are often held at bi-weekly intervals. Guests are welcome, as it can be a fun way of meeting new people. Very attractive golf packages are available to guests staying at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina.

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay The Abaco Club on Winding Bay features authentic links courses, meaning it has been built on land that is beside the sea and been shaped by wind. Therefore, the course has been designed and is maintained so that it is fast running and firm.

Some would even call this course a tropical links, due to the tropical location next to a pristine two-mile beach and many dunes. Designed by Peter de Savary, Tom MacKenzie, and Donald Steel, this course is described as the envy of many seaside courses.

Amenities at the Club include a clubhouse 69

Things to do

Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club The golf course at Baker’s Bay has been receiving enthusiastic reviews as one of the premium courses in the Caribbean.

Designed by Tom Fazio, this Par 72 course plays 7,327 yards from the back tees and features dramatic water views from most of the holes.

Baker’s Bay provides 244 custom home sites, 35 beachfront cottages, and 44 boathouses. At Baker’s Bay you can experience an ocean front golf course, a private family beach club, a first-rate spa and fitness club, a private watercraft, and superlative dining. Baker’s Bay also provides a seaport village, equipped with a waterfront cantina, a Caribbean-style hotel, and many gift shops and boutiques. Visit www.bakersbayclub. com, call (242) 577-0635, or email info@ bakersbayclub.com for more information.

and infinity pool, European spa, deep sea and bonefishing, tennis, children’s activities and numerous water sports. The Club’s private plane and air terminal, as well as sport and leisure boats, are available to members and guests. The Club welcomes non-members to enjoy the private club once only. Exquisite cottages are available for rent. Estate lots and exquisite turn-key cottages are priced from $875,000 to $4 million. Non-resident membership is also available. For more information, please contact the Membership Department at (888) 303-2765 (US Toll Free) or (242-) 367-0077 or email info@theabacoclub.com or visit www.theabacoclub.com.

Marina Information

Things to do

Customs Procedures Upon entering The Bahamas, the captain of a vessel must take the vessel to an authorized port. The vessel must first clear customs prior to any crew coming ashore or the unloading or loading of any cargo.

70

The boat’s Temporary Cruising Permit is for one year from date of entry and may be renewed for up to two further years if desired by written application to Bahamas Customs, Nassau, prior to expiration and payment of $500 per year. To leave your boat in The Bahamas permanently, you must pay an import duty of 10% for vessels of any size. Since there is no income tax in The Bahamas, there is usually a 35% duty, plus shipping costs, added to most consumer goods. If you experience anything contrary to this, call Comptroller of Customs in Nassau at 242-302-3302.

Immigration Procedures No person is to land in The Bahamas from a foreign territory without permission of an immigration officer. All vessels must be landed at an authorised port of entry.

Radio Communications When using VHF radios, use Channel 16 as the calling channel to initiate communications.

71

72

Wi-Fi

Restaurant

Laundry

Groceries

200 158 38 80 40 37 33 62 28 6 29 28 80 66 10 60 40 150

Showers

Abaco Beach Resort &

Boat Harbour Marina (MH)... 367-2158 Baker’s Bay Marina (GC)....... 954-256-9675 Bluff House Marina (GTC)............ 365-4247 Conch Inn Marina (MH)............... 367-4000 Green Turtle Club (GTC).............. 365-4271 Guana Hideaways Marina (GC)..... 365-5070.

Harbour View Marina (MH)........... 367-2182 Hope Town Inn & Marina (HT)..... 366-0003 Leeward Yacht Club (GTC)........... 365-4191 Lighthouse Marina (HT)............... 366-0154 Mangoes Marina (MH)................. 367-4255 Man-O-War Marina (MOW)........... 365-6008 Marsh Harbour Marina (MH)......... 367-2700 Orchid Bay Marina (GC)............... 365-5175 Other Shore Club (GTC)............... 365-4226 Sea Spray Marina (HT)................ 366-0065 Spanish Cay Marina..................... 365-0083 Treasure Cay Marina (TC)............ 365-8250

Ice

Marinas

Electricity

Entry Fees Cruising fees of $150 for boats up to 31 feet

Slips

Things to do

Arriving by Boat Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at one of the nearest designated 32 Ports of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival immediately. Only the captain is permitted to leave

Water

Fishing Regulations

the boat until the vessel has been cleared.

When Customs and Immigration Officials come to your vessel, everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. U.S. citizens can present a passport and an official photo I.D., such as a driver’s license or voter’s card.

Before leaving The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit.

If you have a firearm on board, you must declare it on arrival with Customs. You must provide the serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. You are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, but you cannot take it off unless you have a permit from the Bahamian police ahead of time. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. Any infraction of this law is dealt with severely.

Fuel

Weather Information Daily forecasts are broadcast on VHF16 on the Crusiers Net. Bahamas Christian Network channel 55 broadcast between 7:00 - 7:15 am. The official hurricane season starts June 1 and ends on November 30.

Information on tropical systems is available from many sources four - five days before these weather conditions are experienced in The Bahamas. The Weather Channel, BCN television and Radio Abaco 93.5FM issue regular updates on any tropical disturbances. Additional information can be obtained via the internet.

O O O O O - O O O - O O O O O O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O O O O O - O - - - - - - O O O O O O - O - - O O O O - O O O - O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O - O - O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

73

Destination Abaco

in length and $300 for boats over 31 feet, will be valid for two entries during a 90-day period. This covers a vessel with four persons or fewer. The fee covers the cruising permit, fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $25 per person departure tax for up to four persons. Each additional person above four is charged a $25 departure tax (for each additional person above four departing Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Regular hours for Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are oncall during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge.

Things to do

Permits You can receive fishing permits from Customs officials at any of our 32 ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you’re allowed to fish six rods at a time.

Marine Vessel Limits Lobster or Crawfish - Limit of no more than 10 tails at any given time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 5-1/2 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg -bearing female crawfish are protected.

Conch - Limit at any given time is no more than 6 per vessel. Harvesting and possession of conch without a well formed lip is prohibited.

Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna - Migratory species shall not exceed 18 fish per vessel at any time.

Demersal Species - Demersal species (grouper, snappers, etc.) - No more than 60 pounds or 20 scale fish.

Stone Crabs - The minimum harvestable claw is four inches. Harvesting of females is prohibited. The season is closed from June 1 to October 15.

Turtles - Illegal to import. No vessel shall have onboard marine turtles.

Spearfishing - Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. You are not allowed to use scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish or other marine animals. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile of the coast of New Providence, within one mile of the south 74

coast of Freeport, Grand Bahama and within 200 yards of the coast of all the Out Islands. Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.

Museums

The Albert Lowe Museum

on Green Turtle Cay charts the history of Abaconians from the Loyalists of the 1780s through the modern-day development of Abaco. It also features handcrafted ship models and paintings by local artists. Once a home, this 150-year-old structure was transformed by artist Alton Lowe in memory of his father. Tel: (242) 365-4094 The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum

in Hope Town exhibits the cay’s history from the 1780s to the present and is named after the Hope Town founder from South Carolina. The museum is packed with manuscripts, photographs and artifacts. Local pottery and ships’ china recovered by wreckers and household antiques are housed here. Extensive genealogy records are available for Bahamian families.

Tel: 366-0293 Man-O-War’s Heritage Museum is located on the Queen’s Highway in the

heart of the settlement. The recently opened museum holds artifacts, photos and family treasures of yesteryear. The building itself is one of the oldest on the island at 100 plus years. And like all older buildings, it has its challenges. Donations are being accepted for the roof restoration project. Visit www.mowmuseum.com to stay updated on the progress of the museum. You can also “like” them on Facebook.

Johnston has been specializing in bronze sculptures ever since it was introduced to him by his father, the late Randolph Johnston in 1952. Today both Pete’s and his father’s work are known worldwide and can be seen in such places as the Vatican’s Museum in Rome, Rawson Square in Nassau and many domestic and international art galleries. The foundry is still in operation and remains as the only bronze foundry in The Bahamas. It is tucked away in the unspoiled and secluded location of Little Harbour that also offers a family-owned pub and art gallery. Call them at 577-5487 or 954-353-2465 pete@petespub.com

Out Island Excursions Johnston’s Bronze Art Foundry Using a 5000-year-old wax process, Pete

Bahamas Fast Ferries From Sandy Point, one can take a trip to Nassau, the capital and most populated city of The Bahamas, in under fours hours on a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned, highspeed ferry. The fast ferry runs Friday and

Things to do 75

Sunday most of the year. However, the schedule does vary throughout the year so be sure to check the schedule before planning your trip. Visit www.bahamasferries. com for more information and to book a trip.

Pinder’s Ferry Service It is possible to take a ferry to Grand Bahama, the neighboring island, where the second most populated city is found, Freeport.

Pinder’s Ferry Service travels twice daily from Crown Haven, Abaco’s northernmost point, to McLean’s Town, Grand Bahama, which is 50 miles away. From there you can catch a bus or taxi to Freeport. For more information call (242) 365-2356.

People to-People

Bahamians love meeting new people and making friends. When you join our complimentary People-to-People program, you’ll be paired with a Bahamian ambassador who will show you our culture and way of life in a memorable, one-of-a-kind vacation experience. It’s the perfect way to really get to know our islands. Make the most of your visit to The Bahamas by joining our free People-to-People program.

Enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal.

Share stories. Go sightseeing. Meet Bahamian children. Listen to rake and scrape.

Our program does more than introduce you to our culture. It lets you experience The Bahamas through the eyes of a Bahamian.

Things to do

Tours

Lucayan Nature Man Bird Watching Tours Enjoy a drive into the Abaco coppice to see the Abaco Parrot, Warblers and other native species of birds. Plus take a ride to the beach to spot some of our beautiful shoreline birds and perhaps pick-up some sea glass. Half day trips begins at 7 am. $200 and $400 for a full day. Pack a light lunch and bring water for your trip. Contact Reg Patterson at Tel: 367-2749 or 367-3180 Cell: 477-5953 Captain Plug’s Adventure Want to travel the Seas of Abaco, visit the local beaches, catch some tropical fish, or 76

go bar hopping on the cays? Stafford Patterson a.k.a. Captain Plug, the owner and operator of Sea Horse Boat Rentals, will guide and assist you, either on board one of his own boats or on your own. Stafford has over 40 years experience on the Sea of Abaco, and he guarantees you a fun time.

Tel: 366-0023/577-0273 Abaco Neem Native Bahamian, Nick Miaoulis founded Abaco Neem in 1993. After initially being interested in Neem for timber, he began to realize its health benefits and his vision became more focused on health care. Along with assistance from Albert Albury, Nick was able to establish the Abaco Neem Farm on 120 acres of land near Casuarina Point.

Today there are 6,500 Neem trees on the farm, and Abaco Neem’s health care, body care, pet care, and home and garden products are sold all over The Bahamas. The farm is set up to provide tours for any who would like to visit. Please visit www.abaconeem.com to schedule your tour today.

Tel: (242) 225-1745 or 367-4117.

Carleton Point at Treasure Cay This spot was the founding settlement of Abaco and is located on the northeast peninsula of what is now Treasure Cay beach. Six hundred American Loyalists, built the settlement in 1783 migrating to The Bahamas because of their allegiance to Great Britain after the American Revolution. It was named Carleton Point after Sir Guy Carleton, a British military commander of North America stationed in New York. However, in 1785, a hurricane struck the settlement, and it was later deserted. Archaeologists have uncovered remains of the Loyalist settlement and in September 1983 a bronze plaque was officially unveiled to commemorate the site.

Plans are to construct a national monument and tourist attraction here.

Cholera Graveyard In the 1850s, a dark cloud covered the community of Hope Town when residents were exposed to the Cholera epidemic.

This highly contagious and incurable dis-

ease spread rapidly through the community resulting in 100 lives being lost. Although grief stricken by the tragic lost, the community rallied together and assigned a burial site for their love ones. Today the graveyard remains in existence at its original site, but with no gravestones marking the graves.

Preserving this part of their history allows visitors and locals to pay their respect to the lives lost. Visitors can pick up a booklet with information on the location and some historical facts at Vernon’s Grocery Store in Hope Town.

The Peggy Thompson Welcome Center The opening of the Peggy Thompson Welcome Center on Feb 18 on Hope Town is an enduring tribute to the contributions of the late Peggy Thompson, who was a wellloved and active member of the Hope Town community. She wholeheartedly supported tourism and travel to The Bahamas.

In keeping with Peggy’s generous spirit, the Peggy Thompson Welcome Center is managed by Jessica Mullen, and conveniently offers ticket purchases for all the Albury’s Ferry routes as well as information about the cays and freight service. Island concierge services are provided at a cost of 20 percent of the bill.

Since its opening, the center has helped to promote business on the cays, and visitors and locals take full advantage of the services offered.

The Peggy Thompson Welcome Center business hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and is located downstairs in the Sugar Shack Building directly across from the Post Office Dock. Telephone contact: 366-0888.

Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden This garden, located not far from the Albert Lowe Museum in Green Turtle Cay, is the 77

brainchild of Alton Lowe and was built with funds raised by the New Plymouth Historical Society. The garden is a monumental tribute to those who played a significant role in the history of Abaco - the Loyalists and their slaves, who despite hard times, survived and made a new life in The Bahamas.

The garden contains 24 busts of prominent Bahamians (representing various Bahamian islands), surrounding the life-size bronze figures of two girls, one black, and one white. One child holds a conch shell, an important Bahamian symbol, while the other holds the Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain. Artist James Mastin sculptured the busts and two large figures. The figures represent a new beginning in The Bahamas for the thousands of Loyalists of the American Revolution in 1783.

Things to do

Monument to Fishermen In October of 1988, the community of Cherokee Sound erected a monument dedicated to the Cherokee fishermen and their smacks (locally-made fishing boats).

The people of this community once thrived from the fishing industry and distinguished themselves by carrying five sails rather than the usual seven on their fishing smacks. Scripted on the monument is information dating back from the mid 1800’s to the late 1950’s that includes the history of the fishing industry in that community, the names of the fishermen who drowned during a fishing trip, and the names of the smacks operating during that century.

Hummingbird Art Centre and Gallery’s The Hummingbird Art Centre and Gallery’s grand opening was attended by artists and art enthusiasts on January 5, 2013 on Hope Town. Hummingbird Art Centre owners, Jim and Christy Young, restored the centre with a vision that it would foster art education in the young and old, and inspire the youth to become artists of the future. Abaco’s first destination arts centre, Hummingbird Gallery displays the work of instructors and “spotlight artists,” who participate in the educational workshops and art classes available for adults and children.

Paintings feature nature and underwater 78

scenes along with scenes of Hope Town Harbour, the Hope Town Lighthouse, and old Bahamian architecture by local artists, professional painters and world renowned artists like Walter Bartman of Maryland, Amos Ferguson and Brigitte Bowyer-Carey of Tilloo Cay. The Hummingbird Gallery will soon feature works of pottery and wood carving. The Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre and Gallery is located in Hope Town Harbour on Gillam Street behind the Post Office, and is operated by Robbie Bethel, Art Centre Manager. Gallery Hours are from Monday to Saturday at 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Phone contact: 366-0272.

Lumber Camp Ruins There were six lumber camps in Abaco, starting at Wilson City in 1905, followed

by Norman’s Castle, Cornwall I, Cornwall II, Millville, Cross Harbour and Snake Cay. Lumber activities gave employment to Abaconians during some of the years from 1905 to 1965.

Water Sports

From “busy” Marsh Harbour to elegant Green Turtle Cay to the exclusive private island of Walker’s Cay, these islands offer rich, shallow reefs and encounters with friendly fish. Explore old wrecks and beautiful stands of elkhorn corals while snorkeling near many of the cays.

Abaco Dive Adventures Abaco Paddleboard Abaco Eco Kayak Adventures Brendals Dive Center & Watersports Dis & Dat Tours Dive Abaco Dive Guana Froggie’s Out Island Adventures Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina Water Sports

General Information ATM’s

Visitors to Abaco can get cash 24 hours a day in Marsh Harbour. ATMs operated by Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank (Bah) Ltd., Commonwealth Bank, First Caribbean Int’l Bank in Marsh Harbour provide convenient banking services 24 hours a day.

Banking Hours

Customs - For visitors arriving by plane Bahamas Customs

Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but the baggage is subject to customs inspections. In the case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required

US Customs

Residents of the US may take home merchandise valued up to $600 retail duty free. This exemption applies to each family member, even infants. Family members living in the same household may pool exemptions to reduce the duty on an expensive item or carry in more items. All items must accompany the traveller to be eligible for exemption and must be for personal use or gifts and not for sale. The $600 exemption may only be claimed if you have been out of the US for 48 hours and may only be claimed every 30 days. Purchases of up to $1,000 more than the $600 allowance will be taxed at a flat rate of 10 percent, based on the fair retail value in The Bahamas. Separate from the $600 exception, you may also mail gift packages of $100 value or less duty-free. They must be marked ‘Unsolicited Gift’ and you may send as many as you wish, but not more than one $100 gift package to the same person on the same day. Goods shipped for personal use may be mailed into the US duty and tax-free if the total value is not more than $200. This exemption does not apply to perfume, alcoholic beverages, or to cigars and cigarettes. If you do not meet the 48-hour and 30-day time requirements, you may take in $25 worth of items for your own personal or household use free of duty. This exemption may not be pooled. Exemption limit of 10 cigars (not Cuban), 50 cigarettes, 4 ounces of liquor or 4 oz of cologne, may

INFORMATION

Commonwealth Bank is located in Marsh Harbour by the traffic light. Hours of operations are Monday Thursday 9:00am - 3:30pm, Fridays 9:30am - 4:30pm.

Telephone - 367-2370 First Carib. Int’l Bank is located in Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle Cay and Man-O-War Cay. Hours of operation for Marsh Harbour are 9:30am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday’s and Friday 9:30am4:30pm. Green Turtle Office is operated two days a week - Mondays and Thursdays.

Telephone in MH - 367-2166 Royal Bank of Canada Monday - Thursday 9:30am-3:00pm and Fridays 9:30am-4:30pm.

Marsh Harbour - 367-2420 ATM Treasure Cay - 365-8119 ATM Scotiabank (Bah) Ltd is located in the Abaco Shopping Center in Marsh Harbour and a branch in Cooper’s Town which is operated on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-2:30pm. The Marsh Harbour Branch hours are from 9:30am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday and Friday’s 9:30am4:30pm. Telephone (MH) 367-2141 Fidelity/Western Union 367-3135 Open 9:00am-4:00pm - Mon-Friday

to complete a baggage claim form. Each adult is allowed 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of customs duty in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100) are permitted by all arriving passengers. Household effects such as china, furniture, linens and appliances with valid invoices and used household effects are subject to assessment by customs officers.

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be included. If you spend more than $25 you must pay duty on the entire amount.

REMEMBER: If you are carrying more than $10,000 in US or foreign currency, coins, traveller’s checks, etc. into the US, it MUST be reported to Customs. Please contact US Customs at 242-377-8461 if you have questions on importing any items.

Canadian Customs

INFORMATION

Canadian residents including minors may claim $50 (Can.) exemption after an absence of 24 hours or more.

This exemption, which excludes tobacco and alcohol, may be claimed numerous times annually by verbal declaration. After 48 hours absence any number of times a year, $200 exemption may be claimed.

This merchandise, which must accompany the traveller, can include 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 2 lbs of tobacco and 40 ounces of liquor. A $500 (Can.) exemption can be claimed after an absence of seven (7) days or more. This exemption may be claimed any number of times per year regardless of any $200 exemption claimed on a previous trip, but the two may not be combined at any time. The declaration for this exemption must be written. The allowance for liquor and tobacco is the same as for the $200 exemption. All dutyfree items must be for personal or household use or as gifts. Children who are literate and can understand the declaration may claim exemption. Persons must be over 16 years of age to import tobacco and spirits. Amounts are in Canadian dollars. Illegal Items. Strict laws and penalties apply for possession of dangerous drugs and firearms. Any drugs considered dangerous, including marijuana, bring stiff fines and even jail terms if found in the possession of unauthorized persons.

Churches

Call to confirm services and times. Evening services may vary due to the time change.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

1st Assembly of God (MH)...... 367-2130 Church of God (GTC).............. 365-4505 Church of God (MOW)............ 365-6088 Church of God of Prop.(DT).... 367-4719 80

Church of God (MH)............... 367-2740 Full Gospel Assembly (TC)...... 365-8097

ANGLICAN

St. Simon by The Sea (TC)...... 365-8466 St. John’s the Baptist (MH)...... 367-2518

BAPTIST

Calvary Baptist Church (MH)... 367-2105 Grace Baptist Church (DT)...... 367-2926 Unity Baptist Church (TC)....... 365-8371 Zion Baptist Church (MT)........ 367-3563

BRETHREN

Bethany Gospel (MH)............. 367-4472 International Creole (MH)....... 367-3784 Island Outreach (MOW).......... 365-6458 Gospel Chapel (MOW)............ 365-6038 New Life Chapel (MOW)......... 365-6458 Marsh Harbour Gospel (MH).... 367-2204 New Plymouth Gospel(GTC).... 365-4198

METHODIST

Aldersgate Methodist (MH)...... 367-2009 St. Andrew’s Methodist (MH)... 367-2007 St. James Methodist (HT)....... 366-0400 Epworth Chapel (Cherokee).... 366-2249

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

New Vision Ministries (MH)..... 367-3324 Church of Christ (MH)............. 367-3496 Church of Latter Rain (DT)...... 367-3871 Friendship Tabernacle (DT)..... 475-1055 Purpose Ministry (MH)............ 367-4867

PRESBYTERIAN

Kirk of the Pines (MH)............ 367-3643

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Francis de Sales (MH)........ 367-2714

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST

Seventh Day Adventist (MH)... 367-4501

Communications

Radio Abaco, 93.5 FM and 98.5 FM are local broadcast with local and national programming and advertising 24 hour broadcasting.

Cruisers Net is available on VHF 16 each morning at 8:15am for updates on weather and events in Abaco.

Currency

If you come across a $3 bill, it’s okay.

Bahamian paper money comes in various bills such as $1, $3, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. There is also an extra Bahamian coin, the 15-cent, which is square with rounded corners and decorated with a hibiscus.

Department of Marine Resources

Personal Bag Limit The subsidiary laws of The Bahamas allows all persons travelling by commercial airlines to carry the following fisheries resources when leaving The Bahamas as personal baggage: No more than eighteen fish in total - Kingfish, Wahoo & Dolphin, Ten (10) pounds - Crawfish or Conch OR Twenty (20) pounds of Demersal - Snappers, Grouper, Stone Crab claws, Jacks, Hog Fish, etc.

For more information contact Department of Marine Resources at 242.699.0202.

An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture for all animals being brought into the Bahamas. Applications for such permits (along with a $10 processing fee - money order or cash only) must be made in writing to the Director of Agriculture, P.O.Box N-3704, Nassau, Bahamas. For the US and Canada, the following are the main provisions of the import as it applies to dogs and cats: the animal must be 6 months of age or older, have a valid certificate of vaccination with in one month and not more than 10 months prior to importation for a one year vaccine. The animal must be accompained by a Veterinary Health Certificate presented within 48 hours of arrival into the Bahamas to a licensed veterinarian for an examination. The permit is valid for one (1) entry and must be used within one (1) year from the date of issue.

Breeds restricted from being imported into the Bahamas are Pit Bull, Cane Corso and Presa Canario. For more information 242-367-2260 - Fax 242-367-4260.

Postage

The post office in Marsh Harbour is situated at the Government Complex and provides air mailing service to anywhere in the world, also regular surface mail.

Postcards are 50 cents to the US, UK and Canada. Airmail letters (one-half ounce) 65 cents for US and Canada, 70 cents for Europe. Other services available include FedEx, United Postal Service and DHL. Each town has its own post office.

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day Majority Rule Day Good Friday Easter Monday Whit Monday Labour Day Independence Day Emancipation Day National Heroes Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

Organized clubs of business and professional persons active in public services.

PILOT CLUB

Dedicated to helping prevent brain-related disorders - “Brain Minders”.

Tel: 242.367.4571 Meets every 3rd Tuesday in the month at Central Abaco Primary School at 6:00p.m.

KIWANIS CLUB

Immigration

ROTERACT CLUB

Upon your arrival in The Bahamas you are

1st January 10th January 3rd April 6th April 25th May 5th June 10th July 3rd August 12th October 25th December 26th December

Service Groups

Exchange Rates

The Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. A small exchange may be applicable when converting traveller’s cheques for local currency.

INFORMATION

Department of Agriculture Import Requirements

given an immigration card to fill out. The officer at the Port of Entry will keep the top section and return the bottom section to you. You must return that portion to the ticket agent upon departure. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom or colonies do not need a passport for a visit that does not extend beyond 3 weeks, provided that you have proper identification, birth certificate, picture identification and a return ticket.

Dedicated to serving the children of the world. ‘Young Children - Priority One’ meets every other Tuesday at Central Abaco Primary School at 6:30pm. Tel 242.367-3680 Committed to committed to community 81

service and giving a helping hand where needed. Club meets at Snappas Restaurant every 1st and 2nd Tuesday in the month at 6:00pm. For more information call 367-3202.

ROTARY CLUB

Committed to immunizing all the world’s children against polio. ‘Polio Plus’ meets at Great Abaco Beach Resort every Monday night at 5:30p.m. Tel: 425.7797

TOASTMASTERS

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.

For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org

INFORMATION

FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Friends of the Environment is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect Abaco’s marine and terrestrial environments in order to achieve sustainable living for the people and wildlife of Abaco. FRIENDS main method of achieving this mission is through environmental education and has provided over 6,000 experiences for local children to date, getting them out of the classroom and into the environment. Additionally FRIENDS hosts events throughout the year for all to enjoy and participate in such as the lionfish derby, reef balls, film festivals, science fairs and much more! There is a way for everyone to get involved! www.friendsoftheenvironment.org or call 367-2721.

ABACO CANCER SOCIETY

The Abaco Branch of the Cancer Society exists to educate the public on matters relating to cancer and to support those undergoing treatment for the disease. It meets the first Tuesday of each month at Forest Heights Academy 242.367.3744 abacocancersociety@gmail.com

SCURVY FEW MOTORCYCLE CLUB is the only charter motorcycle club

in The Bahamas and is based in Marsh Harbour. Its big event of the year is its Toys-For-Tots drive which distributes over 1000 toys to all communities within the Abacos. Their members also participate in the Big Hill Box Cart Derby in Hope Town 82

and do a number of rides throughout the island during the year. The club has a number of items for sale at some of the better gift shops in Marsh Harbour including T-shirts, hats, beer cozies, patches and stickers. The proceeds are used in many ways during the year including donations to a number of worthy causes along with the Toys-For-Tots. If you are lost while walking around the marina district, the club has a couple of “You-AreHere” maps beside Snappas and near Sand Dollar Shoppe to help you find out where you are. www.scuryfew.org

Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club was formed in Marsh Harbour 25

years ago by yachtsman Charlie Murphy, who was then a regular visitor to the Abacos. Anyone interested in learning more about the yacht club can check out its website: www.RMHYC.com.

Taxes

The Bahamas government is changing its revenue base from being dependent on import duties to a Value Added Tax. This VAT will be added to most items and services. Although burdensome for merchants and service providers, it will function much like a sales tax to the consumer.

Services such as tours, taxis, ferries, contractors, mechanics, hotels, restaurants and other services will be adding the 7.5 percent VAT beginning January 1, 2015.

For most persons it will resemble the familiar sales tax. Imported items subject to VAT will have a reduction on import duties to offset the increase imposed by VAT. Services that were not taxed under the Import Duty Tax Scheme will now add VAT for their services.

Taxi Fares

Taxis are available and are found mostly at the airports and the ferry docks in Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay. Taxi drivers are willing to wait for individuals to shop and would love to take you sightseeing. Fares vary within the Marsh Harbour area and to the North and South of Abaco. Waiting time is $40.00 per hour additional 1/2 hr is $20.00. Children under the age of five are free. Fare from the Marsh Harbour airport to Albury’s Ferry Dock is $15 for 2 persons and each ad-

ditional person is $3.

Temperatures High

Telephones

Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) provides 100% digital switching system that allows communication with

G

etting married in The Bahamas could not be easier. Just call the Ministry of Tourism, Abaco Office to assist with your personal arrangements. To qualify to get married in The Bahamas, you must have been in The Bahamas for a minimum of one day. If either party has been divorced, the original final decree divorce papers must be produced. If either party is unmarried, being a citizen or resident of a country other than the USA, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths.

The following documents are required: 1. Birth Certificate 2. Passport 3. Notarized Affidavit stating that you have never been married 4. Divorce papers if you have been married before • A personal wedding consultant • Marriage License • Administrator or minister of religion to conduct ceremony • Licensed marriage officer • Wedding Cake • Photographer & Videographer • Wedding Location

Traffic Rules

Drive on the left side. Remember to keep to the left. Wearing seat belts is mandatory. If you are walking where there is no sidewalk, face oncoming traffic.

What to bring

Beach towels, suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, any food, cooler, long sleeved shirts for sun protection, and flashlight. You will probably bring too many clothes. Days are in bathing suits and dining out is casual (no jackets for men). Bring a portable radio if you want one for the beach.

How to Subscribe!

Yes! Send me a copy of Destination Abaco July - Feb 2014

$10.00

US plus shipping & Handling Call 242-367-3202 or 367-2107 305-394-8274 destinationabaco@gmail.com

www.destinationabaco.net 83

INFORMATION

Low

January 77º 64º February 77º 65º March 79º 66º April 81º 69º May

84º 72º June

87º 76º July

89º 77º August 89º 77º September 88º 76º October 85º 74º November 82º 71º December 78º 66º We enjoy a tropical temperature year round. Water temperature ranges from the low 80s in the summer to the mid-70s in the winter.

over 100 countires. Other services are fax, telex, cellular and satellite. Sim and Phone cards are available. Roaming features are available and will be billed through your home carrier. Batelnet and Cable Bahamas are the two major internet providers in Abaco. Wireless internet services are also available.