ABACO, The Bahamas – Plans are under way for a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose gymnasium for the island of Abaco.

Senior Government officials including Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko Grant along with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard, informed residents of plans for the gymnasium during an Information Meeting on July 28.

The meeting held at Friendship Baptist Church was attended by Government officials including Edison Key, MP for South Abaco; Colin Higgs, permanent secretary; Calvin Balfour undersecretary; John Canton and Tim Munnings, directors; Livingston Forbes, chief architect and Shaun Forbes, engineer. Also in attendance were representatives of the Department of Education in Abaco including Lenora Black, district superintendent and Local Government officials.

Minister Grant told those present that much effort has gone into preparing plans for the gym. He said the objective of the meeting was to present the plans and ask the people of Abaco for their views and an endorsement to proceed with contract drawings for the facility

Minister Maynard said the idea is to ensure that it is a multipurpose gym.

“It is important for us to understand from the beginning that the facility is for the general public, but must be managed, monitored and maintained.”

He said the gym would initially be managed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture along with Local Government of Abaco, however the National Sports Authority would have long-term management of the facility.

Mr. Key said Abaco is moving “to the next level” and encouraged those present to  “move forward” in the plans for this island.

Mr. Forbes, in his presentation, said the 17,200 square-foot gym is to be located on approximately 17 acres of land a short distance south west of the new Government Administration Complex presently under construction in Central Abaco.

Mr. Forbes said the building could also serve as a hurricane shelter or an examination centre.

Photo 1: Government officials visit site of proposed gymnasium for Abaco. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)