By Frederick R. M. Smith Q.C.

ABACO, Bahamas (October 3, 2012) -- RDA is elated at the Judgment by the Court of Appeal. This Ruling vindicates the Guana Cay battle cry “respect the locals”. Hence, from now on, no Central Government authority, Office of the Prime Minister, Nassau public authorities, Town Council, District Council or other public authority can make any decisions affecting residents without taking into account how it might affect a local resident. This Ruling emphasizes that people have rights and they must be respected as part of the process by public authorities in making decisions.

This case between RDA and BEC is part of a continuing series of cases which first started with Save Guana Cay against Bakers Bay in which challenges are continuing to be made against Central Government planning  which does not take into account local issues.

This case is particularly important for the Abacos which consists of many different islands, with many different communities which have different circumstances applying to them. In addition, this case gives a death blow to the unfortunate “anchor project policy” of the PLP commenced years ago. It also spells the “death knell” to the FNM’s dictatorial Office of the Prime Minister approach to telling the Out Islands paternalistically what is or is not good for them.

This case began when Matt McCoy started his YouTube videos of the potential harmful environmental effects of BEC building a power plant using Bunker C oil at the doorstep of National Parks and intended National Parks. It gained momentum with the creation of “Responsible Development for Abaco” in which concerned local citizens banded together and started a petition to stop the power plant using Bunker C oil.

MURPHY TOWN, Abaco -- Abaco’s homegrown patriotism and strong sense of community has lured Bahamas Striping to Murphy Town to help with another community project.

For Bahamas Striping president Atario Mitchell the project is special because Atario was raised in Murphy Town.

Bahamas Striping has partnered with the Progressive Liberal Party’s North Abaco constituency candidate Renardo Curry to restripe and restore Murphy Town’s basketball and volleyball court. Both venues have not been restored in nearly 15 years.  They will also clean the adjacent park.

The restoration and clean-up project is set for Saturday September 29, 2012

The partnership formed after Bahamas Striping in August made a donation to stripe five basketball courts for the Government’s Urban Renewal 2.0 program. At the time, Mitchell requested that one of the basketball courts would be in his family’s native town, Murphy Town.

Mitchell attended the Abaco Central High School and played many games on the same court he’ll now be restoring. He credits the time shooting hoops as helping to develop him as a leader and teaching him the importance of teamwork. Today, Mitchell sees principles that he learned back then helping him to manage his company.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Ministry of National Security wishes to advise the general public that the Minister with responsibility for Parliamentary Registration and Elections, has advised the Governor General, Sir Arthur Foulkes, to issue a writ of election for the election of a member for the vacant North Abaco constituency.

The public is further advised that nomination of candidates will take on Wednesday, the 26th September, 2012, and the date of the election will be Monday, the 15th October 2012.

MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco -- In the latest of a series of intelligence gathering exercises, Financial Services Minister Ryan Pinder recently met with the Abaco Chamber of Commerce to discuss the group’s concerns and present challenges.

The August 24 meeting follows the Minister’s earlier trip to Grand Bahama where he also visited that island’s Chamber of Commerce to learn more about the issues businesses face there.

In Abaco, Mr. Pinder met with representatives from the Abaco manufacturing industry, who now report that their yearly returns have been significantly impacted due to the absence of accessibility to concessions on goods.

One of the issues discussed was the lengthy renewal process for customs duty exemption permits that has led to many manufacturers paying duty on items that are eligible for exemptions. They resort to paying the duties in an effort to meet the market demand. The manufacturers are now suggesting a restructuring of the application process for permit renewals to assist with receiving permits in a timely manner.

Minister Pinder expressed his Ministry’s continued commitment to the growth of economic opportunity throughout The Bahamas. He also explained that the recent amendments to the Industries Encouragement Act reflected the new administration’s commitment to increasing opportunities for economic diversification for manufacturers in The Bahamas without imposing a tax burden.

NASSAU, The Bahamas - The economy of The Bahamas is poised for rebounding from the further development of resorts particularly on the Family Islands, the Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle said.

He made the observations following a tour of the Baker’s Bay Development on Great Guana Cay, and the Treasure Sands Club project on Abaco on Friday August 10, 2012. Mr. Rolle was accompanied by Dr David Davis, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister. The tour was led by Dr Livingston Marshall, Senior Vice President of the Environment & Community Affairs for Discovery Land.

“The only way we are going to get this economy back on track is look at the projects that currently exists and see whether there are expandable opportunities within those projects,” Mr. Rolle said.

Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club is a billion dollar project being developed by Discovery Land Company (Discovery Cruises), a Scottsdale-based real estate development firm, which specialises in constructing “world-class” golf and residential communities. It has a high-end clientele base such as celebrities and financiers.

TREASURE CAY, Abaco -- The Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament (TCBT) will celebrate its 30th anniversary June 1-7, 2013 at the beautiful Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort.  Known for its great fishing, excellent value and fun social events, the world-class competition attracts teams from around the world.

The TCBT modified release tournament offers four days of fishing, a lay day, social parties, dinners and fun competitions. The guaranteed cash payout ranges from $10,000 for a minimum of ten boats and up to $50,000 for participation of 50 boats.  One of the best fishing destinations in the Bahamas, Treasure Cay is known for grander-size record-breaking marlin, large dolphin and wahoo.

The TCBT offers a special bonus of one free room night at the resort or a free day of dockage for registrations made prior to March 31, 2013. The early registrations also receive an entry into a drawing for free tournament dockage from June 1-6 for boats up to 60 feet and additional prizes including air tickets to the Bahamas.

While targeting billfish is the focus of the TCBT, the tournament includes Fun Fish Division awards for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. The Fun Fish Division offers an optional payout rivaling top prizes of U.S. based tournaments. In addition to the cash prizes, winners receive beautiful trophies and the top team is honoured on a statuesque Perpetual Trophy showcased in the resort's Spinnaker Restaurant, one of the largest air conditioned out-island restaurant facilities available for events. Awards are also presented to Top Lady and Junior Anglers.