My Fellow Abaconians (February 5th, 2022)

My Fellow Abaconians, The following is an update for the first weeks of 2022 leading up to February 5th. It is and always my pleasure to keep constituents updated on highlighted points of interest that I have been working on for Central and South Abaco. (Updates will again be Weekly) This past week Minister of Education and Team visited Abaco, they started on the assessment of Abaco schools and met with teachers and parents. This is significant for the development of our children. Starting with Hybrid and Now transitioning into Full Face to Face; children are finally able to be properly schooled and feel a bit of normality. Particularly in Abaco, Children's Education have been disrupted from September 2019 when Dorian impacted all of our lives then followed up by COVID Pandemic it has been a significant hit to the youth and their development. I am thankful to Minister Glenys Hanna Martin and her team for being dedicated to the next generations of Abaco and The Bahamas. The PGA Korn Berry Golf Tour was a great success. Prime Minister Davis visited to open the Tour at The Abaco Beach Club with 132 of the top golfers in the world competing for the top spot this year. Congratulations to the winner Mr. Harkins, whom I had the honour of presenting the Winning Trophy. Many of these athletes and families will be back to visit Abaco on Holiday trips. This event further highlights that Abaco is back to Business; although we have many challenges and my fellow Abaconians are still in great need. We must push forward and show our resiliency for the next generations to have a future. Minister Wilchcombe of Social Services with Hon. Lisa Rahming of Urban Development and team visited Abaco for an assessment tour to see first hand the needs and speak with the department staff. I'm encouraged by the visit because many people need help and social services is designed to help the Bahamians that could truly benefit from assistance. There is going to be a focus on mental health, home rebuild, and a South Abaco office opened to fully cover the people. New and revamped initiatives are being finalized and I will update on details soon. DRA Chairman Alex Storr and Board were in Abaco for a closer look at all the Debris management sites and other projects currently underway. They are in the process of evaluating and directing their efforts to the individual who is still struggling. Many Abaconians still need help rebuilding and these programs must be targeted to getting Bahamians back to a normal living environment. Spending time with this board has sparked excitement and optimism that we will finally get the help needed and cut those projects that are not. The British High Commissioner, Sarah Dickson, and I had a great conversation about the reconstruction efforts and tourism regeneration. Having seen this area directly after Dorian and again now, she has a good perspective of the devastation and resiliency of Abaconians. I'm encouraged that Great Britain will remain a good friend to Abaco and The Bahamas. Hotel License Board headed by Chairman Roderick Colebrooke met. It was a pleasure meeting the new board and know they are up to the task at hand. We are proceeding to update the way this department works to match the new variables in market. Vacation rentals will be properly included and the License renewals are going to be easier and more friendly to do business in these sectors. As we progress as a nation we must adapt with change, there are many opportunities for revenue, growth and Bahamian participation. Prime Minister Davis with Hon. Myles Laroda and team came to Abaco and visited the Office of the Prime Minister. He was able to see the facility, meet with Administrators and Speak with MP Cornish and Myself. This was a constructive conversation about Abaco's biggest challenges and what we are working on for Abaconians. PM Davis is a friend to Abaco and is dedicated to expediting the recovery and growth. He will be back to Abaco soon to see more of the communities! The first Town Meeting in Moore's Island was held with much success. I spoke on projects in motion for the Island and heard concerns from the communities. Moore's Island has been forgotten for too long and I am going to fight for what is right and what they deserve. With the good people and I working together there will be many good things to come for the Highlands. The first of the housing intiatives will launch by month's end. The Affordable Housing Program from the Ministry of Housing will be building in multiple locations in Abaco. Thank you Minister Coleby Davis. This is much needed as housing and homes repair is the greatest challenge facing Abaconians and Abaco's growth. I would like to Thank each of the Candidates for Local Government. Town Council is essential for the good governance of our islands. The residents of each community know what their needs are and can prioritize what would be best. Speaking from experience; having served as Deputy Chief, the work done is exceptionaly important and gratifying. Serving your neighbors, friends, and Family at this level is special and not an easy task. I congratulate each of the elected council members and would assure them I am here to work with each of you for the betterment of our Communities. Please feel free to contact me and I look forward to meeting with each of the Councils to hear how best I can assist. This past holiday season brought Hope; our Abaco tourism is rebounding very well. Even as we still rebuild, Abaco is a sought after destination and demand is great. I am confident that we will be bigger and better in Great Abaco. Day by Day we are moving forward, some tasks take longer than others and some have heavy head winds to overcome. I work tirelessly for my fellow Abaconians and am honoured to serve as your MP. +6