My Fellow Abaconians (November 22, 2021)

This week of November 22nd I am reminded to be Thankful for what we have and of those who are in much need. The way forward is together, we must be our brother's keeper!

Starting the week was a meeting with Friends of the Environment; they have at heart the natural beauty of Abaco. This organization has for many years worked towards an eco-sustainable Abaco. Their knowledge and data will be a great help in the development and growth of Abaco.

Abaco was blessed to have three Ministers come to Abaco this week to see for themselves the challenges and needs that I speak of daily.

Minister Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis, Ministry of Transport and Housing, spent three days in Abaco. She is a friend and great support to Abaconians. While here, the sites for affordable housing were assessed in Spring City, Crossing Rocks, Sands Cove, and others in the North. The assessment was to confirm that work can begin on construction. We are identifying Construction Contractors in their respective areas to build; it is important for me that Abaconians rebuild Abaco.

The Port also comes under Minister Coleby-Davis's portfolio, we toured the Port and spoke to the workers. The workers have endured with very little and dangerous conditions, their safety and well-being are a priority. The facility is only as good as the people who run it. This Marsh Harbour port will be rebuilt bigger and better than before. I had expressed to the Minister that Abaco is growing and this is a vital organ of recovery and Life on Abaco.

While in Abaco Minister Coleby-Davis also visited and spoke to the employees of the various offices that are under her Ministry and toured the North as well.

Hope Town's iconic Post Office Building was destroyed by Dorian. The Minister and I spoke on this and she has given me her support to rebuild, I want to see our famous building rebuilt to match the one we lost. This also is utilized by Police and District headquarters for Local Government.

Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, came to Abaco to assess and speak with the many government workers. Many of these people are still struggling with a lack of tools and offices to perform their duty. More importantly, they have had many pay issues and have been frequently overlooked for elevation in their departments. I am confident that this will be rectified in a short time.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Chester Cooper, Minister of Tourism, Investment, and Aviation spent the day in Abaco on Thursday. He was able to see for himself the many obstacles to our recovery including the deplorable living conditions of the domes in Spring City and the trailers at the Government complex.

DPM Cooper toured and assesed both Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay airports; Leonard Thompson International Airport is as important as the Port and will be brought back 100%. The employees of LTIA have been neglected for too long; also a disconnect of managment and operations is clear.

DPM Cooper is a friend to Abaco and Abaconians and I have his full support to do what is needed for Abaco.

I had my first Town Hall Meeting in Abaco with much success. In this meeting, I outlined what I have been working on for them. Many issues are being worked on and will be fixed in short time. Some of them are Road works, Road Signage, Sweeting Track Water and Road, Traffic Light downtown Marsh Harbour, BPL street lights, Port rebuild, Airport Work, DRA programs, Schools, Affordable Housing, Conveyance issues, Water and Sewage completion, and much more.

Upcoming town hall meetings will be announced and will do so twice a year in areas of Central, South, Moores Island, and the Cays.

This upcoming week I will be speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday the 1st of December, stay tuned.

Please continue to email me at john@johnpinderabaco.com