Posted by justin@oii.net on October 26, 1999 at 23:58:24:
Since people really interested in the Bahamas seem to be relying on Briland Modem AND the Abaco Board,
I thought it would also be useful to update our neighbours on what is happening to the North.
We just returned from Elbow Cay on Monday. The Island is much changed from the last visit just after Floyd - it's green again and the hibiscus is
in full bloom.
The Hope Town Harbour Lodge reopened it's restaurant on the 19th, a welcome addition to Cap'n Jacks which has been doing a wonderful job
with Linda and the gang turning out great meals and drinks since just after Floyd passed. We celebrated a birthday at the Lodge on Saturday
night and the food (including fresh Hog Snapper) was great.
Abaco Inn (under new ownership) has imported a huge team of construction workers from Florida and renovation is progressing at a furious
pace. I overheard the work crew manager briefing the folks when they arrived at the Abaco Inn dock saying " we are working WITH these
guys…..our tools are their tools…." They even had some new siding up and painted before we left the Island. I'm sure they will make the planned
opening date when the entire population of Elbow Cay has been promised an open house party!
Monty, Ruth, Patrick and Junior are likewise getting Seaspray licked into shape. The Garbonzo Bar is open after five, each evening but their
refreshments are presently limited to the liquid variety (but who cares after a couple of those Seaspray Splash's !)
Building supplies are also very evident around the island. All available docks seem to be littered with 2x4's, roofing felt and shingles. The only
problem seems to be the labour to man all the repair projects causing some serious inflation problems. Wages for labourers have, by all
accounts, increased considerably, causing problems for those working on insurance settlements calculated at the old rates.
With power now restored in most areas, life is generally returning to normal. Vernon is baking regular batches of bread and one of those much
coveted Key-Lime Pies was also to be seen on his shelves. Phones are still a problem with many still out even within the Settlement. There is
apparently a way of getting your phone fixed quickly by the Batelco employees but I am sincerely disappointed by how this result is attained.
The road along White Sound is still a problem with a high water and a small storm surge from "Jose" on Friday night causing a wash-through
and flooding. The road was cleared by Tito Baldwin working all weekend on a fine loader/back-hoe donated by a very generous individual called
"Ben".
The ocean dune on Elbow Cay is remains a problem to repair the damage caused by Floyd. Despite generous donations, we still lack the funds
or equipment to start this work. Our estimate for rental and operation of the required equipment is $60,000 per month for the next six to eight
months.
If you can offer assistance with some heavy equipment and/or operators, please let me know.
Sincerely,
justin@oii.net