Margaret "Peggy" Hall, businesswoman, park warden, conservationist, and boating enthusiast died peacefully at her home in Georgetown, Great Exuma, on January 3, 2013, in her 90th year. She never married and truly embodied the spirit of a modern 20th century woman with her sense of independence, entrepreneurial spirit, business savvy and wicked sense of humour. The history of conservation in the Bahamas was changed forever when, at age 61, after a full life as a single woman in charge of Nassau Plastics Company, Peggy took over as Park Warden for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and declared it the first “No Take” preserve in the Bahamas. Peggy was born on November 29, 1923, at Narrow Water Castle in Warronpoint, County Down, Northern Ireland.

The castle, a 17th century granite structure, has remained in her family since 1670. Peggy’s father, Roger Hall, served as adjutant-general of the British military in Gibraltar during World War I. He and his new young wife from Gibraltar returned to Ireland at the end of the war to raise their family and take over management of the estate’s holdings. Although Protestant by birth, Roger agreed with his wife’s insistence that their children be raised Catholic. Peggy was one of six children, the third of four girls. Life in the Hall family was never dull.

The extensive land holdings in Ireland provided various challenges and responsibilities but this did not stop Roger from taking his young family to Africa where they travelled by train and stayed in Rhodesia to work for a short time. Interested and enthusiastic in life surrounding her, Peggy became involved in all things natural and mechanical. By the start of World War II she was a competent mechanic and quasi-engineer; she could have become a pilot had her eyesight been better. Instead, she served her country manning a weather station in the Hebrides and later by performing mechanical repairs on RAF planes. After working in London at the end of the war, she returned to Ireland.

Now in her 20s she found little available for a woman of her skills. However, there seemed to be ample opportunity for advancement in the islands of the Caribbean. She booked passage aboard an immigrant ship which provided inexpensive passage for citizens of the British Empire. After working in Jamaica, she received an introduction to a family with holdings in the Bahamas. She travelled there for the first time in 1949. This land of many islands and shallow banks remained her adopted home throughout the rest of her life. After her first job working for the Levy family on Eleuthera, she served as cook to Linton Rigg who was travelling by boat throughout the Exumas updating his now famous yachting guide to the Bahama Islands. This newly-published cruising guide introduced a broad group of boaters to the beauty of the Exuma chain.

In addition, the information it provided was instrumental in protecting the area that in 1956 became known as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Soon after this voyage with Linton, Peggy settled down to her business career in Nassau. She started Nassau Plastics Company, Ltd in the 1960s, and manufactured and supplied custom plastic items. The company is still active, having survived the hard times surrounding Bahamian independence, when many small foreign-run businesses were pressured strongly to liquidate. Peggy was loved by her employees and business associates alike. She was a caring and fair administrator. In 1965 she was granted status as a “Belonger”, being issued certificate number 59.

She earned recognition as Business Woman of the Year in 1981, and that same year was granted permanent residency. Throughout her time in the Bahamas, Peggy was rarely without her own boat. Her first was a 25’ lapstrake, a Scandinavian built Folkboat which she rescued after it grounded and washed ashore during a hurricane. She christened it Arawak and sailed this small engineless wooden sailboat for many years from Nassau throughout the Exumas and up to the Abacos. She was an active member of the Nassau Sailing Club. Never totally predictable, and always one to take advantage of an opportunity, Peggy’s next boat was a gas-guzzling Donzi powerboat named Sundowner.

This short-lived adventure was soon followed by her 37’ Lord Nelson Tug, Moby. With its shallow draft and wonderful accommodations, Moby became the perfect floating home to Peggy and her dog Powerful during the years in Exuma Park. There were major changes in the Bahamas and yachting between the 1950s and 1980s. As people discovered the beauty and accessibility of these islands, the Exuma Park came under pressure from development on land and poaching by sea. With the increased availability of reasonably priced fuel for gas and diesel engines, the large and beautiful area with public and private land within its boundary was now accessible within a day’s travel.

As the park fell victim to lack of oversight, the Bahamas National Trust called on their lifetime member Peggy Hall. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is successful today because of the work set in motion during Peggy’s tenure as its Park Warden. With her extraordinary skills with people and charismatic leadership she was able to co-ordinate the efforts of many she inspired. Often she used her own resources and spare time as she educated other to the importance of “No Take” Marine Replenishment Reserves among island systems. The park became the focus for various types of volunteer helpers including the youth groups of Raleigh International (a British organisation), fellow yachtsmen, and local Bahamians citizens who all worked hard to complete the first headquarters building within the park.

It was dedicated at Waderick Wells in August 1988. An eclectic and diverse group of notables from the community and national government were in attendance including, then Exuma Member of Parliament George Smith, Bahamas National Trust board member Lynn Holowesko, Nassauvians Charlie Bethel and his family, Bahamian story teller and historian Derek Burrows and Exuma residents Tucker Rolle and Kenneth Rolle. Peggy’s environmental advocacy continued to attract international attention to the Park. Her primary long-term goal however was to make it possible for more Bahamians to visit the park, and appreciate the value of marine resource conservation.

She believed strongly in recruiting and training Bahamians to become park wardens. The headquarters building served as a base of operations for the Park Warden, a visitor education and information centre and a place for volunteers and visiting students to exchange information and ideas. With the help of Assistant Park Wardens Bob Rader and Anita Martinec, Peggy organised the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Support Fleet, a group of helpful visiting yachtsmen. She invited the Staniel Cay community to the Park for August Mondays. She continued to look for ways to interest Bahamian young people in conservation and park stewardship. In 1991, the first Bahamian park wardens were hired and since then the post has been filled by native Bahamians.

By helping to institute an Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Advisory Board, and beginning a management planning exercise with the Nature Conservancy, she was instrumental in establishing the Exuma Park as an institution, now managed by a group of people. The Park has continued to be a critical refuge for Bahamian marine resources, part of global proof of the effectiveness of “No-Take” parks. Even after retiring from the park warden’s position, Peggy continued her conservation efforts by working hard to protect the private land within Exuma Park. Tragically this work was cut short. In 1996, at the age of 73, she had a serious stroke after returning from the park aboard her boat Moby. She received treatment in the United States and went to live with her sister’s family in Spain until she was able to return home to Georgetown, Exuma in 1998.

She never regained full use of her right side. Peggy was not one to give up or be overcome with self pity. For the next 14 years she lived in a house with a perfect view overlooking Elizabeth Harbour. During these years, she continued to discipline and challenge herself, this time by using her engineering and tinkering skills to learn to paint, write and carve wildlife and flowers with her left hand. She was visited regularly in Georgetown by her many colleagues and was well cared for by her good friends Sue Darcy Henry, Millicent Smith, Jack Wright and Rita Burrows. Remembering Peggy Hall will bring a smile and a laugh to all who knew her. The people of the Bahamas have gained so much from the conservation efforts she made on behalf of their young country.

The husband of Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin was found dead with a rope around his neck on Saturday in what police believe was a suicide. While the family of Leon 'Onni' Martin did not point to circumstances surrounding his death, a statement issued said the family is "deeply saddened on learning of his death". "We will miss him dearly," read the statement released yesterday. "The Royal Bahamas Police Force is conducting its investigation and any further comment will be reserved at this time.

"The family is thankful for the kind and compassionate support of friends and family and the wider Bahamian community. "We ask that you continue to keep this family in your prayers." Martin was an accomplished musician and accountant at the firm of A.D. Hanna & Co. for more than 30 years, the statement noted. News of Martin's death was on Facebook by Saturday night with many Bahamians extending condolences to Hanna-Martin. Police later reported that the body of a man was found hanging from a ceiling in an unoccupied building at Yamacraw Beach Road sometime after 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Police did not identify the victim and said they were uncertain of the circumstances surrounding his death. The Martins have three children. Those who knew Martin said he was a quiet man who loved music. "[He was a] wonderful person, and very soft spoken," said musician Obi Pindling. "He never got in anybody's way and he was a very, very talented keyboard player. "I've known him since the late 70s when he used to play with the Sweet Exorcist band.

"After hearing that Glenys got married I had a little time with him." Musician and pastor, Leroy 'Tinkle' Hanna, who knew Martin for 32 years, said his soul "is in sadness". "I was shocked; I was just unable to speak for about 20 minutes after I learned of his passing," Hanna said. "Then I went to my wife and quietly said, 'Onni passed.'" "It's still shock and disbelief, but that is what happens when persons very close to us pass. We're never really quite prepared for passing, even when we know someone is very, very ill."

Hanna, a former member of the 1970s band Sweet Exorcist, described Martin as an underappreciated musician. "For those who don't know, he is one of the real unsung professional musicians in this country. He was tremendously talented and gifted and loved," he said "I think he was at his best when he was playing music. "He was very creative and capable as a keyboardist." Hanna said The Bahamas has lost a tremendously gifted artist. "He was not one of those you heard about like Fred Ferguson...he was one of those people in the background upon whose shoulder many of us who have been better known in the music world stood."

A 23-year-old woman died and two men were injured in an early morning car accident at Spikenard and Carmichael Roads yesterday, police said. Police said the two-car collision occurred at 3:25 a.m. Although police did not reveal the victim's identity, The Nassau Guardian understands she is Rishawn Smith, a 2007 graduate of Saint Augustine's College.

She is the 42nd traffic fatality victim in The Bahamas for the year. Smith was a passenger inside a 1997 Volkswagen vehicle. The car's driver was taken to hospital, but his condition was not serious, The Nassau Guardian understands. The driver of a Chevy Avalanche, the other car involved in the accident, was also in hospital, police said.

The accident happened nearly a week after police released statistics that revealed that traffic related deaths are higher this year than the same time in 2011. When police spoke on the issue last week, the country had recorded 41 traffic fatalities compared to 35 at the same time last year, an increase of 16 percent. Last year, 44 traffic fatalities were recorded.

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday remembered the late Thomas A Robinson as a world renowned track star whose "larger than life" legacy is expected to linger on throughout Bahamian history. Reflecting on their personal relationship which spanned about 40 years, Mr Christie said “Tommy” had always stuck around for the highs and lows of his political career. Despite their differences which were on the opposing ends of the political spectrum, Mr Christie told the crowd of politicians and Tommy’s relatives that they both still maintained a strong friendship.

Tommy in 1972 was a candidate for the FNM. Five years later he offered himself to run as a Bahamas Democratic Party (BDP) candidate. Final respects were paid to Tommy during a state recognised funeral at the Christ Church Cathedral, George Street. Mr Christie said: “Even though we had divergent partisan allegiances during the greater part of our relationship, it never ever got in the way of our friendship.

“One of the most poignant memories I have of my many years in Bahamian politics is how Tommy stood with me, unflinchingly and unapologetically, during my times of personal trial and tribulation in the political arena. But that was the way Tommy was. He was a friend for all seasons and for all times. I could count on Tommy through thick and thin, in good times and in bad. Tommy was always there.” Tommy was, Mr Christie added, a mentor and role model during his years as an athlete. He did just the same for many Bahamian athletes over the years. Delivering a teary tribute, Erika and Cyril Robinson best remembered their father as a man whose mantra in life was to be determined and dedicated to his goals.

They said their father insisted that his children and grandchildren all received a good education. As an athlete, Tommy was the recipient of numerous medals from the international front. He represented the country in four consecutive summer Olympic Games, starting in 1956. During the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Cardiff, Wales, in 1958 he won gold in the 200 yards dash and silver in the 100 yards dash.

Then again in 1962, Tommy won silver in the 100 yards in the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, and the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He also won a gold medal at the 1962 Central American and Caribbean Games. Tommy died at aged 74 on November 25 after a long fight with stomach cancer of which he was diagnosed in 2008. The illness did not stand in the way of his influence over the planning of the new state-of-the-art stadium that was named in his honour. The sporting complex, which was a gift to the Bahamas from the People’s Republic of China, was officially opened on February 23, 2012.