A New Day Ahead For North Abaco
Hundreds of North Abaconians gathered at the Central Abaco High School Grounds on Saturday evening to hear from their PLP Candidate, Mr. Renardo Curry and the Nation’s Chief, Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie. Curry wasted no time laying the foundation, “It starts with education,” he said. “I’ve been working in youth development for a long time, and it is my deepest conviction that education is a necessity, not a luxury.”
“For people to lift themselves up, or to stay competitive, they will need 21st century skills. Our high school graduates need better access to scholarships, and it’s time for vocational schools like BTVI to be established in Abaco. College graduates should have our support for job placement. We need continuing education and training programs for government workers. And we need to support lifelong learning here in North Abaco, there is always more for us to learn, new skills to gain, new opportunities for Bahamians.” He continued, “Friends and neighbors, how many times have we talked together about improving the way we promote North Abaco to the world? We know we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – it’s time that everyone else knew that, too. Our second-home market is an important source of jobs, too. We’re going to bring more tourists and more homeowners to North Abaco – and we’re going to look at new investments, especially boutique resorts and lodges, where there are new opportunities for Bahamian ownership, and we’re going to make redeveloping Walker’s Cay a priority as well.”
Prime Minister Christie reinforced those points and added that North Abaconians have their own stories about Renardo Curry’s good qualities. “When I come here to tell you about Renardo, you’re the ones who want to teach me,” he said. “And I’m happy to hear those stories, I really am. It shows me that we have the right man for this job.
He has been an advocate for you for a long time – now he’s ready to be your voice in my government. He will work with us on the issues that matter most to you,” Mr. Christie said. The Prime Minister said that Renardo is a passionate believer in education. “We can’t quite believe that there aren’t any preschools in North Abaco. That just won’t do – not when there is now comprehensive evidence that the earliest years are some of the most important, that a good preschool education can provide benefits for years to come. North Abaco, we want your children to get off to a strong start. You need new preschools here, and you will have them.”
“Education is the key for so many – from our smallest citizens on up,” Mr. Christie said. “The world is changing, and we need to change with it, to make sure Bahamians always have the skills they need to compete. Renardo wants a Career Path Academy and BTVI here in North Abaco, and I think he’s right. He’s going to make sure we increase scholarships and job training and job placement opportunities. Renardo believes in you, North Abaco, and so do I.”
Mr. Christie said there is a need for more patrols of our waters to protect Abaconians from foreign poachers, and new incentives and grants for farmers. He also focused on the tourism product. “We need to do a better job promoting Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay and all the treasures of North Abaco – the world should know about the beaches and the hospitality that make it so special here. We are going to bring the way we advertise our islands into the 21st century – with new technology and social media promotions, and with an increased budget that reflects our serious commitment to you.”
Several PLP Parliamentarians endorsed Mr. Curry pledging their full support for him. The line-up of speakers included some of the New Generational members of the PLP, including Deputy Chairman of BAIC, Clay Sweeting, Fort Charlotte MP, Andre Rollins, Bamboo Town MP, Renward Wells, Minister of Housing and Environment, Ken Dorsett, who promised a new sub-division for Murphy Town, and Minister of Education, Jerome Fitzgerald who quashed the assertion that FNM candidate, Greg Gomez was somehow fired by the Government. According to Mr. Fitzgerald, Gomez could not be fired because he was never formally hired. Backing up this position was Minister of Agriculture and Local Government, V. Alfred Gray who refuted claims by Gomez that he was victimized. Gomez who is a temporary worker under the former FNM’s 52-week programme “has no binding contractual employment with the Government due to the ineptitude and misdealing of his own colleagues in the defeated FNM administration.”
After further endorsements from the more senior Members of his team, inclusive of the Hon. Melanie Griffin, Glenys Hanna-Martin, Shane Gibson, and Obie Wilchcombe, Renardo Curry took to the stage with his wife and supporters to share his plans with the enthusiastic crowd. Proof of Christie’s commitment to Renardo Curry’s victory and to the Constituency of North Abaco was his announcement that, come Tuesday morning, Cabinet would meet for the first time out of New Providence at the Government Complex in Abaco. The Prime Minister suggested that some of the conclusions arrived at in Cabinet this week could directly impact the residents of North Abaco.
photos of choice available on myplp.com Photos by Joette Penn
