Abaco Beacon

27/01/2020

07/11/2019

CBS News report at Maxwells

07/11/2019

After suffering minimal damages from Hurricane Dorian Maxwell's Supermarket opened their doors today to serve Abaco with much needed groceries.

The repairs and restocking took just over two months to complete but now residents and visitors alike will have access to groceries, including fresh dairy and fruits and vegetables.

05/11/2019

Excellent synopsis of government's policy for Abaco's recovery from Silbert Mills.

Here’s a summary of the Government policy for Abaco:
1. Abaco economic zone for next 3 years
2. No VAT until June 2020
3. Up to $10,000 in financial assistance for qualified persons
4. You can replace your destroyed vehicle using the exigency provision until December 31, 2019. This allows you to bring in a replacement vehicle duty and vat free and it does not have to be the same value of the vehicle lost. So I can replace my 2009 Dodge Ram with a brand new one.
5. Government is allowing foreign NGO to build for locals.
6. The Government will do the community clean up
7. One stop shop for business license and the wave of fees.
8. An Authorty board will be appointed for Abaco next week which will have all power to grant government approvals and issue contracts without Nass involvement.
9. Farmers and Fishermen can receive grants of up to $50,000.00
10.Persons wishing to redo their business can receive a loan at 1% interest
11. No duty or VAT on food, clothing and water until after December 31, 2019.
12. Full scale cleanup of Dundas Town to begin this This Tuesday
13. No real property Tax for up to one year.
14. Marsh Harbour international Airport to open to public.
15. BPL is now replanting poles in Marsh Harbour

03/11/2019

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2566774000082817&id=1681330155293877

IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE: The Ministry of Finance wishes to advise that the announced VAT relief measures for the Special Economic Recovery Zones of Abaco, Abaco Cays and Grand Bahama are scheduled to be effective December 1st 2019.

This time frame is to allow shippers, wholesalers and retailers the opportunity to adjust their databases and point of sale systems to facilitate the VAT free transactions on eligible items.

Until then, standard VAT and tax rules remain in place.

Marlon Johnson
Financial Secretary (Actg)
Ministry of Finance
Nassau, Bahamas

01/11/2019

01/11/2019

We are looking to create a list of businesses that are Now Open for business in Abaco, or that are finishing repairs and will be open soon, or if you want to officially announce that you are closing your doors, please message us so we can ensure people are informed.

01/11/2019

Temporary Dome Housing

During a visit to Green Turtle Cay with Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis residents were informed by Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, Iram Lewis that the Family Relief Center is expected to be ready by January 2020.

Responding to a question a resident’s question, Mr. Lewis said the government is looking to provide an option for people who have lost homes to be able to purchase domes to place on their own properties while they rebuild.

Mr. Lewis said, “Yes, we’re looking at making that an option. And the Spring City operation should be completed – we’re building 250 domes in that area – we’re looking at by mid-January.

“We’re hoping to do it faster and there’s some site conditions we had to address.

“But, we will make it possible for persons to purchase those domes to have on their properties while they’re rebuilding.”
He was, however, unable to provide what the cost of purchasing a dome would be, but noted that “it is very affordable”.

The government is working to establish a Family Relief Center on Abaco for residents, and according to Mr. Lewis the land is being cleared and infrastructure is being put in place for the facility.

Earlier in October, the prime minister said the temporary housing is expected to cost about $6.4 million, noting that the domes will be in place for at least three years.

On Tuesday, while on the Guardian Radio 96.9 talk show “The Revolution” with host Juan McCartney, John Michael Clarke, who is the co-chairman of the Reconstruction Committee, said the first shipment of the domes will arrive on Abaco on November 14.

He said they take “three to four hours” to erect and that the domes are being done by the Brickell Management Group.

[pictured] A model of the Family Relief Centre’s dome structure that will include plumbing, drainage, a sewer system, and electricity. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

01/11/2019

Hurricane Dorian has delivered a devastating blow to two of our major islands – Grand Bahama and Abaco. We are extremely saddened by the loss of life, homes destroyed and landscape damaged. The spirit and resolve of our people remains strong, and we will continue to help everyone impacted.

01/11/2019

PM's Visit to Green Turtle Cay

PM Declares Abaco and GB VAT-Free Zones Until June 2020

GREEN TURTLE CAY, Abaco -- Prime Minister Minnis announced the declaration of the Abacos and Grand Bahama as VAT-free zones until June 2020 to help stimulate the economic recovery of areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The Prime Minister (pictured addressing the audience) also announced the establishment of The Bahamas National Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund, an independent and non-political body to help fund home and building repairs.

01/11/2019