Marsh Harbour Township Chairman: “A Promise is a Comfort to a Fool; They Promised This 2 Years Ago”

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ABACO, BAHAMAS – In the Davis administration’s 2026/2027 Budget Communication, plans were announced to purchase 20 new fire trucks for the country.

However, for many family island residents, the promise is being met with skepticism.

Following a devastating wildfire in Abaco one year ago today, volunteer firefighter and township chairman Roscoe Thompson, says residents have heard promises like this before.

Roscoe Thompson – Marsh Harbour Township Chairman & Volunteer Abaco Fire Rescue 

“To hear them say yesterday that, you know, they have 20, I think it was 25 trucks they’re looking at ordering, what about the 20 or the ones that y’all ordered last year or said you were gonna order? What happened to them? Again, you know, a promise is a comfort to a fool.”

Thompson says it’s frustrating that many communities are still waiting on what he calls a basic necessity.

Roscoe Thompson – Marsh Harbour Township Chairman & Volunteer Abaco Fire Rescue 

“It’s sad to an extent that we’re still waiting on a necessity that is really needed, not just here in Abaco, but throughout the family islands and Nassau.”

He also claims that many family island fire services have been forced to rely on donations rather than government support to stay operational.

Roscoe Thompson – Marsh Harbour Township Chairman & Volunteer Abaco Fire Rescue 

“Yes, and here in Abaco, from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town to Man-o-War to Green Turtle, Guana, everything is through donations…the only thing that I can say the government does do…is getting the V.A.T and the duty-free waived on bringing in the fire trucks.”

While he says Abaco needs additional resources, Thompson believes other family islands should be prioritized when the new fire trucks arrive.

Roscoe Thompson – Marsh Harbour Township Chairman & Volunteer Abaco Fire Rescue 

“I think that some of the family islands should have preference, like Eleuthera or Exuma, you know, that need [it] right away. Abaco could be one of the last at the bottom of the list, but some other family islands need them more as a priority.”

Thompson also argues that government officials need to work more closely with volunteers and community leaders who are on the frontline responding to fires.

Roscoe Thompson – Marsh Harbour Township Chairman & Volunteer Abaco Fire Rescue 

“Government needs to meet with the people that are dealing with them. Decisions cannot be wholeheartedly made by the MP who is sitting in Nassau and doesn’t know the first thing about fires or what’s going on.”