North Abaco Pastors: We Need Answers And Actions

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After years of frustration, the North Abaco Pastors Association is calling for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Philip Davis, demanding answers and action on what they describe as “neglected and overdue” infrastructure projects.

At a recent press conference, members of the association, representing more than 20 churches across the constituency, voiced strong concerns over deteriorating roads, an unopened shipping port, and the Treasure Cay International Airport, which remains in ruins six years after Hurricane Dorian.

“We need answers and action,” declared Pastor Marvin Mills, President of the North Abaco Pastors Association. “We’re reaching out to the Prime Minister to come and meet with us, to have a conversation and work together in charting the way forward. And if we can’t get an audience, we’ll have to holler and scream afterward.”

The group says it has sent multiple letters to the Prime Minister and Transport and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis, dating back to May 2023, with no official response.

Bishop Burnell Parker, who serves as a spokesperson for the port issue, expressed deep frustration over the long-idle North Abaco Port.

“If that port were somewhere else, it would be open,” he said. “We’re still paying for it, yet we can’t use it. Some people say we don’t deserve it, what do you mean we don’t deserve it?”

Meanwhile, the pastors say the Treasure Cay International Airport, destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, remains untouched despite a Heads of Agreement signed with GreenPointe in 2024 to rebuild the facility.

“We need urgent care at the Treasure Cay International Airport,” said Bishop Cederic Bullard. “It’s been like that since Dorian, six years. It’s unacceptable. The runway needs to be resurfaced, the terminal rebuilt, and proper lighting installed for emergencies.”

The group also raised alarm over the 70-mile stretch of road connecting communities across North Abaco, which they say has become dangerous due to potholes, faded lane markings, and overgrown verges.

“If we can get the whole road redone, that’s what needs to happen,” said Pastor Simpson McKinney.

Local residents echoed those calls, urging government agencies and even private sponsors to help make the roads safer.

“Just put the center lines or cat eyes back in the road,” said Velty Parker-Carey. “We need safety on every curve.”

The pastors say their goal is not confrontation, but collaboration, and they hope that by speaking out publicly, the government will finally take meaningful steps to restore vital infrastructure across North Abaco.