Saturday Shoutout / Help The Bahamas

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I dreamed about the Bahamas last night.

I dreamed that I was fishing the flats with one of my favorite Bahamian guides when we were pulled over by authorities in a shiny new patrol boat. I was taken into custody and sent to an alien processing center. I think it’s fair to say that, in spite of the recent good news on the future of Bahamian fishing regulation, I’m still a little stressed about it.

The reality in the Bahamas is quite different. Many of the family islands were devastated by Hurricane Joaquin. Families who rely on the bonefishing business are struggling just stay housed and fed. This is the perfect time for us, the sport fishing community, to show exactly what kind of people we really are. It’s time for us to help.

Perhaps the worst thing to come from the recent controversy over Bahamian fishing regulations is that a lot of foreign anglers have been left with the feeling they are unwanted. I can assure you that’s the furthest thing from the truth. The Bahamian people are a joy and they truly appreciate the folks who visit and fish in their country. The harsh, anti foreign regulation which were proposed, were really the work of one man. We should not punish all Bahamians based on his hateful nature. Don’t boycott the Bahamas. In fact, let’s take it a step further and help them rebuild.

There are two great relief efforts going on right now!

Oliver White, owner of The Abaco Lodge and Bair’s Lodge has started a Fund Me campaign and is matching donations up to $10K. Let’s help max this donation out ASAP.

CLICK HERE!

The Abaco Fly Fishing Guide Association is also collecting relief funds. It is important to note that the AFGA is a great, pro foreign angler, group which predates the BFFIA, who have caused such an uproar. Supporting the AFGA is a great sign that we in the sport fishing community look out for the places we fish and the folks who live there. You can find out all you need to know about this fund over at Bonefish on the Brain.

CLICK HERE!

Please help support the Bahamas as they rebuild. Thank you!

 

Louis Cahill
Gink & Gasoline
www.ginkandgasoline.com
hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
 
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4 thoughts on “Saturday Shoutout / Help The Bahamas

  1. Thank you Louis for your seal of approval and for spreading the word about AFFGA’s efforts to raise money to help the fly fishing businesses get back to work. If anglers have specific requests regarding who they want their donations to go to we will honor them. They simply need to add instruction in the ‘description’ when they donate.
    Tight lines,
    Cindy Pinder, VP & Secretary, AFFGA

  2. The Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association (AFFGA) is spearheading a RECONSTRUCTION FUND to benefit fly fishing guides and the accommodating establishments that cater to fly fishing anglers that lost their ability to make a living because of the destruction in the Southern Bahamas from Hurricane Joaquin.
    AFFGA is working with world-wide industry members and partners to raise funds and has organized a Bahamian Advisory Board to help get the word out to those affected. The board will help gather relevant data regarding the requirements of those in the affected areas who are in need of assistance to rebuild their fly fishing businesses.
    Once an assessment of the specific needs of the individuals affected by the storm are known AFGGA will reach out to our partners who may be able to help fulfill their requirements in order to alleviate some of the pain of the rebuilding process. Your donations may pay for materials and equipment or be awarded as cash to recipients based on need.
    Anglers and Industry partners, we need your help to make this happen!
    You may make donations via PayPal at http://www.affga.org Please indicate RECONSTRUCTION FUND or HURRICANE RELIEF as the purpose. Or you can mail checks made payable to Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association to the following address:
    Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association
    c/o GB Express Exports Inc.
    610 SW 34th St. Suite 107
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

    Your generous donations will be distributed by the Board of Directors of AFFGA based on the needs expressed by those affected with the intent of helping as many people as possible. A full accounting of donations and expenditures will be made within three months.

    AFFGA Board of Directors:
    Justin Sands
    Cindy Pinder
    Buddy Pinder
    Patrick Roberts

    AFFGA Reconstruction Fund Advisory Board:
    Mr. Gregory Bethel, Senior Economist, Department of Marine Resources
    Mr. Benjamin Pratt, Senior Manager, Ministry of Tourism
    Ms. Cheryl Bastian, Vice President, Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board
    Rev. Felton Rolle, Owner, Salina Point Bonefish Lodge, Acklins
    Mrs. Arnette Chisholm, Owner, Chester’s Highway Inn Bonefish Lodge, Acklins *
    Mr. Nevin Knowles, Owner, Long Island Bonefish Lodge, Long Island *
    Shavonne Davrville, Owner, Gems of Paradise, Long Island * * still trying to make contact to confirm participation

    If you need further information, please contact Cindy Pinder at 561-202-8575 or via email skeeterone@coralwave.com. LIKE US ON FACE BOOK – ABACO FLY FISHING GUIDES ASSOCIATION to keep up to date on progress. Please spread the word throughout the fishing world as we need your help to rebuild the fly fishing industry in the Southern Bahamas. Thank you!

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