Summer, 2000

For our valued guests of the Club Peace & Plenty, Beach Inn and the Bonefish Lodge we send our warmest greetings in our second newsletter of the new Millennium. We hope you enjoy it!

The Community of Great Exuma has won the prestigious American Express/Caribbean Hotel Association - Green Area of the Year Award. Peace and Plenty sponsored the application and sent Barry Benjamin to Cancun, Mexico to represent Exuma for the awards at the Caribbean Hotel Association Conference. Special congratulations to Basil Minns and the entire Exuma Tourism and Environmental Advisory committee for a job well done!

The last week in April saw the annual Out Island Regatta enjoying excellent weather, great native food, enthusiastic crowds and exciting races. The Peace and Plenty Cup was won by "Sacrifice" skippered by Colin Cartwright, Mangrove Bush, Long Island. The overall winner was "Ruperts Legend", a Long Island sloop. We were full as usual, so call our reservations desk toll-free at 1-800-525-2210 and book early for next April and join in the fun.

Al Roker, NBC Today Show weatherman, was back in Exuma at the Club over Easter filming a special one-hour television show for the "Food Channel", which was aired in June. The first half-hour was produced in Nassau while the second half-hour was produced in Exuma with Al's parents and children. Alston Rolle of the Bonefish Lodge had an amusing segment with Al and his father, catching bonefish from one of the Lodge's state of the art skiffs. The show was a visually colorful program resulting in excellent exposure for the Bahamas, Exuma and the Peace and Plenty.

The Club has a new scuba diving venture operating from a recently constructed office on the Club's dock. Managers are Tom and Lynn Sutton working with the successful Small Hope Bay Resort in Andros. Tom is also fixing up a pontoon boat to take up to 24 people on an early evening cruise around Elizabeth Harbour. To pre-book a snorkel or scuba dive trip, please call Tom or Lynn at 242-336-2893.

Managing partner Bob Hyde reported that the P&P Bonefish Lodge was the scene of the annual Exuma Fly Bonefishing Release Tournament. Seven local fishermen competed for cash prizes, local bragging rights and the opportunity to represent Exuma in the Bahamian National Championship being held this year in Abaco. P&P Bonefish guide Willie Rolle, Jr., son of taxi driver Willie Rolle, Sr., was the winner with 21 release points. In second place was P&P Bonefish guide J.J. Dames, a two time Exumian and all Bahamas Champion with 19 points. Congratulations Willie and good luck in Abaco.

Good news for homebuilders; the Bahamian Government has granted local requests to extend the duty-free status for all construction materials 2 more additional years until July 1st, 2002. The old exemption, due to expire July 1st, 2000 after 3 years, will save about 20% of the cost of a new home on the island.

The Club will start a major three-phase renovation this fall. The first phase will begin on the West Wing. Six rooms are to be converted into three suites, with larger bathrooms, wet bars and dual balconies. Owner Stan Benjamin has committed to return the Club to its former glory with whatever it takes attitude concerning the renovation. The Club will close on September 1st and is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. During this period, the Beach Inn will be open to service our guests.

The management and staff of the Beach Inn wishes to thank John Chase for filling in as temporary manager during last season. John did a wonderful job of managing and keeping the Beach Inn organized. Renae Lawrence and Lawrence Sanders have been temporarily promoted to supervisors to fill in for management while a permanent manager is being considered. Congratulations, Renae and Lawrence.

FOXHOLLOW WELLNESS SPA will again return to the Peace and Plenty Beach Inn on January 19th, 2001 for 3 weeks. The spa offers relaxation, rejuvenation and fun in this stunning, sun-filled paradise full of gorgeous sea and sand landscapes. Relax with massages, facials and body wraps; participate in yoga classes, aerobic and enrichment programs; enjoy healthy gourmet cuisine; and participate in energizing festivities. The Foxhollow staff customizes every program to satisfy your individual needs and maximize your desired experience. Both packages and a la carte services are available. Discounts are offered until October 1st, 2000. For more information or reservations, please call Mary Jo Guelda or Kelly Budnick at (800) 624-7080 or (502) 241-8621.

RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE…The vocational workshop at the Benjamin Foundation property is now complete and classes have started. The College of the Bahamas is running a course to license single-phase electricians and another to train plumbers. The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute is operating a course in PC upgrading and repair with equipment donated by the Benjamin Foundation. Courses in electric and gas welding as well as carpentry are scheduled to begin in September with equipment supplied by Lincoln Electric.

As a result of a generous gift from Van and Dianne Bernard, owners of Hummingbird Cay, the dormitory complex that had been planned for some time will become a reality. All the building materials have been donated and a drive is now underway to raise the funds for construction. The dormitory will sleep 30 people with a separate working area and two efficiencies for visiting staff. This facility will allow students from the Exuma Cays and other islands to visit for short courses. The possibility of making the Resource Centre a regional hub for distance education is being considered.

THE BONEFISH LODGE will be expanding the dining room onto the porch to create additional seating for the many visitors that want to enjoy an evening of fresh seafood, interesting surroundings and exciting shark feeding. A Jacuzzi is also being considered for the further relaxation of our guests.

Our employee of issue is Supervisor of Housekeeping, Yvonne Curtis Rolle. Yvonne has been with the Peace and Plenty for 6 years. She started in the laundry, then became a waitress and moved to housekeeping. Yvonne is married to Harcourt Rolle and has 7 children from 6-years-old to 19-years-old. Yvonne stated that her job is fun because she gets to spend time with the guests, finding out where they’re from and about their families. "I love our guests that stay with us again and again because this shows they really love Exuma and most of all, love staying with us at the Peace and Plenty", said Yvonne. Thank you Yvonne for your hard work. Your friendliness and smile make our guests feel welcome and happy!

This June, Barry Benjamin welcomed a group of international developers and local business people to the Club to discuss the possibility of organizing an Exuma "United Way" to offer some assistance to local causes. Also discussed was a rescue attempt to try to save the old cotton house "The Hermitage" at Williamstown, which is owned by the family of the late Vincent Bowe.

EXUMA DEVELOPMENT UPDATE…

EMERALD BAY is pushing ahead with its 400+ acre resort, according to Mr. Joe Skaggs, sales manager. However, a change in the hotel management company has occurred from a Ritz Carlton to the Four Seasons for the 244-room deluxe class hotel. Opening is scheduled for January 2002.

THE ISLAND CLUB will open its 56 ocean and hilltop lots phase in August and plan to press on to the Tom Weiscoff Golf Course phase.

PALM BAY BEACH CLUB is proceeding with 4 cottages under roof and 12 others under construction. Palm Bay plans to offer one-month timeshares/club membership in the cottages.

FLAMINGO BAY is still building deluxe 2 and 3 bedroom condos on their George Town property and has recently opened a restaurant.

PEACE AND PLENTY VILLAGE next to the Beach Inn on the former U.S. Naval Base is on hold until B.E.C. (Bahamas Electric Co.) moves an oil pipeline running through the center of the property.

Chef Dan Patlak has returned to work with the staffs of the Peace and Plenty kitchens. Dan brings new, exciting menus and delicious hors d’oeuvres to our dining rooms. Come over and check out Dan's hard work.

John and Judy Cowden, from Norwell, MA recently celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary this June at the Club. Long time Club guests, John and Connie Tomaso, from Brookline, NH, helped the Cowdens celebrate.

Robert Nesbitt, from Palm Beach, FL, celebrated a family gala at the Club with over 20 relatives.

James and Sybil Robinson, from Chattanooga, TN, finally made their free week with their 20th stay for over 140 days.

On a tragic note, P&P Operations Supervisor Mazell Dames and her husband Les, lost their oldest daughter, LeShawna, age 19, in a car accident last February near the Exuma Resource Center. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mazell and her family.

Kayla Rolle, waitress at the Beach Inn, had a baby boy in May named Kristano. Janice Clarke, waitress at the Beach Inn, was married in February to Clayton Ferguson. Front desk clerk, Tina Roach, recently announced that she and her newlywed husband, Dencil, would be parents in February 2001!

Judy Turnquest, Club Manager for the past year, has resigned to pursue a real estate sales career with her future husband. We are sure going to miss her and wish her the best in her new endeavor.

Anatchas Hart, Reservations, has accepted a management position with Sam Gray Enterprises. The front desk staffs at each Hotel are now accepting reservations.

Basil Minns advised that it appears that the Mariah Harbour Cay area would be designated a Bahamas National Park, therefore preserving this beautiful area.

The P&P Boutique across from the Club is having the exterior landscaped and considering skylights to "brighten" the interior.

Our P&P website is moving into the 21st century with secure reservation deposits system, online merchandise and foreign languages. If you can't come to Exuma soon, then visit our website for more current updates and information. Website address:

www.peaceandplenty.com

Airline Update…American Eagle is on their Summer schedule with flights on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays flying from Miami, call 1-800-433-7300; Lynx Air flies on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Fort Lauderdale, call 1-888-596-9247; Reggie Express flies on Tuesdays from Fort Lauderdale, call 954-761-3131; and Bahamasair flies twice daily from Nassau, call 1-800-222-4262. Please call our Fort Lauderdale office in the event you have difficulties with transportation to the Peace and Plenty at 1-954-359-9899.

Stan, Jeanne, Barry, Bob, Mazell, Renae, Lawrence, Pat and the staffs of the Club, Beach Inn and Bonefish Lodge, wish you a wonderful summer and fall and look forward to seeing you soon.

Papaya Soup

1 large unripe papaya (Seeds should still be black)
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped mild green pepper
1 stalk celery, diced
½ teaspoon thyme
1 clove garlic, crushed
2? cups water
1 beef bouillon cube
? cup flour
½ to 1-cup milk

Peel and seed papaya, cutting it in lengthwise pieces and placing the slices in cool water to keep fresh.

Put papaya, onion, green pepper, celery, thyme and garlic in a saucepan, cover with 1-inch water and simmer mixture until papaya is soft. Remove from heat.

Remove papaya from mixture and force slices through a sieve. Strain the cooking broth and add papaya, whisking to blend. Continue whisking as you add 2 cups of the water and bouillon cube.

Return mixture to stove and bring to a simmer. To thicken broth, whisk flour and remaining water together in a small bowl and gradually add to broth through a sieve, to remove lumps.

When soup begins to thicken, remove from heat. Gradually add milk until soup reaches desired consistency, and then return to stove briefly to heat through. (Serves four to six.)

American Eagle's "Latitudes" in-flight magazine contained an article in their May/June issue titled, "The Exumas, A Bahamian Never, Never Land". The Club Peace and Plenty and the Bonefish Lodge were both covered which included a photo of Lermon (Doc) Rolle and a couple of photos of Charlie Pflueger with Bonefish guide Willie Rolle, Jr.