The name 'Ninny' is fictional, although these are the real letters of a real wife of a Bakers Bay Club senior employee.

Earlier this year, I received an anonymous threat private message on the oii.net message board. Frightened by the message, I brought it to the public's attention, and was quickly told that only one such person would write such a message. Several oii.net subscribers wrote me to explain that Ninny had several different online personas, all designed to upset the opposition to the development. It is believed that most pro-development letters in the Bahamian press have been written by Ninny.

After the public explanation, Ninny emailed me a lengthy apology. We kept in touch for a few months.

The Ninny emails, and the motivations behind writing them indicate a strong sense of confusion and denial about acting as an unofficial spokesperson for a widely unpopular company on a very, very small island.

While reading these emails, remember that Ninny has a financial incentive in backing the Discovery Land Company and Bakers Bay Club.

The Guana Cay she paints is widely disparate from the generally held view that Guana Cay is a unified island with a strong sense of community.

Great Erik! Deon, aged 14 brought a baby bottle to school today.  Deon does not speak.  He comes to school very hungry, dirty, and tired.  We had not seen the baby bottle prior to today.  Thank God, one of our volunteer stateside speech pathologists was on campus today for a visit and files update.  Turns out, Deon uses a baby bottle at home in order to cope with his muteness.  It just feels good for him to move his tongue in unison with that nipple.  So we were advised to get Deon some candies to suck on during school hours and leave the baby bottle home.  So me and Deon drove over to Price Right and picked up his first ever bag of something to suck on.  Big break- thru for us and for Deon in trying to address his needs so that he can learn.  Because all of us can learn.

Unexpected rain today.  Huge squall developed right over Abaco... it was not on the radar this morning.  At 1pm today an enormous, very developed waterspout (looked like a mid-western tornado) developed ahead of the squal.  The VHF was squalking and all the tourists on Front Street photographing at the same time as running for cover.  The waterspout headed SW ahead of the storm, away from land, and eventually stirred back up into the black clouds.

XONinny

Hey Erik - lots of big news.  Bruce has been taken out of his Construction Manager position on the Development Team and promoted to Assistant General Manager on the Operations Team.  He works mano y mano with Carter.  Sooooo, he asks that you forward your worthy questions to Livingston Marshall, as Bruce is no longer involved in that aspect of the biz.  He will be utilizing his considerable experience (10 years in the hospitality business in the Bahamas) to work with the staff and the guests.  It was a difficult decision for us, as we do grow tired of the 24/7 aspects of the business, but he is good at it, enjoys it, is good at it. 

Great Guana Cay is no different from any other small rural town.  Our close proximity to that great shopping mall to the west, has served to make Bahamians quite consumer-minded in the last 10 years.  Trips to West Palm, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, Sat. TV., MTV, Ipods have inflitrated.  Kids watch the tourists, the rich big-boat owners, the fishing tournament guys with their "Nieces", the drug dealers that follow them, and the kids, sadly, think that is life.  It is not life.  Nipper's Pig Roast Sunday with it's 2000 party people each Sunday further tilts the kid's reality.  It is life on vacation and they don't know the difference.  Go to any town on a Sunday, and it is quiet and serene, a bit of a break from the week.  Not on Guana Cay.  My Guana kids don't see Monday morning, when Mr. Big is back at the office, Mrs. Big at carpool, and Little Big's in good schools with parents connected and pushing them in the right direction.

A couple weeks ago, a mother who had just lost her husband, had to give up her 15 year old son, who just lost his dad,  to police because he was out of control due to crack.  I taught this kid, he is brilliant.  His life is ruined.  He is now in a boot camp in Nassau.  He'll come back worst for it all.

I get really upset when people think that Guana is the land of milk and honey.  We have so many problems on this island.  Domestic knockdown-dragouts - two women sporting bruises just last week from "falling down", drugs, drinking, mental illness, diabetes, high-blood pressure (two deaths in the past 6 months due to stroke) lack of community, spirituality, togetherness.  Tourists come in and see just what they want to see.  It is like a cool-Disney for the "soft-Safari" types.  Yea, you got AC, running water, a grocery with a freezer section, but you still feel like you are a pirate on a funky island.  But we have to put on that smiley face, because we rent the golf carts, the caretakers for the cottages, have the dive shop, and we smile and get close to you because we have to. 

The other cays have long-time second homeowners that understand these stresses and they are very philanthropic to the different civic organizations on those cays.  Elbow Cay and it's settlement has a library, a museum, the school is very well endowed, a fire depart. with tons of equip. and full-time clinic with a full-time nurse, garbage services, a post office and a bank.  Man-O-War and Green Turtle the same and even more.  Many of the seconds on those cays sponsor scholarships, softball leagues, mental health help, help the schools not only in their community but on the mainland of Abaco.

On Guana, we have nothing.  SGCR has pitted local against local.  Second against second.  Some seconds have spent huge dollars on this case.  A foreign land owner and developer on Guana Cay has spent hundreds of thousands because of ego. (Discovery Land Company insists that SGCR is funded by foreigners, and this has been fed to Ninny)   Guanians who have been here since they were born do not understand the new voices speaking for them and in traditional island manner, they will not respond.  They hold it in.

A funny story though.  Ritchie Albury, founder of Albury's Ferry Service along with his brother Marcel, was telling me a story the other day.  We are good friends with his daughter Ruth, whose husband, Bruce's best friend died of cancer at aged 38.  Years and years ago, he told us, one of the boats obtained a small refrigeration compartment on the "mailboat".  So Man-O-War suddenly got butter!  All the locals were thrilled with this new development.  But the second homeowners at the time, in the 1960's were furious!  We don't want butter!  We are not here so that we can have butter! (Man-O-War seconds back then were all North-Easters from the Boston/ Cape Cod area and still are).  It is just so funny when I hear Mr. Ritchie tell that story.  Same goes on today. 

One good development as I close, after Hurricane Floyd in 1999, our harbourside was decimated.  All the palm trees fell (or the local boyz discovering a chainsaw cut down the rest fer fun).  Now, Donna Sands, a community leader, and supporter of Bakers Bay, has started a beautification project along the front road.  We bought in with a donation, and they are planting from the govt dock to the grocery and Jimmy Albury at Orchid Bay is doing the grocery to Orchid Bay,  Lots of flowers, natives, sitting spots and it all seems to have enlivened the community with positive spirit amidst all the negative that everyone has been dealing with for the past two years.  All the locals are involved and even though we are Permanent Residents with Right to Work, and have been here for 10 years, we still feel like we are guests in their country.  The way and the respect that it should be.

Too many words.  Sorry as I was on a rant.  Best, Ninny

Erik - as you know, I do not believe that lives will be negatively affected.  That is not the point.  This man does not have the right to try to affect my employment with an organization that is not attached in any way to the development.  I know that you know that to be true.  So, my answer is "no" this man does not have the right to negatively affect my employ. 

Does not matter however, I have huge support at the school and in the community regarding my well-known views.  Everywhere I go, people say "thank you" to me.  In fact, ECC sent me in several ambassadorial tasks last week.  I went to Abaco Winding Bay with 2 of my students to accept a huge check from the Abaco Angler's Fishing Tourn.  I am working directly with the Min. of Tourism on a huge reception benefiting ECC at the biggest fishing tourn. in May.  Having been here for 10 years, building Dolphin Beach, Blue Water Grill etc., me and Bruce have loyal friends at the Min. of Tourism, and they watch my back.  Also, sadly we had a break in at the school (lost all our audio-visual stuff) and I am working directly with the police on the case.  Again, many friends among the detectives whom we have worked with for many years on a number of cases, including rampent drug problems on Guana Cay.

So there you have it!  Whereever you are in this great big beautiful world, I hope you are having a happy day.  Ninny

Hey - I created another stink it seems when I called that Elchan (sp?) dude "self-absorbed".  Meha Culpa meha Culpa, meha maxi-ma Culpa.  He told me to "fuck myself" and that he "has a disdain for a bitch like me".  I just asked him to bring money or school supplies if he wants to be part of the community...

Bruce would love to answer your questions regarding the waste treatment plant.  He is very technically oriented.  In fact, he was in charge of a tour just today for all the National Trust people. 

He is a very peaceful guy too.  About to divorce me (again) if I post anymore on the reef board.  I just hate to see all those hundreds of thousands of dollars not going to my beautiful Bahamian children... Arggghhh!

I will read your update.  Your website is absolutely gorgeous.  Yes, I did see the Huggins article.  He seems to throw in support for the project, then take it back away again.  Nassau is a tuff town.  Who knows....

Peace - Ninny

Erik - that guy Elchuan made my life difficult this week.  Called my school, the Ministry of Tourism.  I am earnest, but stupid.  Easy Target Ninny.  Bruce is in Mexico, but will respond upon his return (Note: Bruce never responded to my email).    Best, Ninny

Hey Erik,

I've been working very hard at The Every Child Counts school for speical ed. and literacy. We are performing Romeo and Juliet on May 19th. Here's the twist... it is set in Abaco 2006!
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), is one of our big backers and he is attending.

If you are in the neighborhood, please let me know. Also, we take our Cerebral Palsy students down to Abaco Winding Bay on Friday afternoons and they ride the horses at their equestrian center. You should see their crumpled bodies simply unfold before your eyes once on horseback. It is a well known therapy for CP kids.

Last night, I took my kids to see Les Ballets Africains. It was an amazing show here in West Palm Beach. Took them hang gliding out in western Palm Beach County last Saturday. I try to expand their experience when they are off from school.

We have lost the Kevin and Lori Malone family, the Swerick family and the Bruce Sands family off the island. So that is 7 more kids gone. We have seen so many families come and go in the last 10 years. It is difficult to live in these out-islands. However, Green Turtle, Man-O-War and Hope Town have a much better sense of community than Guana. Somehow Guana has a hard time fostering a community. Perhaps this is because only 3 children attend the island school, the rest going to Marsh Harbour. Second homeowners on the other cays contribute much to their communities, but second homeowners on Guana are interested in drinking too much.

Haven't heard anything about the case at Bakers Bay. For my own health, I try not to even think about it. Of course, it is difficult, the not knowing part.

I noticed the Bloggy Boyz quit and then came back. What to make of it all?

Email back if you get the chance. Oh yea, the opening photo on your lovely site is the old picket fence at the Berle Patterson Memorial Park in Hope Town! Debbie Patterson, her daughter in law is a great friend of mine.

XO Ninny


From: "Ninny
To: erikgauger
Subject: RE: Apology
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 20:45:59 -0500

Erik -

I know you are very busy. Thank you for your response. Yes, I did see the SF Chronicle article and I thought it was very fair and balanced (ugghh, that FOX mantra)... My Bruce spent several days with her touring her around and talking about our lifestyle pre-Bakers while we developed Dolphin Beach Resort/Estates and now at Baker's and raising our kids out here. Bruce really enjoyed their time together. (Must of liked him. Didn't quote him!!!) 

I was extremely upset at the Miami Herald article regarding the controversy last spring. There was a huge photo of Randy Roberts and his elderly mother and his mentally retarded sister Thyra. Me and Thyra are good friends and we have lunch and craft afternoon at my house every single Tuesday. I hated that photo of the three of them looking like "deer in the headlights". I was so ashamed that the fight put that photo out there. 

Troy, Bruce and I were on a very crowded ferry today back to the cay and things seem to be thawing a bit. I am "the canary in the coal mine", hence the mail address. Anger, bitterness and pain is so hard to maintain. It is my hope that everyone needs to be infused with good thoughts, spirits and hope. There is a local wedding on the cay this weekend and all of us are invited. Usually at local Guana weddings, we all get pretty messed up and dance and have a great time all together.

I might be totally wrong, but I still think that the DLC people are good people. But I have been burned before... Let's just see what shakes out in the next few days. Be watching...

I will keep you posted regarding ECC. I will send you some photos. 

Take good care.

Best, Ninny

Ninny

Hi Erik -

My brother is a PhD. 37 years old and teaching at VIMS, not a bio major. You are a terrific writer. You have a nice sentence and then one that is sort of a "zinger". But much more polite than the bloggy boyz. And with more heart and soul than the Peclid (sp?) guy.

When I see how we beg and plead for money for our kids at ECC, when I see our multiple degreed teachers there making a salary of $15,000, when I see Lyn Major wondering if we can stay open until the end of the school year, when we have not enough room for the 3 students needing to get in (one is an autistic boy from Cherokee who watches the Weather Channel all day and knows every front, every system, every storm and can tell you all about it, but speaks nothing else), when us teachers, volunteers, benefactors, month after month spend hundreds of our own dollars to keep it going... well my energies are just really focused on our flesh and blood children - the most vulnerable and we cannot fail them.

Can you come and do a piece on ECC for your website? It would be a huge help for us in fundraising. Also, if you are around, this Saturday night we are having a wine and cheese evening at the Abaco Beach Resort - donated, wine - donated, cheese- donated 25 bucks a head, emergency fundraiser. The kids are magical, upsetting, difficult, sweet, terrifying, beautiful.

Best, Ninny

I am in West Palm

Ninny

Erik -

1. I do not see my private message as a "threat" at all to you. Opinion, yes. I do like that you think of karma as a "she" though! Erik, you seem like a very thoughtful, sensative and intelligent person. Why don't you call my husband Bruce, and take a tour?  We never would have returned from our year away from Guana Cay if the project was driftwood. Why won't Troy go in and ask all the hard questions and pepper, pepper, pepper Livingston Marshall and see what happens? This, I simply do not understand, why Troy and others don't start doing face to face with the other side. They are the "frantic" ones taking photos from far far away out in the boat, cloak and dagger, when they could be getting the personal, up close tour from Bruce, or Livingston or others. Bruce does tours all day long, 7 days a week (since he can't do construction right now!)

2. I know that everyone from SGCR thinks that I wrote that letter to the Abaconian, but I did not. Nobody has asked me even if I did. Where'd this come from? I do know who wrote it though, because they asked me what I thought about it weeks and weeks before it was printed. 

3. But that being said, many,many locals are not at all happy with the vitriol on the part of 4 or 5 members of SGCR. These individuals are not thought of as locals, and the "real locals" are very very upset about what they are doing. These locals come to me, poor out their heart and soul and ask me to help them. They feel very squeezed between the fear of the developers and the fear of those members of SGCR who have also isolated and hurt them and/or threaten their normal island traditions of social rules. Fear is everywhere. Businesses who are doing business with DLC on Guana are fearful. Richie Altemera, of Guana Freight who runs freight up to Bakers Bay everyday, is very fearful. Second-homeowners who have now rented their homes on long-term rental contracts to the personnel at Bakers Bay are fearful. Bob and Jerry whose sale of Guana Seaside Village to DLC are fearful. (Erik, they have made 3 million dollars on DLC, we'd have to work many, many, many lifetimes for that kind of money!) Locals have come to our house, in the evening, asking for a job or if Bruce will bring them a job application and they are fearful. Locals and second homeowners secretly meet Bruce for a tour of the property in fear that someone will see them on their own fact-finding mission. 

3. I do worry about the health and welfare of all the folks involved. Troy Albury is not the same person he was years ago. When he started Dive Guana, Bruce, was there to help him every step of the way, builidng his dive shack, insisting to the landowner that Troy not pay rent, electric or water or dockage, anything and everything to help Troy get that business going. They were friends, had beers together,

fought fires together, rescued people, did CPR on dead people all the way to Marsh Harbour (as first responders) Now they don't speak to each other. That is so unhealthy for the soul. 

4. We have vandalism done to our home, we have had our house, our car, our generator vandalized. Can you imagine being called the big ugly woman and the womanly man in front of your 14 year old daughter? Or that my kids should not look to me as a mentor. My kids are my breath!

5. My brother has his PhD. in Marine Biology (coincidentally from William and Mary - Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences - same as Livingston) and he is advising me as to the science of it all. He has been here and grilled the science people involved at DLC. 

6. In 2002, Perry Christie had a political platform of "anchor developments" on each inhibited island. His "A Fresh Wind is Gonna Blow" slogan, won him a landslide. I remember that day well as we discussed the implications. We fully expected a high-rise casino, or serious driftwood project at Bakers Bay. 

7. Erik, go take a tour. I think this fight is being fought on so many different levels ...the science of the enviroment, the economy/jobs factor, the class-war factor, the black/white issue, the Americans pouring in issue, and just so many levels and so many issues in the equation. It is very complex. 

8. I'd appreciate it if you would keep this email private. I do suppose that you could forward it all over the place, but please do not as this is my thoughts to you personally.

9. We have permenant residency with the right to work. We have a great many options. I have accepted a contract to work at the Every Child Counts School for Special Ed. and Literacy for next year. I volunteer there 3 days a week right

now. I would love you to come over and see our school. You would love

it. 65 kids and growing. We need money so bad at the school!! We have found that when you make your plans, God will tell you something different. Our entire lives have been like that. So we just roll along everyday. We have many, many friends on Guana Cay and they have been keeping us bouyed up through all of this. 

10. Let's keep in touch and Godspeed to you. Thank you for your kind response. I really am not the flake some people say I am. A bit high-strung but...

P.S. - I will email you a quote from the book Snow Falling on Cedars. It perfectly describes the physchology of life on an island... I have to find it though and I hope you accept my apology. I have been brutally attacked as well as my family and worse my children.

So I should not have turned around and done the same to you. Everyone is physcially, mentally and emotionally unhealthy at this point on both sides. I am upset that you would post a personal message from me. I had orginially posted on the board, but they pulled it and would not let me post my upsetment about the fact that I had posted and they refused, yet did not refuse a personal message. Sinclair was a close personal friend of Bruce and mine going back many years and we helped him start up cocotels finding investors for his company. He would not like the idea of posting a pm. I would very much like to open a dialogue with you and look forward to a healthy discussion where we might agree to disagree and disagree without being disagreeable. my email is Ninny xxx. I will look forward to your reply.