Adventures of Tom, Jan and Peanut: Coopers Town on Election Day

MAY 7, 2012
We had heard mixed information about Coopers Town settlement. There are no marinas, dinghy docks or beaches. The docks that protruded off shore were destroyed by the last big hurricane and never repaired or rebuilt. The anchorage area is open so we will have to monitor the winds and weather closely while here.
To dingy ashore you have two choices. Pull your dinghy up on a small rocky shore area next to the destroyed marine services dock or go down to an old dock down a ways and carefully climb up an old ladder. On our first visit to shore we did notice a stack of lumber sitting near the marine services dock and a group of gentlemen rebuilding on a bar on the water front. A rock wall lined the waterfront protecting the street and sidewalk on the other side. There were several benches along the wall and a gazebo type structure. During our two day stay we noticed that groups of men gathered throughout the day on the benches and in the gazebo. On our walks down the waterfront it appeared most of the conversations were politically centered. This made sense as today was election day.
The schools and many businesses were closed. Children and adults walked along the water front in their red shirts, the political color for the present prime minister. Red flags adorned the cars that went up and down the road. it appeared that the entire settlement was supporting the present prime ministers reelection. occasionally you would see a car with the opposing candidates colors, purple, but that was rare. A gentleman from a boat anchored near us told us that we were all invited to a rally that was to take place in the park following the closing of the poles. Tom was excited about it but not knowing the climate of the area i said i was not going unless we went with the other boaters. Evening came and we dinked over with our fellow boaters. We were greeted on approach by several local Bahamians and treated well. It was an interesting people watching event. Everyone in their red shirts discussing politics. When the final poll results were in the present prime minister had lost. Next thing we know cars with purple and yellow flags were coming down the street honking their horns and yelling to brag that they had won.They drove around the park then left. I was concerned about how this was going to play out but found there was no need. Everyone in the park remained quiet. They did not respond verbally or with hand signs. All remained calm. I was impressed.
The following day we walked to the local grocery. Tom stood outside the store and enjoyed a beer. He asked what a case of it costs. $72.00 was the response, ouch! No beer for Tom. Tom went back to the boat and i remained to walk the rocky shore looking for shells while the tide was out. There was an area on the rocks that was covered with conch shells that had been cleaned. i climbed over the wall to check them out and was joined by four children who were playing on the rocks on their way home from school and picking up these very large snail type shells. I asked why they were picking up the big snails and was told their mom boils them for dinner. We had a great conversation about school. These little guys were so cute. They kept picking up conk shells and announcing “how bout dis one”. I bet they followed me up and down for 45 minutes. It was great fun.
i was amazed that most of the houses had boards covering several of their windows or at least the holes where windows were supposed to be. I am told they have been up since that very bad hurricane in the 2009? Most houses had the front door wide open. “I asked the kids how they kept cool in the summer since it was obvious here and in most of the Cays that air conditioning is nonexistent and the only air flow was through the front door here in Coopers Town. Mind you the temperature today was 80 so I can’t imagine the heat in the summer! We walk up and down the waterfront to catch the breeze off the water was the response. We love these real life experiences with the people of the villages we visit here in the Abaco’s.