Getting the Bahamas Back on Their Feet

Let’s get on board with this, OK?

PRESS RELEASE

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 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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2 comments

  1. […] 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. […]

  2. If it is possible to direct donations to specific guides in the hardest hit locations it would be great. Although I’ve fished with several guides on different islands, from what I’ve read Acklins and Crooked took the blunt of the storm and I know Fedel Johnson on Acklins had considerable damage. I have written to Cindy Pinder to both ask her about the best way to make the donation, but also to all those involved with AFGA that have the health of all the beautiful islands at heart, thank you and keep up the good work… Rick Heim

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