The Red (Traffic) Light Turns Green
by Alice Bain

In 1968 the sleepy town of Marsh Harbour began to awaken with the installation of a traffic light at its main intersection, Don MacKay Boulevard and Queen Elizabeth Drive. It created order and quickly became the base of directions to newcomers. Go up, Go down, Turn left, Turn right at the red light.

Unfortunately, during Hurricane Michelle of last year a tragic event occurred with the death of the red light. In one final bright flash of light, it jumped into oblivion.

The skies cleared and the confusion began. Drivers would close their eyes, hold their breath and speed under the bare wire hanging above. Some refused to use the intersection while others used it to vent their anger at other drivers. (An excellent Stress Buster!)

Four stop signs were erected and we naturally assumed they were only for those coming from the other direction.

During this time six sets of traffic lights, a control box and hardware were donated by a second homeowner. These became famous artifacts as many curious spectators would gather at the customs warehouse to look at them, scratch and then shake their heads as they would leave in bewilderment. Some were told they couldnt work, others were told we did not need a traffic light and would not be allowed to install one - a landmark that had been there for 33 years.

I realized that it is the people of Abaco that make it such a great place. The business community banded together and in one day the $1031.93 duty and shipping bill was donated. I began to realise the importance and support of this project when some people said, Just tell me how much and Ill write you a cheque.

At the same time a well known and respected citizen had also taken it upon himself to have four sets of lights brought in, for which he personally took care of the costs and then turned them over to me for installation.

A few more set backs, the brackets for the lights had to be fabricated and were installed, slowly order began to return as people would slow down long enough to see if the red light was working.

After waiting two weeks for the government-owned corporation in charge of electrical installations to do the required wiring, in a show of unity Mark (A Fresh Breeze) Roberts and Dale (The Torch) Hill and numerous others wired the lights on August 24. What started as a small group grew as others joined in a great community spirit. Mr. Earnest Scott (Scotty) operated a fork lift from 1 to 6 p.m. Mr. Herbert Key in passing by asked if he could be assistance, then helped for five hours.

Mike Malone supported and organised materials. Many passing would shout encouragement and smile, some admitted not knowing about traffic lights but offered food and drinks. Others asked to let them know if there were any other projects they could help with in the future. The lights were turned on and it was like they had never been missing.

After a week of negative publicity on Abaco, the most encouraging and heartening end was the realisation that the Green Light is up for all to unite and work together. We can have opinions and yet respect differences. Sometimes instead of complaining about what should be, we can band together and make it happen.

There will be other projects and Im sure with even more support and together we can make our island a better place.