Feb 22, 2007 Is it really better in the bahamas?

There was an ad campaign a while ago that used the catch phrase "its better in the Bahamas" ... I am having a hard time understanding what is better. The Abacos (North Bahamas) don't cut it as a better place. It is full of folks that are intent on regaining their lost childhood. There are few if any "local" folks that are not involved with the tourist trade. Most services are provided by imported labour. The majority of businesses and homes owned by outsiders or recent work permit holders. I have
not seen an official (Police or otherwise) outside of the immigration office staff since we have been here. There is one radio station that gives the weather at 0700 and 0800 hours daily. The "cruisers net" offers local events and weather at 0815. The net is run by an American embassy "official" who tries to maintain a certain amount of control over the cruising folks. They want everyone to check in and checkout ... shades of the Coast Guard. Most days of the week have a "special" offered by one
of the local bars ... (they all seem to have their own days) ... the going minimum price seems to be $20 per person regardless of what is offered. The weather is consistent ... five days of high wind and 2 days of calm. The high winds always have a westerly component and there are very few secure anchorages available. In most cases people head for March Harbour or Treasure Cay to pick up a mooring ball or dock. Public access to beaches is difficult to find ... most beach front property (US owned)
is posted with warning signs if not guards to keep the riff raff from coming on the beach. Water access via dink is only possible at a government dock if you can find one... The Yanks have landed ... heaven help the country. Brian