Big Mike: The Gentle Giant of Green Turtle Cay

Lewis Louie Louie Dames

“Nobody was a better arm wrestler than Big Mike. Shaking hands with him was like shaking hands with an 8” concrete block!”

Big Mike used his physical strength to create magic with his concrete construction while

sharing his generous heart and support to the Green Turtle Cay community. He built many homes on Green Turtle Cay. Mostly all constructed in his favored building material - cement. In addition to homes and roads, Big Mike was the only mason who knew how to repair the concrete house boat which was made of cement. The houseboat barge was towed into the Abaco Yacht club service yard where Big Mike commenced to learn about the lighter cement used to construct the barge. He refused payment for his repair stating the knowledge learned was sufficient payment.

When clients' construction plans included the use of lumber, Big Mike turned to Contractor Eddie Curry. The two of them held a lifelong construction relationship.

I first came to Green Turtle Cay after graduating from Niagara Falls University. I grew up in Sandy Point and then moved on to Nassau for high school and college. I decided to finish my Hospitality Bachelor’s degree at Niagara Falls University. In the spring of my Senior year I read a posting from the President of the Out Island Promotion board about a job opening for a Bluff House Resident Manager. After seeing this opening I switched my graduation date by attending summer school. I submitted my application and received what I thought was a prank call in my dormitory from the owner, Les Davies, to come to Green Turtle for an interview. I arrived over the Thanksgiving holiday and was hired on the spot with the expectation to start work the next day. I was 20 years old and started my career in a job that I loved.

The year was 1979 and you had to take a boat to get to New Plymouth. There was no road connecting the northern part of GTC to the south. However, New Plymouth had the activities/establishments that our guests were interested in - The Gully Roosters Bar and Dance Club along with Miss Emily’s Blue Bees Bar. I would transport the guests to New Plymouth 5 nights a week in order for Miss Emily to shake up her famous Goombay Smash cocktail for them.

Miss Emily had a unique way of shaking her renowned drink. She would hold the shaker in her two hands and then bob up and down by bending her knees. It was a marvel to observe!

Big Mike kept a watchful eye over Miss Emily. His father had built the Blue Bee Bar for his wife but sadly lost his life in a boating accident. Big Mike made sure NO ONE would take advantage of his mom!

It was not uncommon for many New Plymouth residents to not be aware of the beauty of Coco Bay even though their common means of transportation to leave GTC was by boat. I don’t think Sid Lowe or Walter Roberts ever visited Coco Bay! The first residents out in Coco Bay were Sherry Corn, Kola Wells, Brendal Stevens, and myself. We created our own little neighborhood.

Big Mike also kept a watchful eye on me! He was my go-to for help should the weather take a turn of heavy fog restricting my return to Bluff House, assisting me in building my first home on Coco Bay or sharing his lunch when I stopped by to visit him during his construction breaks. He always opened his heart to you.

Big Mike was a kind, generous, constant and supportive friend."

In memory of Big Mike and his impact on Green Turtle Cay, we invite you to donate to support local initiatives. Your contributions will help continue his legacy of community and encouragement.

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