By ANGELO ARMBRISTER

Freeport News Reporter

In the midst of complaints about the quality of customer service being rendered in Grand Bahama, one visitor, on his first visit to the island, is applauding the hospitality he and his service animal received during their week-long trip.

"It's my first time to Grand Bahama and you know what's remarkable, it's the people here, they are so warm," expressed Davis Hawn of Mississippi.

Hawn, who arrived to the island on November 10 and left November 17, said that he has a handicap and travels with a service animal, his dog Booster.

" My concern was getting my dog into the country. We understood it took a permit and so we applied for one and sent an international money order of $10. A week later, the permit came back and so did my money order," he said.

"I called the Bahamas government and I said I think there is a problem because you've given me the permit, but you've also sent my money back, is there a problem? And they said no sir we won't charge you for this dog, he is a service animal."

The grateful visitor said that the "nice gesture" touched his heart.

"It could have been a million dollars and it wouldn't have meant anymore to me," he said.

Hawn explained that in the United States, there are laws that protect the rights of handicapped persons to have service animals with them wherever they go and was surprised to learn that The Bahamas does not have such a law.

"My dog was allowed to come into the country when my timeshare doesn't allow pets. I walked into your casino and the lady stopped me and said we don't allow animals and I said may I see the manager and I explained my situation to him. He said okay, sir you can come in, these things speaks volumes about your country," he said.

Pointing out that many of the locals may not be aware of the role of service animals, Hawn said they usually associate them with guide dogs for the blind.

"That is just one form of a service animal. They also have dogs for deaf people. They also have dogs for persons suffering from diabetes, epilepsy, autistic children, war veterans, who may have lost limbs and need the animals to assist them," he explained.

Although he is not blind he needs the animal just as much.

"I'm very dependent on my dog, physically and emotionally. I could not come here without the dog," he said.

"In my case, I was the victim of an assault and as a result, I am very vigilant every where I go. My dog would enter a motel room and check it out before I enter and he would let me know if anyone is in there. If there is an emergency and I can't get to the phone, I can say "phone" and he'll run and get me the telephone."

Stressing the need for public access for service animals, especially in a tourist destination such as The Bahamas, Hawn said it would allow persons to enjoy all the amenities available in that country.

"The important thing about a service animal is that if a dog is outside and you're inside, it can't do you any good. If you can't walk into a restaurant or your apartment without your dog it doesn't do you any good so public access is very important," he said.

Hawn said he felt compelled to commend Grand Bahamians for the hospitality that they have extended to him during his stay.

"The Bahamian people have been so nice and I know this is kind of a new concept for most. The restaurants have been wonderful, they've let me come in and he sits at my table," he said.

"From the cab drivers who were very knowledgeable and very nice people in the restaurants, they were very professional and nice, to the people who sell in the straw market, they were all so nice."

BOOSTER AT WORK – Davis Hawn is pictured with his service animal Booster, who is trained to assist where ever he can. Hawn, who visited the island last week commended the quality of service offered to him during his stay. Booster is pictured here bringing Hawn's shoes to him. (Photo By JENNEVA RUSSELL)