Abaco Real Estate Agent Grabs Above and Beyond Award
Mailin Sands of Abaco made history when she became the first real estate agent in the Bahamas to capture the full Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates Above and Beyond Award.
Mailin was selected from a list of nominees from the 16 companies in the Atlantic Islands and Caribbean that make up the Island Affiliates group.
She was honoured for her work as a hurricane relief and fire department volunteer, and for community service in her hometown of Man-O-War Cay.
An emergency radio dispatcher for the Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Department for about eight years, she is head the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) committee formed to beautify the new fire station under construction. She has helped spearhead a fire safety week in the Abaco primary schools.
Mailin is a stand-by hurricane relief worker. When Hurricane Ike devastated Cat Island in 2008, she collected two truck loads of clothing, books, toys etc from the generous people of Man-O-War for the hurricane victims.
Last Christmas, she organized a dry goods drive for the elderly at the home for the aged on Great Abaco on behalf of the Abaco Chapter of BREA.
Living on a satellite cay can be challenging and Mailin’s encountered many a storm on the boat ride to Marsh Harbour to keep an appointment to show property.
“I don’t know what to say, except I’m honoured. I don’t expect praise or recognition. I’m just happy to play a part in brightening someone’s day, in any way I can. This is very humbling.” she said.
Mike Lightbour, president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty, said:
“Mailin has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to help her clients and fellow citizens.”
Jim Reed, CEO of Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates, agreed.
“Mailin has been a goodwill ambassador for Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty and, by extension, Coldwell Banker in general,” he said.