Posted By: Kathy On: 6/17/2011

Title: GB Tornado

I have never heard of a Tornado in the Bahamas. What next? I am sorry to hear about the three dead from the Tornado. My condolenses go out to their families.

Posted By: YA THINK!?! On: 3/30/2010

Title: Meteorology - NOT NECESSARY???

Some things to consider...
Meteorology affects every one of us EVERYDAY - every business, every leisure activity, every ministry within the government (just think about it) yet our officials regard it as a non-essential service!
March through May is a "transition" period between our "winter" and "summer" and produces the anomolous weather events (some may recall that the highest winds ever recorded in Grand Bahama was a few years ago with the passage of another tornado or a microburst, right around this time of year) - but our officials saw it wise to close the station!
We are nearing the start of the 2010 tropical cyclone season and Grand Bahama ranks number 1 as far as tropical storms passing within 60 miles of any island in the entire caribbean sea, Atlantic Ocean is concerned - but our officals deem meteorology not important enough!
Every aircraft that lands or takes off at the Grand Bahama Airport Company require meteorological observations from certified, experienced meteorological officers - but our officials perfer to use computers (i guess the same computers that warned us about the tornadoes)
Every ship and boat that leaves or enters our port require weather data, tides, winds, sea state, etc. - (did I say meteorology was important and essential?)
A meteorologist's job primarily is to sufficiently warn the general public of any impending danger related to natural atmospheric phenomena... the general public - us - we - da baheemians - da regular joe blow - da bigga boss - you - me - da shack rat - ma bey ran da corner (you get the picture) - (I guess our officals didnt heed the warning or maybe they don't care about us peasants, 'cept during election time)
Now tell me, where's the politics in all that??

Posted By: Jessica Robertson, Online Editor On: 3/30/2010

Title: Need your help

We are working follow up stories to yesterday's tragedy at the Container Port and in particular are looking for people who knew Mike, Cleve and Shawn so we can get information about the kind of men they were. They deserve to be more than just statistics. If you can provide any insight for us or help us contact others who can, please email alowe@tribunemedia.net or call her (Alison) at 502-2365.

Posted By: Lion Shirley LePage On: 3/30/2010

Title: Our Lion Prayers

we of the Multiple District 35 Lions of Florida & the Bahamas send our condolences to those who have suffered in this tragedy. Our visit this past weekend, ending with our trip home Sunday Night was in great joy in visiting your beautiful Island of
fantastic people. Our waking the next morning to hear of the tornado was to say the least, horrible! To the Freeport Lions, our payers continue for not just you, but all the people of your wonderful Grand Bahamas.

Posted By: MG On: 3/30/2010

Title: observation

As some of you have stated...everything in the Bahamas is Politics.
The title of this report is "Three confirmed dead following GB tornado" and politics has still managed to wiggle its ugly head into this forum.
Is it like a drug to us?

Posted By: BasedGod On: 3/30/2010

Title: Land of the Lost

Thank you Andron Evans.
It sickens me, this back and forth between parties. Also this back and forth switch between governments. PLP makes some wrong moves we vote in FNM..FNM makes some wrong moves we vote in PLP. The winning party comes in shuts down plans in motion left by the losing party, publicly complains about things left undone or gone awry. The losing party complains that their ideas and policies got cancelled, then the 'back and forth run around the school yard tag you're it' game ensues. The public then bickers with each other; calling the talk shows, writing the blogs, newspaper articles.... LOL come on people how backwards are we?? Why do Bahamians allow their lives to be centered around politics and the nonsensical arguing that comes along with it. Bahamians suffer from DPD I believe (Dependent Personality Disorder)..and that's that

Posted By: raven On: 3/30/2010

Title: my last say

it doesnt matter who blamed who for what reason concerning the med office. personally i dont want to hear nothing about politics or what ever. everyone already know how we in freeport hurtin and ALEX i can say to you from what i know it is only by the grace of God my salary of $180 a week stretches to pay power, utilities and other bills and that is only through prayer ALEX. obviously you dont live in freeport and i ask that in the future that when ever you speak or write dont just go by how ya flesh feels cause you dont know whats going on here in freeport (makin it sound like its some hell hole where God wants to destroy us in freeport). to many people who are faithful to God and his word is on this island for that to happen.
but let me further say that we do need a med office..i have to repeat this. aint no time to be pointing fingers right now

Posted By: Mrs. Milligan On: 3/30/2010

Title: Poor taste

Why are politicians using this tragedy to score political points this is disgraceful...The story is not what PLP say or FNM its about the loss of life and explain the weather phenomenon that caused and tornado in Freeport. This is ridiculous

Posted By: Andron Evans On: 3/30/2010

Title: YOU GET WHAT YOU CREATE

Sympathy to my fellow Grand Bahamians. It seems that Grand Bahama is being "attacked" from every side, i.e.: destructive weather, economic collapse and severe violent outbreaks. I am saddened by this recent tragedy and can only pray with unwaivering faith that Jehovah God will help, guide and protect them.
As for those of you going on about politics, PLP and FNM and whoever, STOP YA CRAP! What did you expect! These people who complain about one or the other are the same ones whom every five years, dress up in the political regalia and frequent the rallies; hoping and praying their party wins so they could a reson to brag, gloat and engage in drunken-like celebrations in the streets. You go out and you vote right? Therefore you support these same politicians and their opportunistic rhetoric that they spew on a dime. PLP or FNM, Independent or some other, doesn't matter, they are all politicians who jump on the opportunities to tear down the other. Don't act as if the FNM doesn't do it, or any other party affilliates. Do you really think they care about us on the whole, or is it just about having power, position, status, while trying to destroy the characters, and reputations of their political opponents? I don't know why you are acting surprised at any comments of the political persuasion. Those men and women are ALWAYS campaigning for the next election; and they get away with it because you people are out to every rally in their respective colors, cheering, singing and dancing and subsequently tearing down the other parties. Politicians are the way they are because you encourage it, so if anything, blame yourselves and shut the hell up. If you are tired of them, don't vote! Oh, but I guess that you have to vote right, so you can have a say in changes in this country right? You are a bunch of insane idiots. For four decades this nation has been voting; for four decades this nation has been complaining about the other party; HOWEVER, amidst all the complaints about them, for four decades this nation has been voting the exact same parties and their decendents back in power. SO SHUT THE HELL UP! Maybe if everyone who complains wouldn't vote, that would send a more accurate indication of the stance of the people, rather than jumping up while waving flags, shouting and carrying on like trained circus monkeys, dancing to music that's was born in another country, while puppet master politicians whip you into blind frenzies with this same rotting rhetoric that you are now complaining about...; but do carry on, I didn't mean to shine the light so bright.

Posted By: Eunece Morris On: 3/30/2010

Title: Freak Storm

I am disppointed with ZNS TV 13 and the manner in which they handled the reporting of this event. The television station should have been up and running and reporting updated informationBREAKING NEWS on the events of the day. I did not need to be watching cartoons it had no bearing on the important events of the day. There was no interview with ... See Morethe medical team to give an assessment on the injuries they are taking care of... standing outside taking shots of persons on the outside of the hospital is outrageous! This is the 21st century can't we at least try to do better. We on FB had more information than what was reported at 6pm on the news channel. ZNS stated that they were barred from entering the grounds of the Container Port, OH MY! well, could you not have gotten a boat with your camera crew and obtain some visuals, get some off the record information from persons on the scene, this is disgraceful, what about Ireports? I am still bewildered by all of this, more information came via the Nassau Press than our local press.
Tornados can now be predicted, in case some of us did know. Whilst the warning may give little time to escape danger at least the process can begin and minimize the deadly impact. I am flabbergasted that the weather station after being closed down since December of 2009 becuase it was an unnecessary expenditure was not taken up by the government immediately even if with a skeleton crew. So we should get our weather report from MIAMI, WOW! now that is vision and progression! We must always remember preparation and being proactive is the best action to be taken just in case there is a disaster of the magnitude that we experienced yesterday...I gather after the Prime Minister's visit some effort would be made to ensure systems are in place to give us a heads up on weather conditions. I wonder can it be that our control tower did not have any updated weather reports that it could have shared with the wider community???? or relevant authorities???

Posted By: Altar Boy On: 3/30/2010

Title: Fate

It is tragic and sad, we must remember everything happens for a reason, everything is ordained and permitted by God, everyone has a time, a place, and a way to leave this earth. Possibly it could have been prevented, but what God allows and even does not allow is fate. His way is unquestionable. Condolences to the friends, families, and the company.

Posted By: Chally Lloyd On: 3/30/2010

Title: Criminal Negligence

We take safety for granted in this country. Yes, a tornado is unpredictable, BUT the weather system that spawned the tornado passed through Florida, causing tornadoes there. I watched from Abaco, to time when I would go to my farm and beat the weather back. How much more should the company's safety officer have done the same. Sadly innocent lives ... See Morehave been lost needlessly, and many lives have changed by this tragedy. My deepest sympathy to all the victims and their families. If the company forced workers to continue, that would be criminal - otherwise it is criminal neglect. They must be held accountable for failing to take reasonable steps to protect their workers. In this country, we often lack policies. Will be learn from it and ensure it never happens again?

Posted By: Lala On: 3/30/2010

Title: United we stand, divided we fall

When one bahamian hurts, we all should feel the pain. In times like these we need not point fingers at who we believe is at fault when in reality what happened was a natural disaster than we can only estimate but not pin point where and when a tornado would strike. Politics has nothing to do with it and those who seek to blame the present government for this catastrophe should be ashamed, they are just showing how silly and ignorant they are. When these things happen we need to look up for redemption draweth nigh. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters and help those that are in the greatest need. Talking does nothing but start a debate and breeds discord. Let us live for today and hope for tomorrow and touch somebody's life as we pass by. My deepest sympathy to those families that lost loved ones and I will continue to pray for them and offer my assistance in any way I can.

Posted By: SMH On: 3/30/2010

Title: Why?

Why were these unfortunate people put out to work on those machines in that weather? At times it felt like we were in a hurricane. Would the management have put themselves out there like that? They need to review their safety manuals and regulations. Now.

Posted By: Saddened On: 3/30/2010

Title: Tornado

1. God's blessings upon those who lost their lives in this natural disaster and their families.
2. Mr. Roberts, please...MUST you turn everything, political and non-political, into a political football? Frankly, we are tired of BOTH of these political parties because NONE do anything for us in Grand Bahama.
3. Government of the day, please...we need a met office here. Hutchison Whampoa/ Grand Bahama Port Authority should never have been allowed to close the one here. You need to be more hands on and stop leaving us to the mercies of these people. This was a natural disaster and no one's fault, but a WARNING SYSTEM could have and should have been in place. There is much to do in Grand Bahama. LET"S GET STARTED!!!!!!

Posted By: Concerned Citizen On: 3/30/2010

Title: Amazing

I agree that NO political group should make hay out of this tragedy; to the families that lost loved ones my heartfelt condolences:
I think in this country we need to look at our employment policies and regulations,
we should always remember that people are more important than things and that include deadlines and profits!
* Employees should only work in safe environments
* Employers should get an honest days work for fair pay but they should make sure that the Work place is safe and hazard free.
* We shouldn't need a met office to tell if the winds are to strong for more that 200 ft cranes to work (If Junkanoo groups refuse to parade in heavy winds,what you think bout cranes with swinging containers under them?)
* Straddle Drivers should feel safe at all times and not drive under hazardous conditions.
I hope the container port can get back up and running again but I hope that if these policies and regulations are not in place they should be look into immediately.

Posted By: Concerned Nasuvian On: 3/30/2010

Title: My sincerest sympathies to all who have been affected.

@ alex - How hypocritical and insensitive of you to make such a comment! You have shown yourself to be exactly what you so arrogantly condemn!
.
@ the PLP - Shame on you for taking advantage of the suffering of Grand Bahamians to gain political mileage. Have you no respect for our people?
.
@ Grand Bahamians - You are all in my prayers. May the departed travel safely to their new home in God's divine presence. Please keep your heads up and speak up more about your needs as our second city.

Posted By: alex On: 3/30/2010

Title: Tornado Reflection

An island of occultism in a country where few says anything about it. Few value life or the livelihood of others until something is taken or shaken . Nature spoke TODAY WAS THE LAST FOR THOSE IN THE CRANE. WHERE DO EACH OF YOU STAND WHEN THE NEXT ONE SURFACES. A rude awakening for the ungrateful whose sole purpose continues to be forget all the good given and oppress anyone standing up for the rights of the underprivileged or themselves. It is not until one is stripped that he or she sees the position of those who suffer needlessly under the hands of the oppressors supported by a governance of corruptible characters. Sad is the day when humans fail to see their deeds will be found wanting as nature unleashes her fury demanding reflection of peace and all that has been until that moment. Wake up Grand Bahama, the false pride of material gain shows now it is of little value when tornadoes show up with rain and wind washing away prized items and leaving many hopeless as to why it happened. There is a time and a purpose for everything and everyone. Being so insensitive to the hopeless afforded this tornado to show as a warning at any moment everything and everyone can be wiped off the face of the map. Those who passed away today had an appointment which did not fail, the so called freakiness of the skies shows it is appointed unto humans to exit the planet when it is time seems inconvenience .

Posted By: Cleveland Wilson On: 3/30/2010

Title: Be real

Did the PLP know that people actually died in this weather disaster? How can you put the blame on someone if they cannot control the weather? My goodness this is just ridiculous people are quick to blame but our very siblings are suffering. I say take a stand through God and Unity lets help Grand Bahamas. Stop the Bickering!!

Posted By: Anonymous On: 3/30/2010

Title: Polotrixs are exhausting...

"The opposition Progressive Liberal Party is calling on government to explain to the public why it did not open a Met office in Grand Bahama following the December 31, 2009 closure of the one operated by Hutchison Whampoa.:
Leave it up to the PLP to try to make a political turn around to win votes, take a step into reality, the PLP didn't do nothing when they were in power either.
Tornados are sudden, no one is to blame, instead focus should be on the families who lost loved ones and are hurt.

Posted By: Tony E.Newbold On: 3/29/2010

Title: tonee

It was a sad tragic day on grand bahama.My prayers goes out for the families affected by this tragedy.It was haiti then chile who was devastated my mother natures fury while we here in the bahamas acted like we are gods chosen crew,especially our leaders ,their answer is let,s pray.Thas all good but lets get real people we need to prepare for what appears to be a rough summer with all this adverse weather world wide.Today shows our lack of prepardness and vunerability.Now after all that i could,nt believe these plps trying to gain political points on our tragedy,thats our problem today our leaders are all hell bent on power by any means necessary and to hell with you and me.wake up from your sleep and slumber my people.

Posted By: KAA On: 3/29/2010

Title: Learn to say NO

Though tornadoes occur spontaneously, the weather that breeds them does not. According to this article, at "3:20pm - The Met office [had] extended its severe thunderstorm warning to include Nassau and parts of Andros. While the impact [was] not expected to be as severe in Grand Bahama, flooding, intense lightening, hail and funnel clouds [were] a possibility." Those workers should have never been out there in those weather conditions, period. Shame on their management who permitted them to work under those conditions. It saddens me that persons were injured and lives were lost; I extend my sincere condolences to those families.

Posted By: Gayle On: 3/29/2010

Title: Grand Bahama Tornado

I have a time share in Freeport and friends in Freeport and West End. Grand Bahama was already hurting with the economy like it is. My sincere sympathy and love goes to the families of those killed. May the Holy Spirit comfort them. My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured or lost property in the storm. We expect hurricanes, but not tornados in Grand Bahama. We expect both here in Alabama. I can't believe there is no early warning system. God bless you all. I love the Bahamas and have come every year since 1989.

Posted By: bill On: 3/29/2010

Title:

It does not take long for the lice to appear and play the blame game.
Prayers to the family

Posted By: Karma On: 3/29/2010

Title:

Well it was the container port groups of company that closed the met office so they only have they own stupid azz to blame. Typical PLP turning everything into to politics. The last thing the people in GB need is to hear this stupidness while they are trying to put the peice back together. I

Posted By: paul hanna mk 11 On: 3/29/2010

Title: prayers

A lot of good prayers are going to do.A better warning system ie met office in freeport should have been in place.AN UNECESSARY WASTE OF LIFE

Posted By: keke On: 3/29/2010

Title:

o men i am so sorry for those peole in freeport whose house were damaged and whose family members died.and i would also like to thank jesus christ that only 6 or 7 peole died.im so sorry for those people at island seas resort and in williams town so sad. actions:simpathyzing (sad face)

Posted By: antonique On: 3/29/2010

Title:

wowwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't thought it would look this bad............but I pray if it hit the bahamas that everyone would be okay and that no gets hurt and dies so i'll leave thta all to thy above(god).

Posted By: TINO FARRINGTON On: 3/29/2010

Title: BAHAMIANS IN ATLANTA PRAYING

PRAYERS GOES OU TO ANY OF THE FAMILY THAT LOST ANY FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THE STORMS THERE TODAY...STAY BLESSED AND PRAYED UP!!! GOD KNOWS BEST
WEST END, GRAND BAHAMAIAN LIVING ABROAD

Posted By: Debbie Brandon On: 3/29/2010

Title: Tornado in Freeport

My sincere prayers and constant thoughts are with you. I pray that the restoration is swift and I pray that this too will pass away from you. Blessings in the name of Jesus Christ son of the Living God.

Posted By: you On: 3/29/2010

Title: Grand Bahama Tornado

YOU CANT FIGHT FAITH

Posted By: Fast Freddy On: 3/29/2010

Title: Grand Bahama Tornados

Of course, Hutchinson Whampoa and port Authority closed the Met Office in Grand Bahama, another case of shirking their responsibility to residents and the public.
No warning, as the Nassau Met office would be cluelessas far as on the ground storm potential.
Government was to take over the Local Freeport Met office.
A tragic and sensless loss of life with Port Authority culpability.

Posted By: raven On: 3/29/2010

Title: Med office

we need a med office in freeport! look stop playing with the people in freeport and i am saying that towards the port authority and the bahamas government. we desperately need a med office here. what will one med office in nassau do for the entire bahamas, please help me to understand that. see this is so frustrating right now. and how long will grand bahama be neglected, this is what?!!! the second city and we getting do right in! and nobody cares! no jobs! and no love..i dont know how much we can take. i am trying my hardest to not get stupid cause with crazy situations ocurring stupid thoughts come to mind, specialy where you know people can help and they just don't care to. look DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS (BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT) and dont say ya doing something when we the people see een nothing gettin done. we are hurting here in freeport. do something now!

Posted By: Alicia On: 3/29/2010

Title: Met Office

ISn't this the reason we should still have a Met office in Freeport? Whoses bright Idea was it to close the freeport office? Now who will warn us ahead of time?

Posted By: Jessica Robertson, Online Editor On: 3/29/2010

Title: @Glen

Hi Glen
When you say 'we can confirm' who is this? The Freeport Container Port? We are trying to get confirmation on what's happened there so if you are with the company and can confirm anything please email jrobertson@tribunemedia.net

Posted By: Glen On: 3/29/2010

Title: damage confirmation

We can confirm that a 400 foot gantry fell over at the port and 1 person confirmed dead, another pinned in the wreckage, possibly a 3rd in the wreckage. A straddle carrier fell over and the driver was taken to the hospital