The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Social assessments are under way on Grand Bahama in areas where persons suffered extensive damage and losses during Hurricane Sandy.

Assistant Director at the Department of Social Services Lillian Quant Forbes reported that nearly 100 persons have already been assessed on the island.

She said social workers have conducted assessments at Queen Cove, West End, and in the Shannon Subdivision. She said water and ice were also distributed to residents in the Queens Cove area.

“My teams are out again today accompanied by teams from Urban Renewal, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Ministry of Works and Environmental Health,” Ms Forbes said.

She said a report would be prepared and submitted to the Repair and Reconstruction Committee, which determines who receives assistance from the government.

Social Services teams are expected to conduct assessments in East Grand Bahama today.

They will be assessing persons according to their needs.

“We know people have lost clothing, food, and furniture, and we will try to assist them quick as possible.

“Many people in Grand Bahama are unemployed and experiencing extreme hardship at this time, and we anticipate that the number of persons who need assistance from the government and other agencies will be relatively high,” she said.

Mrs Forbes made an appeal to anyone who can assist to do so where possible.

When asked about accommodations for displaced residents, Mrs Forbes said: “All of the persons we interviewed so far have indicated that family members are assisting them with accommodations.

“We realise at some point in time it could be issue later, and so I think that would be something we would address in the event we have persons in those sorts of situation,” She said.

Mary Culmer, executive chairman of GB Red Cross, said the organisation in New Providence expected to send relief supplies to assist those in need on Grand Bahama.

She said the Red Cross is also working along with the Department of Social Services in bringing relief to those affected.

“We will be out distributing food parcels, tarps (for leaky roofs), clothing, and other items. We have already identified areas that the supply will be earmarked for,” Ms Culmer said.

Rosemary Nixon Martin, officer in Ministry of Works, said an assessment team will travel into Sweeting’s Cay on Thursday.

She also noted that a team of engineers, led by Dexter Williams, will be arriving this week to assess flooded areas on Grand Bahama.