The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Democratic National Alliance has postponed its first convention to concentrate on hurricane restoration relief.

DNA Chairman Andrew Wilson confirmed that the party would instead donate convention funds to Hurricane Joaquin relief organisations.

“The Democratic National Alliance has been moved by the outpouring of support and brotherly love which Bahamians have demonstrated since the passage of Hurricane Joaquin,” he said.

“The amount of relief mobilised by ordinary citizens in the past few days has been truly inspiring and is a testament to the resilient spirit of our people. As indicated by the government and various relief organisations, the level of devastation brought by Hurricane Joaquin will require a sustained restoration effort as well as millions of dollars to repair damaged infrastructure and rebuild whole communities.”

Hurricane Joaquin battered far-flung southern islands for two days last week leaving many homeless and hundreds without basic necessities. Many islands are still without phone service or electricity.

The DNA’s convention was scheduled for November 13. Mr Wilson said a new date would be set for early 2016.

He said: “The thousands of dollars which would have been spent on the usual pomp and pageantry associated with such an event will be donated to those ongoing relief efforts.

“In the interim, we encourage all Bahamians to continue to do everything that can be done to assist their fellow countrymen. Together is the only way that we can find our way out of this national tragedy.”