By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that he never intended to undermine the efforts of volunteers and private groups engaging in hurricane relief when he urged Bahamians to donate to the Red Cross and its verified partners.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Dr Minnis noted that relief drives, other than those organised by government agencies or disaster relief non-profits, may become “counter productive and cause confusion.”
He was strongly criticised for his statement, however, with some users on Facebook saying his comments were “inappropriate” and “insulting.”
During a press conference yesterday, however, Dr Minnis said it was not his intention to undermine the work of groups involved in providing storm relief.
“During my national appeal for donations I encouraged persons to channel donations through the Red Cross and other verified organisations,” Dr Minnis said. “Since making that statement, I have observed from social media that a number of persons have taken exception to my call as it was interpreted that I intended to exclude certain organisations from contributing to relief efforts who have a tradition of helping during such disasters. That was never my intention and I sincerely regret that my appeal was interpreted as such or that my communication gave such an impression.
“We know, however, from past experiences that some persons use such incidents to fraudulently prey on the public for their own benefit and in so doing tarnish our well-meaning efforts. Nonetheless, I, of course, welcome and encourage all organisations to do their part whether through churches, civic groups, social organisations, local or international relief agencies, private or governmental.”
There was strong reaction to Dr Minnis’ post on Facebook, with his critics saying that government agencies have been slow to engage in relief efforts compared to volunteers.
On Facebook, one person said: “Telling persons not to acknowledge the grassroots efforts is very inappropriate.”
Another person said: “…It angers me that the work of private companies and private pilots, over 300 volunteers, delivering nearly 50,000lbs of supplies, assisting in evacuating almost 20 per cent of the population of Crooked Island alone (and the sick and elderly from other islands) and assisting the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the police by transporting personnel, is being ‘messaged’ as a distraction and counter productive, while Cabinet ministers use our resources too.”
“Dr Minnis you have got to be kidding, if it were not for concerned citizens taking matters into their own hands the people in Long Island would still be waiting on relief,” another angry Facebook user said.
At his press conference yesterday, Dr Minnis also thanked Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner for her work helping those affected by Hurricane Joaquin.
The southern part of Long Island in particular has been hard hit by the storm.
While Dr Minnis visited the southern Bahamas over the weekend as part of a delegation that included Prime Minister Perry Christie, Mrs Butler-Turner partnered with Trans Island Airways to spur relief efforts on her own.
Dr Minnis’ comments yesterday were the first time since the storm passed that he publicly acknowledged her work.
It comes amid speculation that “politics” has played a role in the diverging responses the two have had in the aftermath of the storm.
Comments
marrcus 8 years, 6 months ago
PGC is a genius. For real. This PM knows how to shuffle. Y'all notice how Minnis catching all the heat now. PGC should be KING. PM aint high enough.
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrade Marrcus, if I don't agree the PM is a political genius - what would we call the leader Her Majesty's Official Opposition?
marrcus 8 years, 6 months ago
Minnis is a "minus" he doesn't add anything to the debate. Change comes about in two ways. 1-Legislation from above. 2-Revolution from below.
proudloudandfnm 8 years, 6 months ago
Loretta is doing an outstanding job.
Minnis not so much.....
How is this man the leader of the party? Why? Seriously. Why?
Since 2012 this man has not done one thing to even be considered for leader. Why is he our leader? WTH?????
LBT FOR PM!!!
Sickened 8 years, 6 months ago
couldn't agree more.
MonkeeDoo 8 years, 6 months ago
Nobody wants Christie for PM because he learning on the job. Now Minnis learning too. I wonder if he also is having these "teachable moments". LBT was in the air before these two got out of bed !
Baha10 8 years, 6 months ago
Not too hasty, this same LBT came on "live" Television and proclaimed that she was aware of DEATHS, but was not willing to reveal the Names pending notification of next of kin! If ever there was a fatal flaw in Leadership, it was this, which supported the unsubstantiated rumors that were flying around our Islands at already most stressful time. How one acts under pressure in the heat of the moment is all important for a Leader and regrettably, she failed in the most horrific way.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 6 months ago
Minnis couldn't get out of his own way if you stood by him and shouted in his ear that he was getting in his own way. And to think this man is a surgeon! He sure ain't no Dr. Ben Carson!!
killemwitdakno 8 years, 6 months ago
8ft of water corresponds to potential bodies and not knowing who.
killemwitdakno 8 years, 6 months ago
Take this off headlines. Will they just stop talking pls. Help js coming from away and they better let it in. Red Cross will have lots of work managing the outpour from others ahead.
SP 8 years, 6 months ago
........................... BLT main goal is self recognition, not helping people ........................
Anyone could "seem" to be doing an outstanding job in the wake of a natural disaster simply due to the fact that so many people will immediately chip in with all manner of donations.
The proof in the pudding is the actual end game of storage and distribution at ground zero locations.
BLT WILL fall flat on her ass very shortly when reports start coming in of donated supplies, spoiling due to exposure and people that never received any relief although supplies are in the general areas.
kairosmatt 8 years, 6 months ago
"We know, however, from past experiences that some persons use such incidents to fraudulently prey on the public for their own benefit and in so doing tarnish our well-meaning efforts."
That's exactly why we should not be donating to ANY Bahamian government effort.
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