The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

On behalf of the members and directors of Save The Bays, I would like to express our heartfelt and profound grief at the suffering of our fellow Bahamians in the islands impacted by the devastating force of Hurricane Joaquin.

I am sure that each and every one of our community partners also joins us in lamenting the extreme trauma and ongoing hardship that has befallen our countrymen in Acklins, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Inagua, Long Island, Long Cay, Mayaguana, Rum Cay and San Salvador.

The images of devastation and suffering that have emerged over the last few days can only be described heartrending. It is clear that the road back to a normal life will be a long one for many in our island communities.

At the same time, the response from Bahamians far and wide - the donation of funds, supplies, time and labour - has been nothing short of incredible. It is a source of profound encouragement to note that despite all the argument and contention that usually punctuates our daily lives as Bahamians, when our fellow citizens need us most, we as a people know how to join together and come to the rescue of those in distress.

A number of Save The Bays members are already on the ground in the worst affected islands, rendering what assistance they can, and we are preparing to undertake a number of initiatives as an organisation to help ease the pain that so many of our people are feeling.

Finally, a message to those suffering as a result of this tragedy: know that all Bahamians are on your side. We will do all that we can to restore your lives to some semblance of normalcy in the shortest time possible. You are in our hearts and in our prayers at this time, and we will not abandon you. In this most challenging moment, we will prove that we are - as our forefathers charged us to be - one people, united in love and service.

VANESSA HALEY-BENJAMIN

CEO, Save The Bays

Nassau

October 6 2015