The Tribune

By ALBERT COX

THE patience of Long Islanders with the government is wearing thin in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin as residents collaborate in a collective effort to reintroduce some form of structure, order and business activity.

One influential resident told The Tribune emphatically on Wednesday: “We can’t wait on the government - this is our island. We must do what we must for us, the children of our island and our communities.”

Residents continue to request and plead for assistance throughout the island.

Charlene Taylor, a nurse and a resident of Dunmore Town, spoke of the needs of the island, not just materials to rebuild homes but also medical supplies. “We need insulin, all forms of medicine and medicine supplies, we need good serious help,” she said, her voice cracking. “The stress that is present here is an understatement. We really need all forms of help and everything is just moving too slow. Persons throughout the mainland of New Providence can’t imagine this, because the imagery isn’t enough that is shown on television. To understand, they must see for themselves.

“I’m fine, I’m ok, I’m doing my best. It was so many things that occurred during the hurricane. We are still seriously affected by those events and just trying to persevere. I just want my family to know in Nassau, I love them and thank them for their support, and am ok, am alive.”

Harrier Pratt, who arrived at the Long Island airport to see her sister said: “This is devastation like you have never saw; all the images I saw on television did not fully describe what happened here on Long Island. Persons cannot truly understand what I am talking about unless they set foot here. I have never seen anything like this. All of the years I have been here I couldn’t imagine this. The amount of work that has to be done to this island will take many; many years, and even in that I don’t feel as if it will ever be the same. Thank God for the response from the private sector. They must be commended, having responded in the way that they have. We are all so grateful.”

Mrs Pratt continued: “I must add, the private sector is the drive of the rebuilding process here in Long Island. They are truly doing their part and more.”

Throughout different parts of Long Island, professional organisations and institutions shared and added their thoughts and opinions with The Tribune, some speaking with much emotion and others with humble strength, all wanting a progressive transition.

Assistant Superintendent Hartman Strachan, who is in charge of the Long Island District said: “The storm has cause catastrophic damage. We have persons who have lost most of their earthly possessions and, to a degree, everything. We have persons throughout the community that are presently homeless. We have seven schools on the island and only one school on the island is open, which is North Long Island High. Possibly the others will be open soon. The Mangrove Bush School is the most affected because of the sea surge that give much water damage. Adjustments here are being coming on slowly.

“I think it’s a little over a year to a year and half for the island to begin the process to recover seriously, in many facets. I commend Bahamas Electricity Company (BEC) on their efforts doing their professional best to reestablish the power throughout parts of the island. It is taking some time but we will get there.”

Father Richard Wood, Director for St Peter’s Parish and priest in charge of St Christopher’s in Rum Cay, said Long Island, primarily in the south, has seen families shaken up and homes devastated. “The power is still out throughout all of south Long Island. We are trying to give everything we can with as much moral support. We thank God for the support from the people and His support, because we know we cannot do this without Him. But we will continue to strive progressively.

“We urge the people to use the supplies that are in coming orderly, because we don’t know how long this kind of generosity will continue, but we hope in God’s favour it continues.”

Father Bradley Miller, Director of St Luke’s Parish from South Eleuthera, visited Long Island with other clergymen. “We came here to give spiritual and moral support, along with any form of counselling we can provide, because we see and understand the added needs of the people here. All of the monies that came into our diocese we have now donated to Hurricane Relief committee. We will continue to help in anyway shape or form.”

The Principal of Mangrove Bush Primary School, Carla Rodgers, said: “The overall response has been overwhelming throughout the country nationally and internationally. At this time persons are really in re-building. Persons have asked me what I need in regards of the school, and all I could say is everything. We need books, freezer, fridge, stove, for our tuck shop, more building supplies, school materials for teaching, bookstands for our classrooms, desk, chairs, and computers and others materials toward our schools.

“The help that we are getting right now in cleaning toward organising the school to attempt to be open shortly are from some Defence Force officers, Police officers, some parents who have volunteered and teachers, those who can because of the many homes that were destroyed. We are doing our best and cannot wait for help, the help we need to move our community forward.”