The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis on Friday said the government’s assessment efforts across the hurricane-ravaged country are being co-ordinated with a view to have the Bahamas back to a “level of normalcy as soon as possible”.

Following the first post-Hurricane Matthew operations meeting for the Cabinet,  Mr Davis said efforts are already under way to assess damage throughout the country and co-ordinate a response effort in those communities adversely affected.

Mr Davis, the Minister of Works and Urban Development, said the efforts would be spearheaded by his ministry. According to Mr Davis, the clean up effort in New Providence has been zoned into five districts, with each district having a clear and unique chain of command, workflow and overview.

Chief among concerns post-Matthew include the clearing of roads and the removal of downed power lines in the first phase of action.

To follow, officials are expected to carry out a full-scale community assessment to assist residents with any issues that they may face in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

The massive storm devastated sections of southern New Providence and western Grand Bahama with severe storm surge and wind gusts in excess of 140mph.

The constituency of Yamacraw, comprising neighbourhoods such as Elizabeth Estates proper, Treasure Cove, Yamacraw Hill, Yamacraw Proper, Winton Meadows Estates and Colony Village, sustained tremendous flooding as Matthew, then a category 4 storm, ripped through the Bahamas between Wednesday and early Friday morning.

Residents in the community were advised to evacuate the area ahead of the storm’s landfall in New Providence; however, many that did not encountered severe flooding from the storm surge and high tide which moved large bodies of water inland.

In Grand Bahama, up to 95 per cent of the buildings in the Eight Mile Rock and Holmes Rock areas in Grand Bahama received significant damage from Hurricane Matthew on Thursday night and Friday morning, Brenda Colebrooke, the island administrator for West Grand Bahama, said.

A senior police officer told The Tribune earlier on Friday that more than 72 homes reported experiencing significant roof damage from Matthew although that did not include the western area of Grand Bahama.

They expect to receive more of such reports of damage.

Mr Davis said the government is “very concerned” about reports surfacing in the nation’s second city.

He told reporters that he has been advised that a team is on its way to the island to get an idea of efforts under way there, and look to determine how best to stabilise those communities.

In the coming days, Mr Davis said the government is expected to give keen attention to these communities and its residents.

Mr Davis, the Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, said those islands fared fortunately.

“They weathered the storm well and, in fact, they are concerned about me and Nassau,” said Mr Davis.

He also made mention of “unsolicited” volunteers assisting the government with restoration efforts. Mr Davis said as he and members of his team manoeuvred around New Providence in the initial moment after Matthew’s passage, they notice scores of people attempting to help in the removal of fallen debris from the streets.

Beyond this, the Deputy Prime Minister said his office - and the government to greater degree - are depending on the kind-hearted nature of residents to do what they can to assist in efforts to get the capital in particular, back on its feet.

Mr Davis also commended personnel from the armed forces, NEMA and various utility corporations for their efforts post-Matthew, describing the lot as “brave souls” who did all they could to secure, protect and assist Bahamians throughout the storm.