Briland Aid workers and volunteers removed over 50 derelict vehicles and 50 tons of garbage and debris from Harbour Island.
FAMILY Islanders have felt the economic pressure of COVID-19 since the borders initially closed in March—the start of the high tourism season.
In North Eleuthera, the joining of forces with neighbours and ex-pats, and their collective sheer will has kept them afloat.
For clerical assistant, Mykell Higgs, life was “tough” before all travel was stopped. Now, with tightened travel regulations, Ms Higgs is once again the sole breadwinner for a family of 10, including six children.
Buying groceries, paying a mortgage, and other bills with less than $2,000 a month quickly became a strain while living on an island that is 90 percent reliant on tourism. So, when a community-led charitable group offered the Higgs family food, water, and monetary assistance, they were overjoyed.
“I was proud. I was impressed. I was like, ‘Wow, everyone’s working together,’” Ms Higgs said. “I don’t think I would’ve made it if it wasn’t for them, to be honest.”
Briland Aid was formed by Bahamian residents and second homeowners, who combined their resources to create over 70 jobs and assist those feeling the domino effect of the global pandemic.
Directors Mark Dowley and Arki Busson joined other second homeowners to raise over $1 million to pay salaries for clean-up and restoration efforts, and much needed everyday essentials.
Over 2,500 whole chickens, 1,700 Christmas hams, and 2,200 gallons of water are delivered weekly to homes as far as Gregory Town. The community, along with local teams from the Ministry of Works, removed 50 derelict vehicles and over 50 tons of garbage and debris.
“All Arki and I did was help set up a structure for people to help themselves,” said Mr Dowley about his involvement in forming Briland Aid. “I am in awe of how people have rallied around each other and pitched in. The infectious energy created by Brilanders for Brilanders is one of the most gratifying things I have ever experienced.
“At the end of the day, it’s about one word and one word only—community, and in a community, people help each other.”
To donate or learn more about Briland Aid’s initiatives, visit brilandaid.org.
Comments
sheeprunner12 3 years, 8 months ago
Soooooo, it takes foreigners to think for the Negroes in Eleuthera??? ....... But good gesture.
Expats live high off the hog, so give back to the 242
Clamshell 3 years, 8 months ago
You have a problem with expats helping out? Sounds like your biggest problem with them livin’ “high off the hog” is that they have somethin’ an’ you don’t.
Bonefishpete 3 years, 8 months ago
I suppose those 2,500 chickens didn't come from Hatchet Bay?
TalRussell 3 years, 8 months ago
I can tell from personal experiences family members in Abaco that without the no questions asked helping hands up from seasonal and retired non-citisen residents, they might not have made it through these post-Hurricane Dorian's destructive times. My family lost lots to all during the hurricane and is humbled in their much appreciation. Non-citisen residents in the Abaco's are seldom looked at as strangers but visiting family members living amongst us. Nod Once for Yeah, Twice for No?
SP 3 years, 8 months ago
COVID-19 does not discriminate between rich, poor, black, white, citizen, or resident. It is an equal dispenser of misery, sickness, and death to ANYONE unfortunate enough to be touched by it!
Usually, people are too busy dealing with their own lives and situations that often times it takes a serious disaster that "touches" everyone to make EVERYBODY realize we are all equal, and forces people to come to terms with their mortality, leading to a bringing together of a community with the realization that we all need each other.
Hat's off to the residents of Harbour Island! We can only hope and pray this community sprit of togetherness and self help quickly becomes infectious throughout our country. Otherwise many people simply will not make it to the other side of COVID-19.
BONEFISH 3 years, 8 months ago
A every good initiative.A lot of persons on New Providence don't understand how important the second home owners is to some island economies.
The family islands need real local government for their development.Certain things should be managed at the local level.They don't need a politician on New Providence to approve every thing.
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