The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

RENOVATIONS at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home are in full swing again and are expected to be completed by the end of next month, according to a representative from the orphanage.

The facility was severely destroyed by Hurricane Dorian, leaving 31 resident children displaced last September. They are currently in New Providence.

The home’s executive director Sheila Johnson Smith said there was some construction delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the work is expected to be completed within several weeks.

According to Mrs Smith, donations have been pouring in from local and international donors to get the orphanage back up and open so the children can return home to Grand Bahama.

“The donors have been amazing; some have sent food supplies, some have given clothing and toys, and some have made monetary contributions. We have gotten help from England, the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean - they are giving to get the children back in their home in Grand Bahama,” she said.

“It is amazing to me how this home has become a ray of hope and a beacon to this community. I am getting people calling me and stopping me in the streets asking when our children coming back.”

Mrs Smith said the children are also eager to return to Grand Bahama.

“I am getting reports that the children are crying to come home. The excitement of going to Nassau was fine, but it has worn off now and they miss their playmates, families, and the staff, and we desperately miss them,” she said.

She stated that a possible date for the children’s return is July 30.