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PM wants law on evacuations
GIBSON: TEAMS ARE ON THE GROUND IN GRAND BAHAMA By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
HURRICANE Matthew Czar and Labour Minister Shane Gibson said government teams are on the ground in Grand Bahama, one of the islands hardest hit by the category four storm, hoping to soon restore normalcy to the devastated area. SEE PAGE SIX
‘Changes needed’ to state of emergency declaration
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net AS A result of the “horrific” and “life-endangering experiences” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government would enact legislation to force people to evacuate their homes and communities during major hurricanes. Mr Christie also said the government will empower the Prime Minister, the Commissioner of Police and the Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force with the ability to declare a state of emergency. Currently only the head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) can make such a declaration - a responsibility Mr Christie said is “too great” for one person. At NEMA’s headquarters on Sunday night, Mr Christie said too many people decided to stay at home and protect their property as Hurricane Matthew pummelled the Bahamas. This move, he said, not only put their lives at risk, but also the lives of rescue service personnel. On Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and NEMA officials “strongly advised” residents in low-lying areas and on coastal roads to evacuate and contact their local district administra-
CLEAN-UP crews in action at Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza yesterday, tackling the damage left by Hurricane Matthew. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff ple elected, maybe with require people to evacuate situations the normal way.” tor or the NEMA office Mr Christie also said ‘NEMA has to to make arrangements for good reasons, to protect certain areas. We see the their homes,” Mr Christie provision in the law in the NEMA has to be “strength- be strengthened relocation to a hurricane shelter before the onset of said. “I thought at the time United States. We know it is ened significantly” because considerably and so the tropical storm force the Commissioner went in the law here but we need the aftermath of Hurricane winds by 11pm on Wednes- to great lengths to even to ensure that it is in place Matthew is “too enormous we are mandated to frighten people into the because people risk their for the current structure of incorporate a larger day. NEMA”. However, on Friday, reality that they were fac- lives in going out. team immediately “The Commissioner can He added: “I am also Commissioner Greenslade ing by telling them some of said nearly 500 people had them will have to go in the tell a story about when he firmly convinced that (de- because we cannot to be rescued from their loft for protection. That, and his colleague went out claring a state of emer- wait on the normal homes in eastern and south- in fact, happened and by to rescue persons and when gency) is too great a re- way in doing things ern New Providence as saying they would have they got out they had some sponsibility for the director flood waters began to rise to punch their way to the concerns about their safety of NEMA to exercise by and getting out there roof. and whether they had gone himself and the Prime Min- to people who are more than four feet. “We now know as a result too far. As a result of my ister of the country, the suffering.’ “Now I say this, notwithstanding the warning that of this experience that we determination, The BahaSEE PAGE SEVEN Prime Minister Perry Christie they were given, many peo- have to be in a position to mas cannot approach these
POWER BACK ON IN MORE NEARLY 5,000 SOUGHT SHELTER ACROSS NATION THAN HALF OF HOMES
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By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net NEARLY 5,000 people either went voluntarily or were evacuated to shelters throughout The Bahamas during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, according to Director of Social Services Melanie Zonicle. Of that number, Ms Zonicle said there are at least 100 residents that “require
long-term accommodations”. At a press conference at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Sunday night, Ms Zonicle said there is a “dire need” for water, ice and tar paper especially in North Andros and Grand Bahama. She described the passage of Matthew as devastating. SEE PAGE SIX
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power and Light Ltd (BPL) has restored electricity to just over 50 per cent of its customers in New Providence and has “substantially completed restoration” in the Family Islands, however officials said last night that given the level of damage from Hurricane Matthew they are un-
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able to give an exact date for full restoration. However most customers are expected to have power supply by the end of the week. “BPL has substantially completed restoration in most of the Family Islands with the exception of North and Central Andros where the company’s infrastructure was severely impacted,” the company said in a SEE PAGE SIX
PAGE 2 , Tuesday, October 11, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
CLEAN-UP work on Eastern Road yesterday after Hurricane Matthew. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
HURRICANE MATTHEW:
NEW PROVIDENCE
TONS of conch shells which were washed up on shore during the storm.
WORKERS tackle a tree toppled during the hurricane.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 PAGE 3
HeadKnowles launches hurricane relief effort By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net THE devastation left behind by Hurricane Matthew has set in motion massive relief efforts by charity organisations, which yesterday appealed for emergency food items and essential toiletries for people most impacted by the monster storm. Lia Head-Rigby, founder of the Head-Knowles Foundation, said her organisation, which put together widespread relief efforts following Hurricane Joaquin last year, is now coordinating Hurricane Matthew efforts. It has partnered with two non-profit organisations - Chickcharney Children and Grand Bahama Unite - to aid those facing serious hardship as the nation looks toward rebuilding. Topping the list of essential items are air mattresses, portable stoves, generators, liquid baby formula, diapers, children’s clothing, wet wipes, tarp, candles, toiletries, bottled water, non-perishable canned goods, small variety packs of cereal, mosquito repellent, water filtration devices and matches. Other needed items include reusable and disposable plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils and butane stoves along with gas canisters. Items can be dropped of at the Sky Bahamas hangar near the airport where volunteers are waiting from 10am to 3pm daily to collect these items and package them for distribution. Sky Bahamas is organising flights to transport the donations, Mrs Head-Rigby said. She added that items for Grand Bahama will be flown into the island by Bahamasair. Another Head-Knowles representative, Patrina Koo Farquharson, said she was “amazed” by the outpouring of support especially from those in New Providence who too have to cope with difficult conditions left behind by Matthew. She said while the process got off to a slow start, things have now picked up and she is optimistic that more Bahamians will support these efforts. “I am very amazed,” she told The Tribune. “We here in New Providence had our own personal problems. So I tried to comfort myself Saturday when nothing came in. “But yesterday (Sunday) people were just off loading lots of food and clothes. What really moved me too was people came with just plastic bags and theses came from their pantries. It’s amazing especially because we in Nassau were also hit. Yet people are giving lovingly and generously.” And while efforts to get the needed relief to both Grand Bahamas and Andros remain underway, Chickcharney Children spokesperson Cara Rolle said in many cases Androsians had yet to come to terms with the devastation caused by Matthew. “The first day (of donations) was kind of slow but it seems to be picking up now even though people in Nassau had their fair share (of damage),” she said. “We
RELIEF efforts under way by members of the HeadKnowles group. are in need of water, corn meal, bleach, toothpaste, candles and tarp. “We have been getting a lot of clothes. We are not saying don’t give this, we are not discriminating, but there are other essential items needed.” She continued: “In Andros, I wonder if the reality of it all has hit them. But I think they are just happy to have life they and aren’t bothered by having no roof or electricity.” So far the organisation has received a $40,000 donation for aviation fuel and was also able to secure a generator that was sent to Andros to power a water pump station. A non-profit charity based in Florida, 3to5 Days, has also donated 100 potable water filter system for residents in North Andros. On Sunday during a press conference at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Prime Minister Perry Chris- PACKING a box with essentials. tie pointed out that only tion from NEMA. Any donation of $1,000 NEMA-approved donaMr Christie also said the or more shall receive a tax tions will be allowed the government has agreed, rebate on business license “benefit” of being brought with the Bahamas Cham- fees equivalent to 10 per into the country, “duty free, ber of Commerce and Em- cent for the amount doVAT free and with no pro- ployers Confederation, nated up to a maximum of cessing fee”. to provide tax rebates for $100,000, Mr Christie said. “We recognise that some donations from the private people may claim that they sector from businesses who have spent money that donate to either the Bahacould be covered by the mas Government Donaorder before the order is tion Account, the Rebuild promulgated on Tuesday,” Bahamas Account or “any Mr Christie said. “So the other government approved Ministry of Finance, we relief fund.” have agreed to cover the period between the commencement of hurricane conditions and Tuesday when the exigency order will take effect upon proof and certification that it conforms with the requirement. “The clearance of all relief supplies should be accompanied by a C-13 Home Consumption Form, in addition all goods should be properly manifested. Supplies assigned to NEMA would be granted duty and vat free privilege. In addition, no processing fee would be assessed for these goods,” he said. Emergency supplies such as water, tarp, generators, personal building supplies not assigned to NEMA or a recognised charity should be released upon confirma-
A YOUNGSTER helping with relief efforts.
Photos: HeadKnowles
ITEMS NEEDED FOR DONATION • Air mattresses • Portable stoves • Generators • Liquid baby formula • Diapers • Children’s clothing • Wet wipes • Tarp • Candles • Toiletries, including female sanitary products • Bottled water • Non-perishable canned goods • Small variety packs of cereal • Mosquito repellent • Water filtration devices • Matches • Reusable and disposable plastic cups • Plates • Bowls • Utensils • Butane stoves • Gas canisters
HURRICANE BRIEFS • IN the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) has issued a food safety advisory for the public. PMH said once power is off, the refrigerator keeps food at safely cold temperatures for approximately four hours. While food is in a freezer, it remains safe for approximately eight hours. “If your power is off longer, your food is not safe to eat and should be discarded. Do not consume anything that flood water may have touched. Flood water carries disease-causing organisms,” PMH said in a statement. The hospital advised anyone experiencing severe symptoms from food poisoning or contaminated food to seek immediate medical attention for assistance. PMH also said that all public specialty clinics including: family medicine, and those treating ear, nose and throat, pediatric, skin, comprehensive, civil servants, medical, surgical, Ob/Gyn, and neurodevelopmental concerns will resume on Tuesday. Elective surgeries will also resume Tuesday. Patients who have had appointments cancelled as a result of the storm are asked to contact their respective clinics on Tuesday to reschedule appointments. The Surgical Clinic can be reached at 1-(242)-5027489 or 397-2281. • The National Insurance Board (NIB) will resume normal operating hours today, except for several locations, which will remain closed until further notice. These include Wulff Road and Town Centre Mall in New Providence, Nicholls Town and Fresh Creek in Andros, along with offices in Grand Bahama and the Berry Islands. Staff members at the Wulff Road and Town Centre Mall locations are asked to report to NIB’s headquarters on Blue Hill Road.
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THE TRIBUNE
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Recovering from Matthew BEFORE we begin, we must praise the men and women behind the scenes who gave up the comforts of home and moved into newspaper offices and radio stations to keep citizens informed of what was happening during the height of hurricane Matthew. Much praise is due to our dedicated Tribune and Tribune Radio staff who moved in with their bedrolls to keep the news flowing while the worst storm in about 80 years swirled, howling over The Bahamas. The services of each and every one of them is deeply appreciated, for without them there would have been no information and the radio stations would have remained silent throughout Matthew’s passage. As it was, KissFM, YFM and ClassicalFM were off the air for about an hour and a half on Sunday evening. However, by Monday morning all of our stations were off for an hour and a half for want of diesel fuel – not because there was a shortage of fuel on the island, but because of the long wait that our staff had in line at the fuel stations. They just could not replenish the tanks fast enough to keep the stations on. Eventually, at 1pm yesterday, we were able to acquire a diesel truck that filled our tanks, both at Radio House and Emmaus Centre. Before 6 o’clock this evening, Emmaus will need a refill. This will keep both Radio House and Emmaus on air until the next crisis or until government electricity is restored. But in the meantime, great credit goes to each and every member of staff who has been at their stations throughout this crisis to keep information flowing through The Tribune, its website, tribune242, and the five radio stations at Radio House. For Nassau, Matthew was the worst storm since the 1929 hurricane. And those who lived in Grand Bahama say it was even worse than Jeanne and Frances, which in September 2004 destroyed Grand Bahama, particularly West End. “This time,” said a former resident, “I think it is going to be very difficult for Freeport to make a comeback.” However, what makes it even more difficult is the fact that Nassau —the capital — has been so badly crippled that it will not be able to give its undivided attention to the islands that will need even more attention, because they have less and their damage might even be greater. At one time, we were puzzled by a conversation between the late Sir Etienne Dupuch and the late Donald d’Albenas when they agreed that it was fortunate that hurricane damage was on one of the islands and that Nassau was spared. It was only later that we realised that if Nassau had been destroyed, there was little hope for the rest of the islands, because Nassau, as the capital, had all of the resources to quickly assist the other islands. In other words, remove the head and the body quickly dies. Matthew might be the instrument to convince government that an effort should be made to assist each island to be more self sufficient so
that they can help themselves until aid arrives. It was good yesterday to see so many Bahamians out clearing up their properties, trees being removed from across the roads and trying to bring some order to their lives. Prime Minister Christie said the economic cost of this disaster was such that government is exploring the option of issuing a hurricane recovery and reconstruction bond. This, he said, would provide “an accelerated reconstruction programme, provide assistance to individuals impacted by the hurricane and provide assistance to small medium sized businesses”. “Let me tell you how serious our challenges are, we estimated after Hurricane Joaquin that the cost was over $10 0m,” Mr Christie said. “You can identify or multiply, two times, three times, four times – this cost is going to be very much more than Joaquin. Enormous damage has been inflicted on thousands of Bahamians, who were not so affected in such numbers with Hurricane Joaquin. He also made it clear that only NEMA-appoved donations will be allowed the benefit of being brought into the country, duty free, VAT free and with no processing fee. A generous donation to East Nassau Rotary Club from the Rotary Club in the Caymans faced some difficulty when it arrived in Nassau on Friday without the necessary documentation. Bahamasair aircraft were flown to the Caymans for safety from the approaching hurricane. On their return to Nassau, the Cayman Rotary loaded one of the planes with ten pallets of chain saws, generators, tarps, foodstuff, water and clothing and whatever else they thought fellow Rotarians in Nassau could use in repairing the damage left in the wake of Matthew. However, without any paper work or pre-clearance on arrival, Customs demanded payment of duty and VAT on all the donated supplies. Prime Minister Christie was in Freeport and depending on weather conditions was expected in Nassau Friday evening, failing that Saturday morning. However, said one Rotarian, it was soon sorted out - only a “tempest in a teapot”. Just a “little speed bump”, said another. By Sunday, Rotarians were at the airport to unload the plane of the welcome supplies. “The people at the airport were absolutely fantastic,” said one Rotarian, ”the Customs, baggage handlers, they all assisted us in releasing and helping us in loading our two trucks.” It is now up to Bahamians to help each other to get their lives back together. *** At least Nature is again at peace. After the storm, four little birds settled on a nearby roof top and chirped their happiness - they seemed to sing: “God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.”
Cost effectiveness of Junkanoo Carnival EDITOR, The Tribune Re: ‘Carnival was never meant to be profitable’, The Tribune, September 27. THE unprofitable extravagance of the ‘Bread and Circuses”, with which
the once-mighty Romans were obsessed, contributed greatly to the political compliance of the grassroots masses and eventual downfall. Hopefully, our very loose equivalent, a kind of ‘Johnny Cake and Junka-
noo Carnival’, will remain enjoyable but will become a bit more cost-effective as time goes on. KEN W KNOWLES MD Nassau, October 2, 2016
Cutting the hills must be stopped EDITOR, The Tribune OVER the past 30 years, we have seen the catastrophe wrought on Haiti due to their denuding the forestation on their part of the island of Hispaniola. From the air, it is plain to see the demarcation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. One side is a lush green, while the other is the brown of autumn. Rains, storms and hurricanes wreak havoc when the denuded mountains sends mud in the valleys and towns. Speaking to regular runof-the-mill Haitians they claim it was the fault of their Government that caused the people to cut down all except two per cent of the trees in Haiti, for firewood. I do not believe that. I believe it is a shared situation bolstered by greed and continued by ignorance. Years ago, medium-sized wooden boats came from Haiti loaded with fruits and vegetables of the season.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net For unknown reasons the cargo changed, first it was coal and drugs, then people. I will not attempt to analyse this tragic turn of events. Here at home in The Bahamas, especially New Providence, we have a greater problem. Almost every October we are reminded of the calamity that would befall our country should a hurricane create a surge of about 20 feet. What hills would we head to? Some time in 1993, I seem to remember Hubert Ingraham address our local problem by admonishing two of my friends for cutting down a hill on Milo Butler Highway. I thought that he was thinking of making legislation against cutting down any of our hills. However, shortly thereafter, this same administration got very busy cutting hills for new roadways.
The biggest culprit in this hill-cutting belongs to the owners of that huge chunk cut out of the western side of East Street South. Then look at Gladstone Road, where another chunk was cut out and, as we read, tractors are tearing down Gladstone Road West. Years from now, should a tsunami overrun New Providence, who will our grandchildren blame, our Government (like the Haitians) or, a few greedy men, who for a few dollars will sell the souls of untold generations. As an aside, I listened to quite a few talk show hosts, who not once mentioned any hill as a barrier to oncoming surges. Of course, there are many other instances of destruction born out of greed in our beloved country - but who cares? Some day hopefully, someone will before it is too late JEFFREY AUGUST WILIAMS Nassau October 5, 2016
Political choices EDITOR, The Tribune
THE Democratic National Alliance just concluded a hugely successful and well attended convention. Most of the featured speakers, especially the newly reelected Leader, Branville McCartney; the newly reelected Deputy Leader and, of course, my ‘favourite’ DNA candidate, Stephen Greenslade (DNA nominee-Golden Isles), were focused, well-informed and acquitted themselves with aplomb. It has been accepted for too long a time that only the established Free National Movement (FNM) and Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) are capable of attracting sufficient registered voters to capture a majority of parliamentary seats. That, of course, has been the state of affairs for generations. Those two parties while espousing ‘a difference’ are not ‘too different’ when you take a fair and balanced look at both of them.
The PLP say that they are for the small Bahamians and the unwashed masses. The FNM says that they are for ‘all Bahamians and wish to grow the middle class ‘more’. In their respective executions of what they ‘say’ both parties seem to have the same modus operandi. The PLP has proven, over the years, to be more pruned to alleged corruption and so called scandals. This, I suggest, is directly because of the non-confrontational leadership style of our erstwhile Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie. The FNM claim to be ‘holier than thou’ and tend not to have as many allegations or perceived scandals or, might it be that those therein are more capable of ‘hiding’ things from the political spotlight. We have not yet experienced a DNA government but the leadership has plainly declared that anyone caught with his/ her hand in the ‘cookie jar’ will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Bahamians now have
three clearly viable political alternatives. The DNA has arrived and is here to stay. I submit that it will be a formidable political party to be reckoned with in 2017. That party has hit the ground and is now off and running while the other two parties, keeping in mind that I am the ‘chief’ of the PLPs, are still posturing and talking some stuff which is not connecting. I predict that the PLP will be returned to office and that the DNA will become the Official Opposition. The FNM is now perceived as being the political extension of Sarkis, et al. The average Bahamian will soon see the true ‘nature’ of the newly-minted candidates, many of whom were tied by the navel strings to Sarkis, professionally. To God then, who has once again held us in His arms, in all things, even Mathew, be the glory. ORTLAND H BODIE JR Nassau October 10, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 PAGE 5
Radar still not repaired after coming off gears in storm By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE Department of Meteorology’s Doppler radar, which “came off its gears” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday, has still not been repaired according to Director Trevor Basden. Mr Basden said if any others systems develop, meteorology officials would have to use “other meteorological tools” in order to “ascertain the weather”. He made his comments on Sunday at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters on Gladstone Road. Mr Basden also said the “good news” is that Matthew, which was originally predicted to make a loop and come back to The Bahamas, no longer poses a threat to the country. “Hurricane Matthew is moving away from The Bahamas. The present models indicate it is not expected to return to The Bahamas as previously thought, so we praise God for that,” Mr Basden said. “Even closer to us is Tropical Storm Nicole. However, Nicole is also forecast to move in a north-
erly direction towards Bermuda, strengthen into a hurricane and then away from Bermuda. So that is the good news.” Mr Basden also said the Forecast Office sustained damage during the hurricane and staff had to be relocated to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for safety reasons. “Unfortunately for the Met Office, my office there at the LPIA was badly damaged. The meteorologists are working in difficult conditions. I applaud them for that but we will make every effort to move them to a new location that is under renovation that we were waiting to move in before Matthew,” Mr Basden said. “Another sore point: the Doppler weather radar is still down and we are attending to that so any weather systems that might be developing we would have to use other meteorological tools in other to ascertain the weather.” The Department of Meteorology came under fire during the passage of Hurricane Joaquin last year, when it was revealed that the Doppler radar was allegedly not functioning for several hours during the storm’s passage. The government repeat-
edly refuted the claims. Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin at the time called the claims “erroneous”. Mrs Hanna Martin, who has the Meteorology Department in her portfolio, insisted last year that the issues with the accuracy of the category four storm’s track had to do with the erratic nature of Joaquin and not with forecast equipment in the Bahamas. She maintained last October that the Doppler radar was operating throughout the storm, despite notations in the Meteorology Department’s log book on October 2 which read: “Major storm Joaquin is over the Bahamas and the Doppler radar is not working. The Met Lab is not working, no hurricane supplies, no bus, when will we get it right in the Bahamas?” The radar provides details on rainfall intensity, thunderstorms, and tornadic activity including waterspouts effectively within a 150-mile range, Mrs Hanna Martin said. Therefore, she said, the radar is best used by officials as a supplemental tool to satellite imagery, the lightning detection network and computer modeling from a variety of official international sources.
THE SEA wall at Yamacraw Beach was badly damaged by Hurricane Matthew. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
A CLEAN-UP worker in action on West Bay Street yesterday.
THE QUEUE at Esso Gas Station on East Bay Street yesterday.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
ESSO DISTRIBUTOR INSISTS PLENTY OF FUEL AVAILABLE SOL Petroleum Bahamas Ltd (Sol), the exclusive licensed distributor of Esso brand fuels, has confirmed the availability of adequate inventory on hand for normal demand and contingencies in place to replenish sooner if demand increases. This came after fear and speculation spread across New Providence that there was a shortage of fuel on the island due to Hurricane Matthew, leaving many to queue at gas stations for hours to purchase fuel. However officials have repeatedly dismissed the speculation over fuel supplies. According to a statement from the company, the network of Esso branded service stations in New Providence is currently open. Due to pre-hurricane preparations most of these service stations opened on Friday, October 7, with normal inventory levels, which were depleted faster than usual due to post-hurricane sales, the company added. Sol trucks have been and continue to deliver fuel to the Esso branded service stations. Due to extraordinary demand, the service stations are running out of fuel faster than they can be replenished, the com-
pany said. Keith Glinton, general manager of Sol, said: “We will continue to keep our customers informed of the service stations that have fuel in stock. Our customers can access: www.facebook.com/solpetroleumbahamas for updates.” Sol currently has a vessel
delivering product to the Family Islands. That same vessel is expected to reload on Tuesday. “Sol continues to provide fuel to its essential services customers to ensure their ability to respond to the needs of the community in general. The local and regional emergency response
teams of Sol are continuing the assessment and response to the impact of the hurricane,” the company said. Mr Glinton added: “We truly thank the National Emergency (Management) Agency for all the work they did on preparing us for Hurricane Matthew
and all of those agencies and responders involved since the impact. I particularly thank the employees of Sol Petroleum Bahamas Ltd and all of the employees at our network of Esso branded service stations. We have been a part of this community for nearly 100 years now and we re-
affirm our commitment to continue to serve The Bahamas.”
PAGE 6 , Tuesday, October 11, 2016
HURRICANE BRIEFS • BTC teams were among the first responders on the ground in Grand Bahama and Andros after the storm, the company said. Teams are conducting assessments and preliminary restoration efforts to help establish normalcy in some areas, according to a BTC statement. Team members also brought basic supplies for residents. BTC is working around the clock to restore services to impacted areas, the company said. • OFFICIALS at Queen’s College have said the school will not reopen on Tuesday, however the school’s staff are asked to report to campus today. “The Queen’s College Board of Governors and the Queen’s College administration continue to pray that our QC families are safe and we express our concern for those that experienced damage to homes and vehicles,” Andrea Gibson, school principal, said in a statement on Monday. “Please be advised that we are continuing to assess the school campus, which has experienced significant damage. “At present, there is no electricity on campus or in the immediate vicinity and we are unable to confirm when this will be restored,” she said. “However, all Queen’s College staff have been advised to report to campus (Tuesday), as together we will coordinate the best way forward for our students and staff,” she said. Parents and guardians should continue to check the school’s website as an update is expected Tuesday afternoon about when school will reopen. • ALL staff and faculty members of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in New Providence and Grand Bahama have been asked to report to work during normal hours on Tuesday. Classes will resume at both campuses on Monday, October 17, the school’s officials said. • THE Grand Bahama International Airport returned to full operation yesterday for domestic and international flights. Airport officials said all international flights will be post-cleared as pre-clearance services will not be available until further notice. Post-cleared means that people must clear US Customs and Immigration in the US. Travellers must have a US visa as police certificates are not acceptable for post-clearance.
THE TRIBUNE
Gibson: Teams are on the ground in Grand Bahama from page one
On Monday, international flights into the island resumed, according to Transport & Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin. However international flights will be post-cleared in the United States, as US pre-clearance services will not be available until further notice. The damage to Grand Bahama by Hurricane Matthew is said to be greater than that of Hurricane Frances, the 2004 storm from which the island’s tourism sector never fully recovered. The recovery effort is expected to be long and arduous. As residents seek normalcy, unconfirmed reports
from high-ranking officials on the island yesterday added to their anxieties, as they indicated the island could be without electricity for as much as 13 weeks. Spokespersons for the Grand Bahama Power Company could not be reached for comment. “After consultation with the Grand Bahama Power Company it was reported that a large cross section of their transmission and distribution services were severely impacted,” Mr Gibson said at a press conference Sunday night. “Grand Bahama Power Company has begun its assessments and restored utility services and some residents are now receiving running water. The (company) has also made contact with their sister
company in Tampa and have brought over a staff of 30 personnel along with bucket trucks and other essential needs to aid in restoration efforts.” The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gave Grand Bahama the “all clear” alert at 1pm Friday following the hurricane, which, at its peak, Mr Gibson said, brought winds up to 150mph. “The southern island and the coastal community, including Lewis Yard, Pinder’s Point, the city of Freeport and West Grand Bahama” were all significantly affected, he noted. “As of 5pm October 9, all hurricane shelters, including ones in Eight Mile Rock, officially closed and
residents from the shelters are now with their families and friends. “The first phase of the government’s relief efforts includes engaging contractors with heavy equipment to conduct clean up areas and prevent the spread of diseases caused by the contaminated salt water. On October 8, the prime minister and the Cabinet toured the relevant areas of the island, with emphasis on West Grand Bahama, which was hit the hardest. At present teams from the Department of Social Services are currently on the ground conducting social assessments and the Ministry of Works is conducting technical assessments. “Individuals have reached out to government
to see what initiatives are available to offer relief supplies which we have already started circulating. All relief items can only be received by NEMA. Any funding to assist with the restoration is received directly by NEMA because it is a statutory organisation (which has the responsibility for that).” Yesterday, a representative from international Christian relief group Samaritan’s Purse said the organisation was bringing “life-saving aid” to Grand Bahama. “Today (Monday), a DC-8 combination airplane is airlifting 22 tons of relief supplies to Freeport, Grand Bahama,” Kaitlyn Lahm, the group’s media relations co-ordinator, said in a statement.
per cent work (restored) there. Even some of the smaller islands – Farmer’s Cay, Inagua, (and) Ragged - are also in the 90 to 95 per cent restored. “All the other Family Islands that I did not mention have been restored. That said, if someone is on an island and saying ‘wait a second I am here on Cat Island and I do not see power to my house.’ What I would like to say is first of all let us know.” On Saturday, BPL representatives insisted that their work was cut out for them as they had to undertake a massive tree trimming exercise in several areas before they could repair lines and poles to ensure power was supplied to customers. Shevonn Cambridge, BPL’s deputy general manager of engineering and operations added, that despite having to clean up BPL’s Clifton Pier Power Plant, which sustained extensive structural damage from Matthew they had been able to secure 110 of the 177 megawatts capability from this facility. “We have done a lot of the clean up and we’ve got our engines here prepped to start,” he said on Saturday during a tour of BPL’s problem areas. “We have roughly 177 megawatts installed
here (at Clifton Pier) and out of that we have 110 that is ready to go right now. So we don’t foresee any generation challenges. “Also at our other facility at Blue Hills by the end of the day we should have 100 megawatts there to go as well so we don’t anticipate any generation problems. But as you can see we have a lot of work a head of us in terms of cleaning up and really getting the place back to where it needs to be.” “It’s basically getting the power out of the power station and up town to our distribution centres. We have our primary substations and from there we distribute to the other small substations and then down to the consumer level so it’s a tiered approach. You go from the high end and you come down and that’s the approach that we are taking now,” Mr Cambridge said. BPL advises its customers that depending on the challenges, crews may not complete work and restore supply in the same day. Additionally, customers who may have sustained property damage, especially due to flooding, should have their properties inspected by a licensed electrician before turning on their supply. For more updates, visit BPL’s Facebook page.
POWER BACK ON IN MORE THAN HALF OF HOMES from page one
statement Monday night. “BPL has achieved approximately 30 per cent restoration in these areas. “So far, BPL has restored supply to just over 50 per cent of its customers in New Providence. The company’s greatest challenges include the amount of trees in power lines, access points to its lines in several areas including Sea Breeze and South Beach, as well minor to extensive damage in more than 80 per cent of the communities on the island. “Given the level of damage, BPL is unable to give an exact time for full restoration but expects most customers to be back on supply by the end of the week,” the statement said. BPL expects its restoration effort to ramp up significantly when assistance from international partners arrives on island. BPL has sourced help from the Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities, which is sending at least three teams to the island. The first team will arrive on Wednesday, BPL said. On Sunday night, BPL’s CEO Pamela Hill said despite the devastation left behind by Hurricane Matthew, a magnitude of which
A BPL worker at work on power lines after the storm. she has never seen before, the electricity provider is working around the clock to ensure households and businesses around the country are returned to normal supply. Yesterday, BPL teams were out working in several areas scattered across the capital. “I have not seen anything in such a disperse way in the 22 years that I have had in the electric utility industry and this has hit not only us here in New Providence, but it also hit almost all of our Family Islands,” Ms Hill said during a press
conference at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) offices on Gladstone Road. “Approximately 90 per cent of the customers on the islands have been restored. The Family Islands that we are focused on in particular to increase our restoration efforts is Andros and we are talking North and Central (Andros). But outside of that area when we think about the rest we are in remarkable shape.” She continued: “So for instance when we look at some of our larger islands Eleuthera, with at least 95
NEARLY 5,000 SOUGHT SHELTER ACROSS NATION from page one
A total of 2,417 people sought refuge at shelters in the Family Islands and 2,159 in New Providence. “In Andros, we are still encountering some challenges with food and water and citizens are looking for accommodations and families have been displaced,” she said. “In Grand Bahama, we have 70 residents in St George’s High School gym who require long term accommodations. There have also been frequent calls from Pinder’s Point and West End. So far, the staff
and social workers have been able to visit 60 homes. Of that 60, they have prepared social assessments on 30 of them and they were not able to complete the rest because persons were home. The most pressing need for Grand Bahama right now is drinking water, tar paper and ice. Water is a big concern.” In the capital, Ms Zonicle said teams from Social Services visited the hardest hit areas to conduct assessments and offer assistance. “Social workers started assessments on Oct ober 8. A team went to Southern Shores and Misty Gardens and there were 93 homes
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damaged there. We travelled to South Beach and there was massive flooding. “The residents expressed the need for food and water and we also travelled to Elizabeth Estates where there was severe roof damage. Persons also asked for water and tarp and when we went to Colony Village we received the same complaints from residents. “We are asking the public to assist where they can. There is a great need in the Family Islands and New Providence for portable stoves, insect repellent, clothing lines, clothes pins, batteries, ice, disinfectant, rain gear, adult (diapers), feminine pads, baby diapers, hygiene kits and nebulisers.” People in need of assistance are asked to contact the Social Services emergency hotlines 322-2763 or 422-2763.
MAN DEAD IN WATER OFF POTTER’S CAY
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a man found dead in waters at Potter’s Cay Dock on Sunday. Shortly after 7pm, police received a report of a body of a man found floating in waters at the dock. When police arrived on the scene, they found the lifeless body of a male lying on the dock, reportedly retrieve from the water by a local resident. The man was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 PAGE 7
PM did ‘commendable’ job and party needs convention By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net FORMER Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday defended Prime Minister Perry Christie for “personally taking charge” of preparing Bahamians for Hurricane Matthew, saying he did a “commendable” job throughout the ordeal. Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Smith said “not a damn soul” could accuse the prime minister of dropping the ball this time. Some political observers
criticised Mr Christie and his administration last year for the handling of Hurricane Joaquin, which devastated the southern islands of the country in October 2015. This time, the prime minister appeared to be more visible before the storm hit and during its passage through the country. It was a stark contrast from last year’s Joaquin preparation, which landed the government in hot water as it seemed to have not been prepared for the storm or be able to handle what was needed in its wake.
Mr Smith said: “I thought the prime minister appeared that he personally took charge in preparing the Bahamian people for Matthew and he did a commendable job as was the case with most government agencies, particularly the police and defence forces. “NEMA still will make some mistakes, it’s a learning curve for them,” he said, referring to the National Emergency Management Agency’s call for people with heavy duty trucks to register on Thursday - the day the brunt of the storm
from page one
to be able to have NEMA strengthened considerably to be able to let the people of this country know that we are not just making assessments but we are delivering on services to them.” Mr Christie also announced that the government has issued an exigency order, effective on Tuesday, to allow for specific tax exemptions on goods imported for rebuilding purposes as well as water, tarp and some “personal items”. The Prime Minister also said that given the economic cost of this disaster, which came a year after Hurricane Joaquin devastated the southern islands, the government is exploring the option of issuing a hurricane recovery and reconstruction bond.
PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaking at the press conference held at NEMA to update the Bahamian people following Hurricane Matthew. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
PM WANTS LAW ON EVACUATIONS Commissioner of Police and the Commodore of the Defence Force must have a shared approach to determining whether the conditions in the country are as such that a state of emergency should be declared and that requires an amendment. “NEMA has to be strengthened considerably and so we are mandated to incorporate a larger team immediately because we cannot wait on the normal way in doing things and getting out there to people who are suffering. “People are questioning whether their electricity should be cut on and therefore again we want
hit New Providence - and help with search and rescue efforts. “I commend the prime minister for the excellent job he did, not a damn soul can accuse him of dropping the ball this time.” And despite the devastation left behind in New Providence, Andros, Grand Bahama and parts of the Berry Islands, Mr Smith said he did not think the PLP needed to postpone its November convention, but said it should be scaled back to focus on the necessary things. “As for the convention, I
believe we should hold the convention on time, scale it back to do those things that are required constitutionally, scale back on the social aspect. Just do what is required by the constitution, make the annual reports that the constitution requires - the treasurer and others have to report on the state of the party’s finances. “They have nine years to report on so they must have a lot to report. “(The party should hold) the nomination of all officers and the election of leader and deputy leader and scale it back as much as
possible due to the fact that every life on New Providence has been impacted, all in Grand Bahama, all in Andros, many in Chub Cay (in the Berry Islands).” He continued: “There is some damage in Exuma, so many Bahamians who would wish to come to their party’s convention would find it very difficult so we should scale it back.” When contacted yesterday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said “there is no consideration being made” to postpone the convention as it has been long decided to “go full steam ahead”.
MEMBERS of the BTC team travelling around The Bahamas, above and right, to assess damage, and taking water with them as they go.
Intelligent. HURRICANE BRIEFS • THE College of The Bahamas’ Oakes Field and Grosvenor Close campuses will reopen on Wednesday with classes will resuming on Monday, October 17. A statement from the College yesterday said that faculty, staff and administrators in New Providence are asked to return today and attend a Special Call Meeting at noon in the Performing Arts Centre. “As a result of the exten-
sive damage sustained in Grand Bahama, the Northern Bahamas Campus remains closed until further notice. Please be assured that the College is working diligently to resume operations at the Northern Bahamas Campus and additional information will be forthcoming,” the College said. For further information, contact the Command Centre Helpdesk at 302-4444.
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PAGE 8 , Tuesday, October 11, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Matthew exposes weak points and utilities’ lack of charitable spirit By NICOLE BURROWS
I REMEMBER like yesterday being in my last semester in college, in my dorm room, with my freshman, swimmer roommate, and her TV, watching The Weather Channel, seeing Hurricane Floyd spinning over the whole Bahamas archipelago at once. That hurricane had made a beeline from the African coast to The Bahamas ... okay, maybe a somewhat curved line, but you get my point. It didn’t shift its direction and almost appeared to be on a mission to clean up the islands as it went along. I don’t recall feeling too concerned back then, even though the storm looked really intimidating on radar. And though Floyd seemed very intent on its path, I wasn’t overwhelmingly concerned for my people. I guess it’s partly because I was carrying a six-course load and just trying to graduate and get out of college, but also because I felt confident that my people would be fine; we had weathered many hurricanes before and made it through. Even the so-called ‘clapboard houses’ with tin roofs stayed strong during many hurricanes. Though, I’m sure building with concrete and steel plays a helpful role. Hurricane Matthew, like Floyd, seemed to be on a mission, even though it didn’t take a beeline towards The Bahamas along the usual hurricane track. With Matthew, I was more concerned, probably because I’m older now and more aware of the possibili-
ties. I’m not as distracted as I was when I was in college … all that youthful preoccupation. Being older - I can’t believe Floyd was 17 years ago - also makes you feel more responsibility I suppose, and being away from my loved ones - especially when I can’t physically be there to help - is unnerving. The internet and social media and voice over IP (VOIP) calls make it less unsettling, but when those things fail it gets more emotionally complex for those of us away from our nearest and dearest. Other storms over the decades hadn’t hit New Providence … the outer islands often shielded the main island. I have family on other islands, but family islanders always seem more prepared for nature than Nassuvians … the people from ‘the city’. And in the city, in the aftermath of Matthew, the afterMatthew, if you will, so many things are happening and even more is coming to light.
NO POWER We do understand why few people have power; we have seen the decapitated trees and snapped poles and popped power lines so it’s not surprising that power is out for so long. We even understand why the hospitals, hotels and grocers should get their power supply reconnected first, even if they have generators. Obviously those comprise some essential services to Bahamians and visitors. But no power for so many, nevertheless, is
SOME of the devastation in Grand Bahama after the impact of Hurricane Matthew. creating other problems: no And not for money, like most times, or else I’d have refrigeration and cooling the immigrants across the no contact at all with my for the average Bahamian street trying to charge you family. Not everyone can and no air-conditioning for $2 to charge your phone afford data plans. Really, the more well-to-do Baha- (would they do that to their not everyone can afford mians. In theory it sounds own people in Haiti or Ja- texting. I’m here racking basic, but in reality the out- maica?), but for the oppor- up a bill to calm my anxiety tunity to help when so many about my family’s wellbeing come is multiplied. I suppose we’re lucky people need help. Where and so are my relatives as this was not a July or Au- is the real native Baha- they try to report their premian spirit? dicaments to me via text. gust storm Where is the I heard BTC made a in the exstatement about the comtreme sum- ‘If BTC really wanted authentic mer heat, to be charitable, they charity and pany giving a $5 credit to humility of every postpaid and prepaid or people would remove all Bahamians? customer in light of the hurwould be far I’ve heard ricane. If BTC really wantless patient charges incurred for and far more the most intense days some uplift- ed to be charitable, they restless. But of the hurricane and ing stories of would remove all charges good Samar- incurred for the most inI’ve heard itans help- tense days of the hurricane so many sto- the days following, ing people and the days following, esries where especially knowing clean yards pecially knowing that their people can’t that their network and clear- network is not meeting the even get a ing roads needs of their customers. In cold drink, is not meeting of debris. spite of the fact that those and I wonder the needs of their But where who have phone service can why on earth customers.’ is the aver- tell them they’re connected, those with age charity? via Facebook, those who power aren’t You know ... aren’t having service, maymaking ice and providing ice and cold the camaraderie, the thing be an equivalent number of drinks, drinking water, fruit that connects the wider people, can’t tell them that juices and energy drinks, population, that together- they’re not having service. So how does BTC know, to those without power … ness. That bond that should those without ice … those unite us when we all suffer really? The gratitude exwithout cold beverages. the same thing at the same pressed to them on Facetime. I guess maybe they’re book is not a reliable measfighting it all out at the gas ure of their success through stations? Things over peo- the storm. ple. Hopefully, by the time this article goes to print, 75 to 80 per cent of customers That said, if all the utility will have power restored, as the deputy general manager companies really wanted to of engineering at BEC/BPL exemplify charitable spirit indicated three days ago they would credit every Bacould be reasonably expect- hamian customer’s account for the duration of the hured within three days. ricane and its immediate aftermath. BEC/ BPL knows that their lines are down. Cable Bahamas knows their Because people are pre- lines are down and when occupied with no power their service is down because service, maybe it’s escaped power is down they know their notice that BTC mo- their customers can’t use the bile phone service (I can’t service that they may technispeak for landline service) cally still have. I really expect has been sporadic to non- to see a minimum of three existent. I’ve seen peo- to five days of service credit ple posting on Facebook on every Bahamian utility “thanks BTC for keeping company’s bills, if Cable reus connected in the storm”, ally cares, if the Bahamas is but that’s not the across- really BTC country, and if the-board feedback that I’m BEC/BPL really wants to getting, certainly not from provide cost effective service. my family and friends. Thankfully, it seems water While those with power supply on New Providence may have had their cable/ has not been interrupted, internet supply restored other than for a brief period and access to email and so- or two, though I’ve not heard cial media, those who have anything much about water no power only have their supply in the hardest hit/most basic phone functions to densely populated areas of communicate their condi- New Providence. tion to their loved ones. While BTC seems to think everything is fine, since the day the hurricane hit New Providence five days ago, I can only dial into the counPrior to Hurricane Mattry on BTC mobile network maybe once every day or thew’s arrival, as in within two, and my people can’t 24 hours of the hurricane, dial out even within the Prime Minister Christie country. They constantly made a non-committal get network error messag- statement about declaring es, sometimes the phone a state of emergency in the doesn’t ring at all, or it goes country. Basically, if things got really bad somewhere straight to voicemail. So from the perspective down the line, it seems he of those with no or intermit- would think it was time to tent phone service, it appears declare an emergency. Someone please explain BTC can’t handle the communications demand, which to the nation’s leader, the I suppose should come as no one every person in the Basurprise really as they could hamas relies on to make the barely handle it before with- best decisions for the peoout a hurricane. I’m not buy- ple in the wake of a natural ing that everything is well disaster, how declaring a with BTC; I feel like they are state of emergency works. downplaying their challenges The trick is you don’t want and maybe I’m not an expert to wait for the chaos or the on the topic of mobile phone disaster, or your favourite service and mobile phone post-hurricane word, ‘devnetworks, but I thought the astation’, before you call it. The whole point is to mobile network was supposed to be less susceptible prevent as much chaos and to downed phone lines than disaster as possible, and you do that on the front the hard-line network. Thank goodness text end not the back end. And messages can go through when you visit these af-
UTILITIES CREDITS
NO PHONE
EMERGENCY DECLARATION
Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS fected areas after the damage is done, ‘devastated’ as they are, don’t go scratching your head. Have some ideas in your giant noggin before you get there. Don’t stand around talking about people should volunteer when you won’t lift the first finger yourself, or how the job is too big for NEMA. So we can’t rely on the leader, the government, nor the national emergency management team for help? I thought we were independent? Thanks, Matthew, for the eye-opener. We had no idea of our level of dependence before now. I am indeed being sarcastic. Who do Bahamians turn to now in their time of need? You see why the benefit of the doubt is hard to come by? A thousand times bitten, a million times shy.
BUILDING INTEGRITY One news headline read that Freeport now looks like an earthquake hit it. Official and unofficial reports suggest Nassau and New Providence, Grand Bahama and Andros are a mess. It’s difficult for me to comprehend, because when I left New Providence on a good day it looked like a wasteland. How much worse is it now? Are officials downplaying the overall impact of Hurricane Matthew, as well as the impact the storm has had in the northwestern Bahamas? There are many images coming out of the islands where buildings appear to have been gutted or flattened and many structures lost part or all of their roofs. I do not say this to make light of the impact of the storm on people’s property or on their lives; even the most humble home is a cherished possession, particularly to a person who has very few possessions to start. I should know. But I want to use this chance to underscore the problem of low construction integrity and poor construction maintenance. We know that many structures in the Bahamas, in Nassau, on New Providence, on the family islands, aren’t built to code. And they aren’t built to code because very many Bahamians cannot afford to build to code, with best materials or methods. Often the people doing the building are not even licenced builders, or don’t have the knowledge or the resources to build a sound structure. One video clip shows a roof blowing off of a home on New Providence. This clip was circulated in international media, where some of the comments made addressed the flaw in the design of a roof with a threefoot overhang, enabling the winds to literally peel it off like a sardine can. Bahamians are deficient in resources and in knowledge and, as a result, the soundness or lack thereof of many structures damaged or ruined by Hurricane Matthew comes as no surprise. Resourceless, unknowing and now possibly homeless. It’s unfortunate that my people have to live this way. • E-mail nburrows@tribunemedia.net. Facebook and Twitter: @SoPolitiCole
THE TRIBUNE
CLEAN-up crews on West Bay Street.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 PAGE 9
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
BAHAMIANS stocking up again at Solomon’s Fresh Market, Harbour Bay.
HURRICANE MATTHEW:
NEW PROVIDENCE
ARAWAK Cay yesterday as repair work began.
PEOPLE get to work cleaning up Eastern Road yesterday.
WORKERS tackling the cleaning up yesterday.
DAMAGE, above and below, on the east of the island.
Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
PAGE 10 , Tuesday, October 11, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 PAGE 11
HURRICANE MATTHEW:
YAMACRAW
A YOUNGSTER playing along at helping in Yamacraw during a moment’s rest during the clean-up after the storm. The area was one of the hardest-hit by Hurricane Matthew. Photos: Whiteley McKinney
MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
POLICE are looking for the suspects responsible for a shooting that occurred on Saturday, October 8 that left a man in hospital. According to a report from police, shortly after
1pm Saturday a man was walking south on Mackey Street when the occupants of a silver Nissan vehicle approached. The man was shot before the occupants of the car sped
HAITI: PEOPLE WILL DIE SOON IF THEY DON’T GET SOME AID MARFRANC, Haiti Associated Press
AT a cramped police station serving as a makeshift clinic, Darline Derosier fastened IV drips to jail cell bars, wiped the brows of cholera patients and tended to the wounds of those injured when Hurricane Matthew slammed into Haiti’s southwestern peninsula. She was the only health worker helping about 40 patients Monday inside the station bereft of police as she waited for help to arrive in the hard-hit town of Marfranc nearly a week after the Category 4 storm struck Oct 4. Among the patients was an elderly woman lying unconscious on a cell floor with a leg bandaged in an old rag and a man with gashes around his neck, his eyes fluttering. “People will die soon if we don’t get some aid,” an overwhelmed Derosier told The Associated Press. The town is a 45-minute drive southwest from the coastal city of Jeremie, where food, medicine and fresh water are finally arriving but still slow to reach increasingly desperate communities. “We haven’t received anything from Jeremie,” Derosier said, adding that she has made several calls requesting help and medical supplies. The UN humanitarian agency in Geneva made an emergency appeal Monday for nearly $120 million in aid, saying about 750,000 people in southwest Haiti alone will need “life-saving assistance and protection” in the next three months. UN officials said earlier
GIRLS make their way down a street littered with debris left by Hurricane Matthew in Les Anglais, Haiti, yesterday. that at least 1.4 million Grand-Anse. But local ofEtienne Chimene tried people across the region ficials have said the toll in her best to soothe her need assistance and that 2.1 Grand-Anse alone tops 13-month-old son, Cenelmillion overall have been 500. son, who was lying in a The UN also said the hur- wooden bed with a hole cut affected by the hurricane. Some 175,000 people re- ricane has increased the risk in it and a bucket underof a “renewed spike” in the neath. main in shelters. Electricity was still out, number of cholera cases. A “I feel like my baby is water and food were scarce, cholera outbreak since 2010 getting worse,” she said as and officials said young men has already killed roughly she stroked his head and he in villages along the road 10,000 people and sickened whimpered. between the hard-hit cities more than 800,000. The centre was overRoosevelt Zamos of the crowded, of Les Cayes and Jeremie and patients were building blockades of Civil Protection Agency who were improving were rocks and broken branches told AP there were 40 cases forced outside. Among of cholera in Jeremie alone. them was 21-year-old Neto halt relief convoys. A convoy of food, water He said eight people have drine Cabane, who sat on and medicine was attacked died of cholera in Grand- the ground with her father. by gunmen in a remote val- Anse since the storm. He had brought her a pot of It can take from 12 hours plantain soup that she ate ley where there had been a mudslide, said Frednel Ke- to five days for cholera gratefully — her first meal dler, co-ordinator for the symptoms to appear after in three days. contaminated Civil Protection Agency in ingesting “The fact that there is so the Grand-Anse Depart- food or water, according to much dirty water around ment, which includes Jer- the World Health Organi- makes me think that more zation. emie. people are going to get The open-air cholera sick,” she said. The National Civil Protection headquarters in treatment centre at JereDr Thiery Francois, lead Port-au-Prince raised the mie’s main hospital had no doctor for the Ministry of official nationwide death running water Monday, and Health at the cholera centtoll to 372, which includ- at least a dozen of the new er, said he didn’t know how ed at least 198 deaths in patients were under age 10. many new cases had been
caused by the storm nationwide. “Certainly there are cases we don’t know anything about,” he said, referring to still-isolated areas. People in the southern seaside community of Les Anglais and surrounding areas said little to no aid had reached them by Monday. An aid group tried to distribute food and other emergency supplies by boat on Sunday, but it was forced to leave after a large crowd gathered. “There were too many people fighting. They went to give it someplace else,” Claude Pierre Louis, 63, said angrily as she washed pots in a plastic bucket on the porch of her house, which lost its roof during the storm. She said Les Anglais needed building supplies because almost every house was damaged, and most were destroyed. She added that people already had created a community group to help clear the streets of debris and rebuild on their own. An estimated 158 people died in Les Anglais, said two police officers who declined to give their names because they were not authorized to talk to the media. Francis Jean, a 42-yearold farmer and taxi driver, was awaiting help after he, his wife and three daughters survived the storm but lost their roof and all their belongings. “You can’t even explain what happened here. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” he said. “This town doesn’t exist anymore. There’s nothing.”
away. The victim is in hospital in stable condition. Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 911/919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
CHAOS IN NORTH CAROLINA IN WAKE OF HURRICANE LUMBERTON, NC Associated Press
WITH floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew on the rise, at least one North Carolina city appeared near chaos Monday, its police station shuttered and sporadic gunfire in the air, and authorities worried that more communities could end up the same way. The storm is gone, but it left behind a water-logged landscape where flooding was expected to persist for the rest of the week. At least three rivers were forecast to reach record levels, some not cresting until Friday. In many areas, the scene resembled a repeat of Hurricane Floyd, which caused $3 billion in damage and destroyed 7,000 homes as it skirted the coast in 1999. Officials were concerned that other cities could suffer the fate of Lumberton, a community of 22,000 people about 80 miles from the ocean. The Rev. Volley Hanson worried that stress from the lack of running water and electricity might push people over the edge. Robeson County, which includes Lumberton, had North Carolina’s highest violent crime rate in 2014. “The cash is going to be running out. We’ve already got street vendors hawking water, Cokes and cigarettes. Cigarettes are at seven bucks a pack,” Hanson said. “It’s nuts here, and it’s going to get worse.” The storm killed at least 23 in the US — nearly half of them in North Carolina. At least three people were missing. The full extent of the disaster in North Carolina was still unclear.
Butch Kerzner Bahamian at heart
PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 11, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
1964 - 2006
Gone but never forgotten. From: The Atlantis & Tribune Family
From left: Butch Kerzner, Vanessa Kerzner, Harry McPike and Joann McPike in South Africa. “We will miss you”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 PAGE 13
THE CRICKET Club across from Arawak Cay, where the covering and fencing on the balcony have been ripped away by Hurricane Matthew.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
HURRICANE MATTHEW:
NEW PROVIDENCE
CLEAN-UP being done on Eastern Road after the devastating damage from the storm.
BAHAMIANS pictured shopping at Solomon’s Fresh Market, Harbour Bay, yesterday, as they stocked up after the storm.
WATER being pumped away in New Providence after flooding in the hurricane.
THE SAILING Club dock pictured after being destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.
WORKERS cleaning up on Arawak Cay.
A WORKER cutting up a fallen tree near Harbour Bay yesterday in the wake of the hurricane.
PAGE 14, Tuesday, October 11, 2016
THE TRIBUNE