The Tribune

TWO residents of Long Island who lost their homes to Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015 recently received the keys to newly built homes mortgage free.

Lee Wallace, 89, and her granddaughter Melony McIntosh, a 40-year-old mother of two, were the recipients of homes built by Four Cs Adventures of Exuma and friends from the United States of America.

On Wednesday, March 2, a team made up of officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), local government officials, the contractor, builders from Exuma and other guests assembled for the handover of keys.

Since the destruction of their homes, Ms Wallace lived with family members and her granddaughter in one of the mobile homes sent to the island as temporary housing.

Homebuilder Clayton Smith, of Four Cs Adventures, said he came across the hurricane victims while volunteering on Long Island in the aftermath of the storm. He said he determined immediately that he would assist in some way.

Mr Smith galvanised workers and Darville Lumber Co of Exuma, friends from Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, a donor from Tennessee of $10,000, and JetBlue airline which flew in the construction workers to the island, free of charge, until the work was completed.

Island Administrator Terrece Bootle-Bethel said although the recovery efforts have been overwhelming, it was great to see the homes completed.

To the builder, she said: “I salute you, sir, on your volunteerism, your strength and resolve. The government cannot do it on its own.”

She thanked all those involved in the building of the homes and especially Exuma residents for understanding their obligation to their fellow men.

Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell was delighted to witness the handover of keys.

“I have seen the destruction in the islands and it was the hand of God who has been good to us and kept his people,” he said.

Captain Russell recalled when he first met Ms McIntosh and the distress on her face, having lost so much during the passage of the storm. He said it was beautiful to now see a smile on her face.

He encouraged the new homeowners to take care of their properties; while reassuring them that NEMA and its partners will not rest until all homes are completed.

Ms McIntosh, an employee at the Department of Environmental Health Services, expressed gratitude in response to receiving the two-bedroom, one bath home. Her grandmother received the same.