The Tribune

A series of post-crisis seminars, jointly sponsored by the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, will be held in Grand Bahama on Thursday and Friday to assist residents with their restoration efforts, both personally and professionally.

During a press conference at the Ministry for Grand Bahama on Monday, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville said these seminars are important because after an event like Hurricane Matthew, it is not known how people are affected.

The government, said Dr Darville, has moved swiftly throughout Grand Bahama from east to west, with restoration following the hurricane, and this began with cleaning so as to prevent infectious diseases.

Officials are now in the phase of making assessments, both personal and technical.

Dr Darville said: “We found in our communities individuals who have been extremely affected as a result of Hurricane Matthew. As a tripartite agreement between the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry for Grand Bahama - we decided to come together as a team to put on a variety of seminars: one post traumatic stress seminar, as well as seminars for small and medium-sized businesses.

“One thing that we realised with the opening of our schools, was that some of our teachers and students were affected in a negative way and needed psychological assessment as well as counselling in order to rebuild their lives, and to begin to rebuild our community.”

He added: “This seminar is very timely because after an event like Hurricane Matthew, we do not realise the impact Hurricane Matthew has had on individuals and their ability to perform in the job place, and their ability to perform effectively in the community.”

The professionals, counsellors and administrators, were all brought together to ensure that residents take advantage of the counselling sessions.

Discussions have been held with the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce to see how assistance can be given to these businesses in their rebuilding.

The family seminar in Eight Mile Rock will be held on Thursday at Mt Zion Baptist Church in Jones town at 9am.

It will then move to West End to St Mary’s Anglican Church Hall at noon. It will then be held at the Bishop Michael Eldon High School Auditorium at 3.30 pm for Freeport.

There is no need for registration for these seminars and they are free of charge.

Seminars for small and medium sized businesses will be held on Friday, November 4, at 9am and 2pm, and will focus on advice and recommendations for business owners on how to begin the rebuilding phase following the storm.

Both sessions will be held at Pelican Bay Hotel and those attending are asked to register at the Grand Bahama Port Authority or by contacting the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.