The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Still Standing After the Storm Hurricane Relief Concert and Food Drive at Port Lucaya was a success and food items collected benefitted the local Salvation Army and Red Cross organisations in Grand Bahama.

The event, which featured a showcase of local talent and art, was organised by Mackey Media, in conjunction with Port Lucaya Marketplace and The Uppercut Band & Friends.

Persons attending the concert were asked to bring a donation of canned goods or a bag of food items in aid of the food drive to assist feeding programmes of the Salvation Army and Red Cross.

A significant cash donation was also presented to the Salvation Army by Erika Gates.

A large cross section of the community supported the concert and food drive and enjoyed the performances by Bahamas International Mass Choir’s Rake ‘n’ Scrape Gospel, acoustic guitarists Derek Gape and Steve Persuad and vocalists Tony Lowe and Friends.

Afrika Karamo Miller played the violin and artwork by Steffon Grant was auctioned off.

Well-known Bahamian artist “Roachie”, who now lives in Britain where he is a performing artist, also performed his song “Champions Overcome”, and called on Bahamians to help their fellowman and make the Bahamas a better place for all.

David Mackey, programme coordinator, said the idea for the event came about from his experience working on television ads and campaigns.

“I spent two days at and with the Grand Bahama Red Cross both in their branch facility and on the road as they made deliveries of KFC chicken meals to needy recipients far and wide. To see the look on the faces of those receiving meals that they lacked the means to get for themselves was beyond heartwarming.

“Hence, I was inspired to devise a means of support that those who could not write big cheques could contribute towards stocking the empty pantries of the Grand Bahama Red Cross and the Salvation Army (also assists with feeding hungry persons on the island) within their means.”

Mr Mackey said the event, which was held November 19, generated so much food that the Salvation Army and Red Cross representatives asked: “How do we get all this food out of here?”

“Many thanks to the security at Port Lucaya who got a large wheelbarrow and pushed several loads of food to the vehicles,” he said.

Mr Mackey also thanked all the participants and performers who volunteered willingly towards the cause of feeding the hungry. “No one received cash for their efforts,” he said.

Also participating were Joseph Darville, one of three cohosts, along with Brooke Grant and Yolanda Hanna. Mr Darville, a member of Save the Bays, said he was excited to be a part of the initiative and talked about climate change and how The Bahamas is being affected.