The Tribune

A GROUP of pastors from the African Methodist Episcopal Church has donated more than 20 new generators to assist with Abaco relief efforts post Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged that island one year ago.

Representing the group of pastors was Reverend Ranford Patterson, who handed over the donation to Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, who is also the Member of Parliament for North Abaco.

The event was held on Tuesday, September 8, on the church's grounds.

"Following Hurricane Dorian, a group of us visited Abaco to assess the damage there. Upon arriving there, we noticed that the power was off and so we wanted to do something tangible that would bring immediate relief to the people," said Rev Patterson. "We decided that we would donate generators to assist in the efforts."

That first donation was made shortly after the hurricane last year.

Mr Henfield said that he was touched by the gesture of kindness.

"Reverend Patterson and the other pastors have been engaged with us from the beginning," said Mr Henfield. "I have been impressed with their quick response to the plight of the people of Abaco and have also been appreciative of the children's party held by Rev Patterson and his colleagues from abroad."

Mr Henfield said that up to 85 percent of the island's power has been restored but that is related to the grid itself. Residents would still need to have the infrastructure to tap into the grid; therefore, a fair number of people are without power as their homes are still in a state of disrepair. The minister said that the donation of generators is a timely one, which would bring necessary relief to affected families.

The pastors who made the donation are: Marcus Davidson, Mount Olive AME Church in Fort Lauderdale; Pastor John White, Emanuel AME Church, Pembroke Pines, Florida and Reverend Patterson, Cousin McPhee AME Church, on Carmichael Road. Last Christmas, the pastors also hosted a party for children staying at the Kendal Isaacs Gym, which was a shelter for displaced victims.