US donates generators and reverse osmosis systems to NEMA for shelters

AMONG items donated by US Northern Command were generators and reverse osmosis systems to be used at hurricane shelters.

As of Tuesday, March 14, 2023

HANDING over of emergency equipment to NEMA by US Northern Command. Pictured are Myles Laroda and US Embassy Acting deputy chief of missions Lance Posey.

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE United States government donated 28 generators that will be deployed to shelters in seven Family Islands and six reverse osmosis systems.

The official handover ceremony of disaster response equipment to support a national shelter programme was held yesterday where Myles Laroda, state minister for disaster preparedness, outlined the capabilities of the equipment.

“Today, we are gathered, once again, to accept and give thanks for the United States government’s very generous donation of 28 generators which will be installed with automatic transfer switches, carbon monoxide sensors and fire extinguishers,” he said.

“This support package costs approximately $600,000. The generators will be deployed to shelters in seven of our Family Islands. The islands receiving these generators for their shelters are Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Cat Island, Exuma, Mayaguana, and Crooked Island. The determination of which islands will be supplied with generators was made following inspections in 2022 of the 143 facilities that served as hurricane and emergency shelters throughout The Bahamas.

“US Northern Command has also partnered with the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) to secure a generator for the hurricane shelter/community centre that is currently under construction in Abaco. In addition to the generators that are being donated today, the US Northern Command is also donating six easy transportable reverse osmosis systems. These systems will allow for the rapid production of potable water for general use in remote areas,” Mr Laroda said.

Jon Smart, international engagement and acquisition division chief for the US Northern Command, boasted about the relationship the two nations have.

“This equipment supports the planning, mitigation, response and recovery before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. The equipment highlights the culture of preparedness that exists throughout The Bahamas. It also enhances and strengthens the movement towards climate resiliency here in The Bahamas,” he said.

“The turnover of the equipment is especially timely as the hurricane season approaches and it’s just around the corner. Northern Command is proud of the relationship we have with this great nation. It is a relationship that has grown over the last few years, which is due in no small part to the superb leadership within the administration and the hard work of the Bahamian people.”

Lance Posey, acting deputy chief of mission for the US Embassy, expressed the critical equipment and ongoing training engagements are vital to emergency management.

“As close friends and partners to The Bahamas, US government, US NORTHCOM and the US people don’t believe in simply showing up after disaster strikes. We know that the work done now is just as important as the work that you have yet to come. We’re here now and we’ll always be here ready to help side by side with our Bahamian neighbours.”

ThisIsOurs 1 year, 9 months ago

I hope they put tracking devices inside the generators... just in case they end up at Kay Forbes Smith house

Sickened 1 year, 9 months ago

Lordy I was just going to type the same thing. I'm sure the US hid an AirTag in each one. I think I may as well.

Some of these will never be deployed. Some will never be installed to a building. And some will somehow make it to peoples homes.

The_Oracle 1 year, 9 months ago

They'll have the R.O. Systems screwed up in about 5 years, once they get them installed in 5 and a half years! The generators, well, yeah, they'll end up elsewhere. If actually installed at a government NEMA site they'll not run when needed. And NEMA still has no field manual, or step by step on what to do. Plenty powers to seize and summary convicting but no sense therein. Most Govt personnel who have experience are retired/transferred/under a bus.

IslandWarrior 1 year, 9 months ago

It's time for the United States to start viewing The Bahamas as an equal partner, not a lesser-developed country that only deserves small gifts. While the recent donation of generators and reverse osmosis systems is appreciated, it pales compared to China's substantial support and investment in its friendly countries, such as building modern schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The U.S. should consider prioritizing the long-standing relationship with The Bahamas and offer more substantial aid that directly benefits Bahamians rather than just strategic interests.

The United States and The Bahamas have had a long-standing relationship dating back to the colonial period. The two countries have cooperated on various issues, including economic development, security, and disaster relief. The United States also views The Bahamas as a key ally in the Caribbean region and a partner in promoting regional stability and security. Therefore, the relationship between the United States and The Bahamas is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to solely strategic interests.

"It's time for the United States to step up and offer more substantial support to The Bahamas if they want to compete with China's strong regional foreign policy efforts. Let's move beyond 'little gifts of dolls' and invest in building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure that will truly benefit the Bahamian people."

stillwaters 1 year, 9 months ago

They are responsible for us. Hospitals, roads, and infrastructure are our government's responsibility.

Sickened 1 year, 9 months ago

The US provide the majority of our major health care. They provide the majority of our food and retail items. They provide a significant chunk of our tourists, either as individuals or by air services. They provide a significant portion of our ability to ship in goods. If Florida alone turned their backs to us our cost of living would double while our economy would shrink. We are NOT... AT ALL... independent.

BMW 1 year, 9 months ago

Agreed 100%

IslandWarrior 1 year, 9 months ago

While it's true that the United States is a major provider of healthcare, food, and retail items in The Bahamas (this would not be something I would be proud to say), we must not forget that our heavy reliance on imports has resulted in a significant trade deficit and a dependency-based economy. In the 2022 third quarter, The Bahamas' trade deficit increased by $82.37 million or 10.3 percent year-over-year due to the spike in goods imports, which exceeded $1 billion for the period. Food imports alone represent over 50 percent of our import costs.

Instead of relying solely on foreign imports, we should prioritize developing a manufacturing-based economy that can create jobs and reduce our dependency on imports. While the United States is an important partner, we should not view them as our sole provider but rather as a potential partner in achieving economic growth and sustainability. Let's work together towards a more self-sufficient Bahamas.

IslandWarrior 1 year, 9 months ago

I understand that the responsibility for building and maintaining infrastructure ultimately falls on the Bahamian government. However, my point is that the United States has a long-standing relationship with The Bahamas and should prioritize supporting the Bahamian people by offering more substantial aid that directly benefits them. This is not about shirking responsibility but rather about strengthening a partnership and promoting the well-being of a friendly country.

Moreover, the United States and China are currently competing for influence in the region, and China has been able to gain favor with many countries by offering substantial support in the form of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. If the United States wants to remain a key player in the region and compete with China's strong foreign policy efforts, it needs to step up and offer more substantial support to its allies, including The Bahamas.

It's time for the United States to invest in the long-standing relationship with The Bahamas and demonstrate that it sees The Bahamas as an equal partner, not just a strategic pawn. The Bahamian people deserve more than just small gifts; they deserve substantial support that directly benefits them.

The Tribune