The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – A family of seven left homeless after a fire is depending on the generosity of the public as they raise funds to rebuild.

Several people, including former parliamentarians David Wallace and Kenneth Russell, have come together as a committee to help raise money for building materials for the Tate family.

Bradley and Portia Tate lost their three-bedroom home in Imperial Park on August 22. Although they were still paying the mortgage, the house was uninsured at the time of the fire.

The committee has announced plans for walk-a-thon in November. They have also set up an account at Commonwealth Bank for donations.

Mr Wallace called on corporate citizens, local businesses and concerned individuals to come forward and help.

“We come to make an appeal to the public to assist The Tate family. They still have a mortgage on the home and so they find themselves having to pay their mortgage and the rent to where they now live,” he said.

Mr Wallace said Mr Tate, a dialysis patient, was in hospital when his home was destroyed.

He said a walkathon will take place on November 3, and they are hoping to raise $10,000.

Mr Russell, who serves as treasurer of the committee, said donors may also contribute money to Commonwealth Bank account #5004150.

As a certified architect and building inspector, Mr Russell conducted an inspection of the structure so the family can obtain a permit to rebuild from the GB Port Authority.

“I have been an inspector at BORCO for quite some time and I have also been doing architecture in Grand Bahama for the past 40 years,” he said.

Mr Russell said the floor and structure are still sound.

“I also did testing of the concrete beams and columns and found everything to be okay. I am now in the process of completing an inspection report and the drawings to be submitted to the Port Authority,” he said.

Mr Russell, former High Rock MP, said residents of East Grand Bahama are willing to help with the labour.

“Mr Tate is from East Grand Bahama. He is the eldest son of Hubert Tate of Sweeting’s Cay and we will do what we can to help in terms of labour to get him and his family back in their home,” Russell said.

Mr Tate said: “This could happen to anyone and we are just grateful that persons have come together to assist us in rebuilding our home.”