The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

BAHAMIANS have been slow to make damage claims in relation to the ongoing bad weather according to Family Island administrators and NEMA head Stephen Russell.

Although a severe weather system warning was recently released for persons living in Grand Bahama, Bimini, Andros and New Providence, Family Island administrators told The Tribune yesterday that their islands have not been badly affected, therefore homeowners have not been making damage claims.

Sherrick Ellis, the Grand Bahama administrator, said: “The rain wasn’t as severe here as it was in Nassau.”

Oscar Munroe, the administrator for Bimini, said: “We haven’t had severe weather this time around. We had people who made claims from Hurricane Sandy but not for the recent inclement weather.

“We haven’t had a problem with flooding. We’ve had coastal erosion that threatens some homes since some houses are built on the shore. We’ve also had a problem with debris on the beaches but nothing more severe.”

Bradley Armbrister, the administrator for Andros, said: “People are not coming in to make claims. We had a lot of rain but there hasn’t been widespread flooding.”

He added: “Crabs are coming up so people are going after them though.”

NEMA head, Captain Russell, said: “No one has started making claims as yet. NEMA needs a letter from the government outlining what items would be provided so people could know for what things they can get help. Once we receive the letter from the government, we will release that letter to the public and people can start making claims.

“Regarding the procedure for Family Island persons, after the government makes it known what items they are providing, persons could make claims to their Family Island administrators. Once the damages have been verified, a file is sent to us here in Nassau to be approved.”

Captain Russell also said he will outline the procedure NEMA undertakes when verifying damage claims today and explain how persons can make their claims.