The Tribune

North Andros & Berry Islands MP Dr Perry Gomez yesterday accused FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis of politicising tragedy in the aftermath of the massive fire at Great Harbour Cay.

Dr Gomez said that not only was he aware of the blaze that ripped through 200 acres of the Berry Islands community, but he also acted immediately to ensure the police and NEMA had been notified. 

Dr Gomez said he also contacted the US Embassy for potential assistance due to island’s proximity to America.

“It is erroneous,” said Dr Gomez, ”and not in keeping with the truth for the leader of the opposition to attempt to mislead the public asserting that I as the member for parliament or the government through its agencies did not respond to the needs of the people of the Berry Islands during the blaze.

“There are some things,” he added, “which should not be politicised and a potentially destructive fire in a small community such as the Berry Islands is such a case.”

Dr Minnis, who visited the island on Friday, said Dr Gomez only “bothered” to visit the Berry Islands after learning of his visit.

In an interview with The Tribune, the FNM leader said that the massive fire burned for three days before government officials “even noticed or sent help”.

However, Dr Gomez said Fire Chief Walter Evans was present on the island one day after the fire had been reported.

“The community,” he said, “has requested its representatives to provide two additional water trucks and water pumps in order to provide continuous water management of fires. The Government of the Bahamas will review a proposal to identify appropriate land for the establishment of a government complex to include health facilities on Great Harbour Cay, that is privately owned.”