The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

After a recent trip to Cat Island, following Hurricane Joaquin, a feeling of concern has weighed heavily on my mind.

I watched Bahamian leaders step in front of the national media to speak about a quick and decisive disaster response for areas such as Rum Cay, San Salvador, Crooked Island and Long Island.

This media blitz filled me with a sense of déjà vu considering it was the same political banter that took place during Hurricane Irene with Cat Island being the focus. I have made many trips to Cat Island and seeing the devastation after Irene was eye-opening, but even more shocking is the lack of governmental response in the years following.

For those who have recently been displaced and lost most of the material possessions owned, I hope that the empty promises to Cat Island are not a normal example of disaster relief in The Bahamas. I find it disgraceful that the Deputy Prime Minister and MP who represents Cat Island (as well as Rum Cay and San Salvador) let so many issues created by Irene fall through the cracks.

Major contracts were handed down during the “relief and rebuild” period but as time passes it seems to be forgotten that two clinics are still in shambles, nor has a permanent doctor been on island in years and “band-aids” have been placed on infrastructural problems.

I’m writing this, not to complain, but to bring to light the long road ahead for those who were in the wake of Joaquin.

DISAPPOINTED

Nassau,

November 10, 2015