The Tribune

IN response to Hurricane Joaquin, the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies initiated its relief efforts with its partners Hi-Lite Global, Seaboard Asphalt, and Trans Ocean Photos Inc to donate over 20,000 bottles of water to The Bahamas Red Cross Society and The Salvation Army in aid of the organisations’ hurricane relief and recovery efforts for the southern islands that were affected.

President of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Atario Mitchell said his company feels a responsibility to make certain they assist in taking care of persons in the southern islands, who have lost all of their belongings.

He added: “In previous hurricane relief efforts, we have always donated water because it is one of the most important resources. Procuring safe drinking water is critical. In addition, because of the level of flood waters, there is the potential that the water can possibly be contaminated and persons would need pure water to brush their teeth, and to cook a meal for their families.”

On Tuesday, Jan Mackey, human resources and logistics manager of The Bahamas Red Cross, gratefully accepted the donation.

She said the water is a tremendous help because it is included in all of their parcels with food, clothing, and hygiene products.

“We are working with our team members in all of the islands to ensure that all Bahamians who are in need, receive aid and support from The Red Cross,” she said.

The Bahamas Red Cross has already delivered parcels to San Salvador, Long Island, and Rum Cay, and within this week, shipments will be sent to Acklins and Crooked Island.

Major Clarence Ingraham, divisional commander of The Salvation Army, said that his organisation is working along with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and is in the process of gathering water and clothing to send to the islands later on in the month.

“Our main effort will be reconstruction of roofs and possibly replacing windows on homes that received extensive damage,” he said. “We are gathering our resources, because it will be a major effort to get building items to the islands that need it the most. We do not have the funds to rebuild homes, but we can assist in the best way that we can.”