The Tribune

THE first set of building supplies to start the rebuilding phase on three Family Islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin last October have been shipped by the National Emergency Management Agency.

The supplies are being sent on the maiden voyage of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel HMBS Lawrence Major to San Salvador, Long Island and Crooked Island.

The shipping of supplies comes as a result of contracts issued for the rebuilding of houses on those islands for residents who lost homes as the hurricane moved through the central and southeast Bahamas.

Supplies, including cement, blocks, and bundles of plywood and lumber in addition to household items and appliances were loaded on board the newly-acquired vessel at the Arawak Port on Tuesday.

Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell was pleased that the RBDF vessel came into service in time to ship the building supplies to the specific areas. He said NEMA, in addition to the National Repair and Reconstruction Unit, ensured that the materials were purchased and shipped to the designated islands so the rebuilding process could begin.

“Most certainly, residents are trying to bear with it, which is a systematic process (to restoring normalcy),” Capt Russell said.

Lt Cmdr Milton Munroe, commanding officer of HMBS Lawrence Major, said he was pleased that he and his crew of 19 marines were able to carry out the RBDF mandate for the disaster response and recovery.

Once the supplies reach the islands, they will be turned over to RBDF marines, the Family Island administrator and the contractor.