The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE devastation left behind by Hurricane Matthew has set in motion massive relief efforts by charity organisations, which yesterday appealed for emergency food items and essential toiletries for people most impacted by the monster storm.

Lia Head-Rigby, founder of the Head-Knowles Foundation, said her organisation, which put together widespread relief efforts following Hurricane Joaquin last year, is now coordinating Hurricane Matthew efforts. It has partnered with two non-profit organisations - Chickcharney Children and Grand Bahama Unite - to aid those facing serious hardship as the nation looks toward rebuilding.

Topping the list of essential items are air mattresses, portable stoves, generators, liquid baby formula, diapers, children’s clothing, wet wipes, tarp, candles, toiletries, bottled water, non-perishable canned goods, small variety packs of cereal, mosquito repellent, water filtration devices and matches.

Other needed items include reusable and disposable plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils and butane stoves along with gas canisters.

Items can be dropped of at the Sky Bahamas hangar near the airport where volunteers are waiting from 10am to 3pm daily to collect these items and package them for distribution. Sky Bahamas is organising flights to transport the donations, Mrs Head-Rigby said.

She added that items for Grand Bahama will be flown into the island by Bahamasair.

Another Head-Knowles representative, Patrina Koo Farquharson, said she was “amazed” by the outpouring of support especially from those in New Providence who too have to cope with difficult conditions left behind by Matthew. She said while the process got off to a slow start, things have now picked up and she is optimistic that more Bahamians will support these efforts.

“I am very amazed,” she told The Tribune. “We here in New Providence had our own personal problems. So I tried to comfort myself Saturday when nothing came in.

“But yesterday (Sunday) people were just off loading lots of food and clothes. What really moved me too was people came with just plastic bags and theses came from their pantries. It’s amazing especially because we in Nassau were also hit. Yet people are giving lovingly and generously.”

And while efforts to get the needed relief to both Grand Bahamas and Andros remain underway, Chickcharney Children spokesperson Cara Rolle said in many cases Androsians had yet to come to terms with the devastation caused by Matthew.

“The first day (of donations) was kind of slow but it seems to be picking up now even though people in Nassau had their fair share (of damage),” she said. “We are in need of water, corn meal, bleach, toothpaste, candles and tarp.

“We have been getting a lot of clothes. We are not saying don’t give this, we are not discriminating, but there are other essential items needed.”

She continued: “In Andros, I wonder if the reality of it all has hit them. But I think they are just happy to have life they and aren’t bothered by having no roof or electricity.”

So far the organisation has received a $40,000 donation for aviation fuel and was also able to secure a generator that was sent to Andros to power a water pump station.

A non-profit charity based in Florida, 3to5 Days, has also donated 100 potable water filter system for residents in North Andros.

On Sunday during a press conference at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Prime Minister Perry Christie pointed out that only NEMA-approved donations will be allowed the “benefit” of being brought into the country, “duty free, VAT free and with no processing fee”.

“We recognise that some people may claim that they have spent money that could be covered by the order before the order is promulgated on Tuesday,” Mr Christie said. “So the Ministry of Finance, we have agreed to cover the period between the commencement of hurricane conditions and Tuesday when the exigency order will take effect upon proof and certification that it conforms with the requirement.

“The clearance of all relief supplies should be accompanied by a C-13 Home Consumption Form, in addition all goods should be properly manifested. Supplies assigned to NEMA would be granted duty and vat free privilege. In addition, no processing fee would be assessed for these goods,” he said.

Emergency supplies such as water, tarp, generators, personal building supplies not assigned to NEMA or a recognised charity should be released upon confirmation from NEMA.

Mr Christie also said the government has agreed, with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, to provide tax rebates for donations from the private sector from businesses who donate to either the Bahamas Government Donation Account, the Rebuild Bahamas Account or “any other government approved relief fund.”

Any donation of $1,000 or more shall receive a tax rebate on business license fees equivalent to 10 per cent for the amount donated up to a maximum of $100,000, Mr Christie said.