The Tribune

By George Smith

HURRICANES have inflicted great damage to The Bahamas.

Wayne Neely, who works at the Met Office, in his book ‘Great Bahamas Hurricane of 1929’, wrote that the September 1866 hurricane took 387 lives, the 1899 hurricane took 334, the July 1926 hurricane killed 268 and the 1928 hurricane claimed 18 lives.

On September 24, 1929 a powerful hurricane began its trek through the northern Bahamas. On its westward turn it did great damage, particularly in New Providence and Andros, killing 134.

Tales have been told about the heroics, compassion and leadership which distinguished many men and women of those years, who rendered assistance where needed by any who were severely impacted by the killer hurricanes.

Hurricane Matthew came to The Bahamas from the south 87 years after 1929. It took a westward route as did the ’29 hurricane. It left devastation in its path especially in Andros, at Chub Cay, the Berry Islands, in Grand Bahama and New Providence, with the southern perimeter of New Providence hit hard.

Miraculously, not a single life was lost or a major injury reported. We should, therefore, be grateful and thank our Creator that lives were spared and that we live on these islands of incomparable beauty.

We should stop our grumbling, count our blessings and apply our energy in assisting those most impacted by the hurricane and at all times the indigent and the elderly in the society.

In times like these it is important for Bahamians to remind ourselves of the stuff of which we are made, of the strength and courage of our ancestors and the great trials and adversities they overcame. From them we can draw the strength we now need.

I share with you a number of examples of their great courage. The first revolt by those of our ancestors who were enslaved took place in 1787. It took them 47 years to win their freedom. In 1942 they fought against the injustices at Windsor Field and in 1958 they forced the government to submission during the General Strike. Having fought for universal adult suffrage, the vote for women was secured in time for the 1962 general election.

The fight against racism was a major part of the struggle, attracting great numbers of supporters to the progressive movement. They made Majority Rule a reality in 1967 and Independence in 1973. They endure many natural disasters and paid heavily in lives. Over the years they overcame many indignities with their pride intact. They were knocked-down many times, but never stayed-down. Their heads were often bloodied, but unbowed.

We should pray that their indomitable spirit encircled us in times of disasters, afflictions and when we weakened.

So as those affected by Hurricane Matthew struggle to rebuild their properties and restore their lives to normalcy, we must inspire our young people, in the spirit of their ancestors to assist their neighbours and help the elderly and those in need during this recovery period. They may just develop a sense of charity and realize that feeling of pride, which only comes when you give of yourself for the betterment of others.

Now is a good time to call on the spirit of our “noble” ancestors to strengthen and guide us to overcome our adversities and our weaknesses, moving us with God’s blessing to a lofty plateau.

• George Smith is a former Cabinet minister and former member of Parliament for Exuma. He is a member of the Progressive Liberal Party.