The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest is generally pleased with relief distribution in Grand Bahama but admits that a "better job can be done" concerning the dispersal of building materials to residents in East End.

"It is taking longer than we are like, and we are all impatient with respect to getting it done as urgently as we like," the East Grand Bahama MP said during a recent interview.

"But, nonetheless, we are just grateful we are reaching that day where we will start to see dollars put in people's hands to be able to do what they need to do."

East End was the hardest hit area of Grand Bahama by Hurricane Dorian in early September. Although there has been some debris removal and road access restored, the area is still in need of massive clean-up and restoration.

When The Tribune visited the area on Saturday, the devastation was still evident - there we were lots of damaged structures and homes, and many downed utility poles.

When asked how he felt about the progress of restoration efforts in East Grand Bahama, Mr Turnquest said: "Some areas are progressing quicker than others due to equipment and resources that individual contractors may have, but I think all are making progress. We have added resources to some of the areas to quicken the pace and we will see some noticeable differences in terms of clean-up."

Concerning the removal of debris from private properties, the MP said officials need "the partnership and cooperation" of homeowners to take down structures to remove debris from those individual properties.

"Again, we are making progress and this is a long process, unfortunately. It does take a lot of effort and resources, and equipment.

"Generally speaking, yes, I am pleased with relief distribution on Grand Bahama, but believe that we can do a better job in getting building materials to those who are prepared to receive it.

"We need to get the labour component up and going because while some properties may be prepared and ready to receive materials, they have no ability to actually do the construction that needs to happen."

Mr Turnquest said that the government programme will come on stream very shortly and would provide "tangible" assistance to affected residents.

"We anticipate according to the minister (Iram Lewis) that on February 1, the assistance programme should be rolled out, and that should make a tangible difference in getting materials on the roofs and walls, and put people back into their homes," Mr Turnquest, minister of finance, said.

On the airport, Mr Turnquest said discussions are being held while the temporary facility is up and receiving international flights.

"As to the wider development, the government is having discussions with Hutchison (Whampoa) about the future of the airport and what that may look like, and how that partnership will look at the end of the day," he said.

Grand Bahama International Airport sustained severe flood damage and was destroyed as a result of storm surge in early September.