It was only a few months ago that tourism officials boasted record breaking numbers in Grand Bahama, ﾓthe best tourist seasonﾒ that island had reportedly seen in 10 years.
But the recent hammering of Hurricane Frances changed all this, leaving Grand Bahamians scrambling to nurse the main artery of that island.
Briefing the media Tuesday on the status of Grand Bahamaﾴs hotel infrastructure following the devastation, David Johnson, deputy director general with responsibility for that island, indicated that the Royal Oasis Resort was hardest hit having lost its roof and most of the entrance to its lobby.
ﾓMost of the glass structure in the lobby has to be replaced,ﾒ Mr. Johnson said.
ﾓSome 12 to 20 room windows, particularly on the higher levels, were lost. There was other minor damage on the building and severe landscape damage throughout the premises, most of which had just been put in place about two years ago. I expect then that it will be closed today for repairs to get it reopened shortly.ﾒ
The Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina was also damaged.
ﾓThere was damage to the roof, balconies, windows and landscape work will now be required,ﾒ Mr. Johnson said.
Just next door to the Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort, Pelican Bay reportedly suffered 20 to 30 percent damage to its roof, as is the case with the UNEXSO, whose roof requires significant work.
The Viva Fortuna Beach has only minor damage to repair, following no evidence of any significant beach erosion.
Grand Bahama was one of the worst hit islands during Hurricane Frances with reports indicating that West End was virtually swept away, creating nothing more than a ghost town.
ﾓThe Old Bahama Bay resort was well protected and sustained no significant damage at all, but I would say that 85 percent of the village of West End is destroyed and 85 percent of whatﾴs left is damaged,ﾒ Mr. Johnson told the media.
Tourism officials are expected to have an official assessment report by Wednesday.
According to Mr. Johnson, the biggest challenge for the residents now is restoring power on Grand Bahama, particularly to its vital areas.
Grand Bahamians are hoping to have electricity by the end of the week, which is expected to accelerate the speed with which the islandﾴs telephone and water services are restored.
BEC General Manager Kevin Basden has indicated that efforts to restore power throughout the Bahamas continue.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials are also continuing their efforts to restore the country to some type of normalcy following the devastating effects of Hurricane Frances.
According to NEMA Coordinator, Carl Smith, a multi-disciplinary team including a physician, nurse, counselor, social worker and engineer, is on its way to Grand Cay (just off Abaco), which is currently in low supply of potable water.
Water was also scheduled to leave Nassau with some help from a government/private sector initiative involving Barcardi, various water and packaging companies like Bapak Ltd. and Chelseaﾴs Choice.
ﾓWe are basically on top of water,ﾒ Mr. Smith said. ﾓWe should have water to the affected communities today.ﾒ
Over the past few days, NEMA has received calls from many Bahamians willing to lend a helping hand. But according to Mr. Smith, the agency is hoping to avoid creating another disaster and instead suggests persons donate funds.
ﾓWe have to learn from the experience of others,ﾒ he said.
ﾓWhen people start saying they have clothes to donate, this presents a logistical problem because we do not know what is coming, creating a big mess. So, if you wish to make a contribution towards the relief effort, it is preferable for that to be monetary donations because we are then able to work with agencies that are professional in bringing disaster relief prepackaged already. Itﾴs just a question of their moving things from their warehouseﾅ. We will get the money to the relevant account.ﾒ
NEMA will later announce where that account will be set up.
The Salvation Army, one of the two organizations authorized to accept donations on behalf of NEMA, works closely with the organization to ensure that things run smoothly.
Divisional Commander, Major Raphael Mason, disclosed Tuesday that assistance is on the way for The Bahamas from the Salvation Army in the United States. ﾠ
In the interim, he said, the Salvation Army will use its local resources to provide food and water for residents in Grand Bahama.
Major Mason was quick to point out that the Salvation Army is also in need of help in order to help others.
Those willing to offer donations are advised to do so at the Salvation Armyﾴs local headquarters on Mackey Street or its building at West Atlantic Drive in Freeport.
Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
