RE- DECLARATION OF EXIGENCY NOT APPLIED TO ELEUTHERA

Wall damage and sea debris at the grave yard in James Cistern following hurricane Irene

Joint statement by Clay G. Sweeting, PLP Candidate for North Eleuthera; L. Ryan Pinder, Member of Parliament, Elizabeth

On August 25th, 2011, Hurricane Irene lavishly and without remorse ripped through the island of Eleuthera, wreaking havoc on all its inhabitants, from the deep south to the north.  The most significant impacts were felt during the early morning hours where many of the settlements experienced wind speeds of up to one hundred and twenty five (125) miles per hour and experienced significant flooding.

The storm failed to bring widespread surge of water that had been feared on the island, however settlements such as Governor’s Harbour and Cupid’s Cay did experience significant ocean surge and flooding.  Hurricane Irene, however, did cause widespread damage including power outages, telephone and cellular outages, as well as building and home damages.

In James Cistern, the sea rose above the grave yard and even into some people’s homes.  The sea grass covered the main road making it impossible to drive until it was removed.  Individuals lost roofing on their homes and the ballpark’s lighting has been destroyed.  In Gregory Town the Primary School has been damaged, with parts of the roof destroyed, and most of the computer equipment and other items damaged.

There is a large enormous amount of power lines down which has left Upper and Lower Bogue, the Bluff and James Cistern without electricity for almost two weeks.  Many people have lost parts of their roofs which have resulted in significant water damage inside their homes.  The clinic in Bluff has roof damage and is leaking, causing significant risk to health care on the island.

Cupid’s Cay in Governor’s Harbour has received extensive damage.  Homes has been completely destroyed which has left the people distraught and crippled without the provision of electricity.  There was up to five feet of flooding in Governor’s Harbour, causing significant damage to property.

The Government has declared an Exigency of the fourth schedule of the Tariff Act which qualifies duty free concessions to certain islands for re-building and for agricultural and fisheries purposes.  Of note, the Government ignored the needs of the people of Eleuthera.   There has been substantial damage to buildings and dwellings in Eleuthera.  There has also been significant devastation to the farmers of all of Eleuthera.  The people of Eleuthera need to re-build, and the Government has refused to provide them the necessary duty incentives extended to other islands of the Bahamas.

What is most troubling is that the decision of not including Eleuthera in the Exigency declaration was made without a complete inspection of the island or the damages thereof.  The island of Eleuthera has been neglected too long by the FNM government and it is time that the people of Eleuthera, the residents of one of the jewels of the Bahamas, get the attention that they deserve.  We call on the Government to further inspect the island of Eleuthera and to immediately include Eleuthera in the Exigency Declaration for duty free concessions that have been applied to many other islands.

In closing, we would like to thank and commend the people of Eleuthera for their demonstration unity after the devastation of Hurricane Irene.  They have worked together to clean up their settlements and make temporary repairs to areas of the community that needed serious attention.

May God Bless You All!