FREETOWN, Grand Bahama -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest on Friday, November 1, 2019, thanked Rotary for its donation of building materials to residents of East Grand Bahama.

The Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, along with representatives of Rotary, travelled by convoy to St. Cleveland Baptist Church in Freetown to make the presentation to St. Cleveland Baptist Church in Freetown.

Included in the convoy were Ray Williams, District Governor, Rotary District 6990; Liz Knowles, Area Governor for Rotary District 6990; and James Sarles, Rotary Disaster Relief Committee Director.

A fellow Rotarian pleased with the “extremely generous donation”, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that immediately following Hurricane Dorian, Rotary provided emergency clothing and relief. “Now, we are transitioning to this building materials phase.

“As I said, the government cannot do this all by itself. This is a massive undertaking, and so when organizations like District 6990 and Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama come and offer this kind of assistance, this is immeasurable. We cannot put a value on this, even in terms of the cost of materials.

“As we know, without it, people would take extended periods of time to get the materials and get back into their homes as quickly as possible. This is about building communities and this is about putting people’s lives back together as best we can.”

James Sarles said the Disaster Committee has come to the island’s aid starting with basic necessities delivered to shelters, the hospital and to the people. The group then delivered canned goods as well as implemented a tent programme for those who lost their homes.

He said, “Now that people want to get back to some sort of normalcy, the next phase is the rebuilding phase and it will start with getting all of the sheetrock out, then mould remediation followed by the building materials to come in.

“Along with Equinor, a sponsor, the Rotary Club was able to deliver roofing material. “Rotary is doing everything it can to get the people back on their feet and we are very thankful for our sponsors, Equinor and many people from around the country, Cable and Wireless, the Harness Foundation and generous donations; and with that money, we put it right to use, helping the people of Grand Bahama.”