FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Within one day of Hurricane Nicole leaving the country, Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Chester Cooper led a delegation to assess the damage In Abaco and Grand Bahama on Thursday, November 10.
Arriving at the EOC in the C.A. Smith Building shortly after 2:30 the delegation gathered to hear updates from various government and non-governmental entities.

Acting PM Cooper, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, was accompanied by the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Obadiah Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works and Utilities; the Hon. Keith Bell, Minister of Labour and Immigration; the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security; the Hon. Myles LaRoda, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Reduction along with Senators Kirkland Russell and James Turner; Leader of the Official Opposition, Michael Pintard; Members of Parliament, Captain Stephen Russell, NEMA, Alex Storr, Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) along with senior government officials and technical staff.

Minister Moxey said she was happy that Grand Bahama was spared with the passage of Nicole. “We can say that Grand Bahama did well.” Some of the issues faced, she added, are home repairs and damage to some seawalls. These will be addressed, and “I am confident the government of The Bahamas is focused on ensuring that Grand Bahama Island recovers.”

While addressing the delegation along with members of the EOC, Acting Prime Minister Cooper said he was there to see what happened because of Hurricane Nicole in Abaco and Grand Bahama. “I am pleased to tell you that based on our observations in Abaco, we have fared very well there. And, I am so pleased to once again proclaim that God is good.

“No serious injuries, no loss of life. I’ve had occasion to speak with the Minister for Grand Bahama earlier today, who gave a snapshot of the visits along with the Honourable Senators (Russell and Turner) across the island of Grand Bahama and I am delighted to hear that you’ve also fared very well here in Grand Bahama. No serious injuries, no loss of life and for that, I once again proclaim that God is good.”

He said he was there on behalf of Prime Minister Philip Davis who is currently in Egypt.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Mr. Pintard and the other opposition Members of Parliament for being present in solidarity.

He said they were there “to demonstrate in times of crisis we are stronger together. I think that sends a strong message to the country and to the world that we have the ability to put aside our politics and to press forward in the good of our country when we must.”

Also acknowledged by the Deputy Prime Minister were the Local Government leaders because the management of 700 islands cannot be done by central government alone. He thanked all those involved in making things run smoothly in managing the crisis.

“I was very pleased to hear everywhere I went in the country over the past few days how comforted people were that the communications were clear, and the process was seemingly very organized. I can tell you that was not by chance, and I tip my hat to Minister LaRoda, Captain Russell and everybody involved in the process.”

Brief reports were given to the delegation explaining flooding, the removal of debris, evacuations from East Grand Bahama and how many residents utilized the shelters.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Cooper, “You know already that our government is committed to the ongoing development and advancement of the island of Grand Bahama. The improvement of your infrastructure, the improvement of your economy and delivering more opportunities for you.

“So, it’s no coincidence we are here immediately once the airport was cleared today.  I believe we were the first plane to land in Grand Bahama and I believe that is significant for many important reasons. We’re here to stand with you to show you that we recognize that even since Hurricane Dorian, there is still much work to do. With your infrastructure, with the care of the people, with the attention that is needed towards the mental health of our citizens and the ongoing growth and development of the island of Grand Bahama.

“We are here in Grand Bahama to let you know that the government is committed not just in words but with the resources of the government and with the assets of the government,” he said.