Statement From The Leader of The Opposition On the Relief Efforts Of The PLP

Let us pause for a moment of silence for the lives that were lost during the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

We have received expressions of support from sister parties in the following nations: Barbados, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, Grenada, Guyana, Antigua and other friends of The Bahamas.

I am shocked by the savage destruction that has been wrought by Hurricane Dorian. I am saddened by the loss of life. On behalf of the Progressive Liberal Party, I pray for the repose of all souls. May they rest in peace.

The Progressive Liberal Party has already moved to organize disaster relief to the extent of our resources. I have asked Mrs Glenys Hanna-Martin and Senator Dr. Michael Darville to co-chair our disaster relief committee. Those who wish to volunteer can do so by contacting the PLP’s headquarters.

We have already established a collection depot at the Lynden Pindling Centre on Farrington Road. Those who wish to drop dry goods, bedding, non perishable foods and hygiene kits may do so at the centre.

We thank the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for providing us with briefings on the path and impact of the storm. We are advised that the “all clear” will be given late tonight. I expect that at first light on Wednesday, 4 September and conditions permitting, the Deputy Leader and I will set out with teams from the party to visit the affected areas.

I am asking all PLP Branches to solicit a special collection this month for hurricane relief.

While the PLP will do what it can, including working with international partners to help, it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure and provide the leadership in this recovery.

The PLP pledges to ensure that our efforts support the general relief efforts and monitor the national efforts to ensure the protection of the public interest.

If the exigency orders for relief for customs duties and VAT are as described, the PLP supports those orders. We believe that those orders should extend to New Providence as well.

Given the level of flooding in New Providence and the ensuing chaos in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the PLP asks that the government seriously consider extending the bank holiday to allow for conditions to settle down.

In addition to tax relief by the government, we appeal to all those in the commercial sector to provide a minimum of 60 days debt relief following the passage of the storm.

This in our view should include temporary relief from mortgage payments, rent, electricity and telephone bills.

Further, given the mass dislocation of our brothers and sisters in Abaco and Grand Bahama, the PLP calls on the government to consider incentivizing the use of rooms in private homes in Abaco, Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Let us continue to pray for Grand Bahama that is still in the path of this deadly and dangerous Hurricane.

We urge Bahamians to be cautious during the restoration process as many of the accidents and injuries occur in the aftermath of the Hurricane.

It’s now a “Call to Action” by Bahamians everywhere.

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