Hurricane Dorian was a category five storm that devastated the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama on September 1st, 2019. The government has scheduled a week of activities in remembrance of the event and those who were lost and to encourage survivors. On the third anniversary of the passage of Hurricane Dorian a church service was held in Dundas Town, Abaco at the Friendship Tabernacle.
The service was attended by members of the clergy, Abaconians and numerous government officials led by Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis. During his remarks Mr. Davis said, “during the past year, we have made strenuous efforts to give an account for each person, to say what happened to every individual, but the task has been made near impossible since 2019 the record keeping has been extremely poor. We do not know for certain how all the donations and pledges have been used. What we do know is that you deserve better.”
The Prime Minister also said that the government is committed to relief efforts. He said, “we are also mindful of the need to act and there is still much to do. We have changed the law in relation to the presumption of death to facilitate quicker settlement of insurance, banking and other commercial claims. We have completed the technical phase of the new Abaco Hurricane Shelter, we have helped people begin to move out of the domes to cleaner, safer homes. It has not been easy or perfect but it is an important step in moving forward.”
Representing the official opposition, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement, the Hon. Shanendon Cartwright also gave remarks at the service. He told those in attendance, “the tragedy of Dorian has reminded us that we are stronger, more unified than we know and more than our societal divisions lead us to believe. With the grace from our God and help from each other Abaco and Grand Bahama and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has persevered.”
Local members of the clergy also spoke of their memories of Dorian and the resilience of the people of Abaco. The sermon was delivered Rev. Edgburt Tinker of the Abaco Christian Council.
Wreaths were laid in honors of those who lost their lives.
