A USCG Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew evacuates Hurricane Dorian displaced adults and children to safety, in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, on September 5, 2019. HUNTER MEDELY, US COAST GUARD, AFP/GETTY IMAGESNational Security Minister Wayne Caines today urged residents to help fill the ship bound for the Bahamas with non-monetary donations of specific supplies this weekend.
Speaking at a news conference today (Sept 6) Mr Caines said local companies and residents have already started to assist, with BELCO on standby to send crews to help restore power.
The HMS Protector ship is already in Bermuda preparing to carry specific items to the eastern Caribbean islands on Monday.
The Minister provided the list of specific items to be dropped off at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on King Street in Hamilton, until 6pm today (Friday), between 2pm and 6pm on Saturday and between 9:30am to 4pm on Sunday.
“The boat can take up to 200 tons,” said Minister Caines. “We are looking to get 200 tons from our country.
“Please note that all donated items must be new and non-perishable dry goods are most in need.
“Whatever you would need in preparation for or following a hurricane are needed in the Bahamas,” he added.
A team “will coordinate further donation efforts from the Ministry of National Security and must be contacted via email at EMOGroup@gov.bm, or via text only to 441-501-0380″.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to roll up our sleeves and help financially, or by donating food and materials to our neighbours in the Bahamas,” said the Minister.
Nassau resident Sandra Ferguson, 55, right, embraces her brother, Dereck Bain, 46, and their sister Judy Rolle, 51, in Marsh Harbour on Abaco in the Bahamas – Trevor Hughes, USA Today“The boat that will be transporting the goods can carry up to 200 tons of equipment, so we are looking to get 200 tons of donations.
“We are also in need of 50 to 100 volunteers on Saturday and Sunday to help with the packing the items into containers.
“If you are able to help, please arrive at 8pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.
“I ask every person in Bermuda to donate and I expect every household to bring something to the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church,” said Mr Caines.
“I challenge everyone in Bermuda and ask that you challenge your friends, family and neighbours to come out and donate.
Volunteers with World Central Kitchen transport food relief for survivors of Hurricane Dorian Sept. 5, 2019, in Marsh Harbor, Great Abaco, Bahamas – Brendan Smialowski, AFP/GETTY IMAGES“If you wish to make monetary donations, they can be made to the following organizations:
- We Care Project by direct deposit. The banking details are: BNTB Bank Account No. 060 1640520 014
- Bermuda Red Cross Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund by: Direct Deposit to the Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund. The Banking details are – BNTB Bank Account No. 20 006 060 365472 200, Clarien Bank Account No: 4010035760, Calling the Bermuda Red Cross at 236-8253 and providing debit or credit card details and donation amount, Visiting their offices or sending donations by mail to: Bermuda Red Cross, Hurricane Dorian Disaster Relief Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03
Minister Caines concluded: “Thank you all for your support and may God bless the Islands of the Bahamas in their time of need.”
- Feature Photos by Include: Rescue workers recover the body of a victim of Hurricane Dorian on Sept 5, 2019, in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas – Brendan Smialowski, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
