BHTA: Hurricane Relief Efforts
The BHTA has participated in and witnessed first-hand, the monumental collaborative efforts of the men and women in both private and public sector realms, who have worked tirelessly, 24/7 to care for, feed and shelter an unprecedented number of persons from the two affected islands; men and women; families with children of all ages displaced by Hurricane Dorian. Today just over 1900 people are being housed and cared for in 10 shelters located through New Providence thanks to the enormous compassion and dedication of people working collaboratively.
The BHTA has and continues to act as an intermediary between public and private sector to respond to, and facilitate substantial relief efforts emanating from industry partners and members.
We have been working alongside NEMA and their cohort of agencies: Social Services (including specifically allocated personnel such as the ESF 6 “Mass Care and Shelter Team” situated at NEMA headquarters), the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Works, Department of Housing, and other public sector partners i.e. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas Customs, Bahamas Immigration; partners such as Nassau Airport Development Company, Nassau Flight Services, Odyssey Flight Services and a cadre of other private sector organizations to receive, direct and distribute large-scale donations and relief efforts. As an intermediary private sector organization, the BHTA’s aim is to ensure the large-scale donors are able to receive requisite information which helps them determine and allocate their donations to best meet the specific needs and to ensure that the donation process is facilitated effectively and efficiently.
The work continues, as local and international support continues to pour into The Bahamas. The BHTA would like to thank the vast number of BHTA Members, tourism stakeholders, promotion board partners and other international and local entities who have proactively engaged in relief efforts, through the BHTA and other organizations; providing funds, food, supplies, accommodation, medical assistance and supplies, personnel, transportation, housing, compassionate activities and other resources to the people of Abaco and Grand Bahama who have lost their “world as they knew it” to the ravages of Hurricane Dorian.
We are thankful and grateful for those beyond and throughout the archipelago of The Bahamas, who are united in their efforts to help rebuild Grand Bahama and Abaco.
