Hurricane Dorian - Update 7

There has been a lot of frustration of late with the slow response progress. By now, even in some of the most difficult environments, we would be moving from the response phase to the recovery phase. This is not the case on Great Abaco Island.

Even today I sat in a meeting with the Ministry of Public Works where we raised the lack of debris removal. Some residents have returned to clean up their properties and are resorting to burning debris as it cannot be removed/ isn't being removed. Working through their database we found that 75% of the contractors tasked with debris removal have not yet mobilised (their term).

It was really discouraging.

On the other hand, there are some clear signs of hope. People will often take control of their own recovery and there are those that are cleaning up and rebuilding. There are others that are using their skills and talents to try and work for the benefit of the rest of the community.

One couple have been painting murals around the town of Marsh Harbour to encourage hope and life. It's small, but it's... well, not small. It's colour, it's positive and it's hopeful.