On Tuesday, a small group from The Salvation Army flew into Grand Turk to assess damages to the island caused by Hurricane Ike.  The purpose of the trip was to get an idea of what the next steps in recovery would be, and how The Salvation Army can continue to help those who have lost so much. 

After a thorough aerial tour of Grand Turk (graciously provided by Donnie Click of Providenciales),a  local taxi provided an up close look at the devastation brought on by the storm.  Major Lester Ferguson, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army writes, “We confess that while we knew that there was significant damage, we didn’t realize the extent/volume of damage and just how widespread it was.  Seeing was believing.”

An aerial view of the local grocery store, currently closed due to damages.

Although it has been more than three weeks since the storm touched down, Grand Turk is still without power and many continue to not have adequate shelter.  Almost every building on the island was damaged in the storm, many with roofs partially or completely torn off.    Red X’s mark buildings past repair, which are now set to be bulldozed in the days ahead.   Tents scatter the landscape in areas where homes are no longer inhabitable.  After touring much of the island, it is clear that this recovery effort will take a lot of time and resources, and The Salvation Army is ready and willing to be there for the long haul.

“The next day, after the hurricane, there looked like there was a war going on.”-local driver

After touring the island, The Salvation Army met with Governor Gordon Weatherall to discuss the effects of the hurricane and future plans for recovery.  His Excellency  stated that he was pleased with the Army’s collaboration with other disaster agencies, and looked forward to The Salvation Army’s continued assistance in relief efforts.   

Major Lester Ferguson, His Excellency Gordon Weatherall, Doug Parnell,  Advisory Board Chair Judy Monroe, O.B.E, Madeline Froning and Captain Matt Trayler.

To date, The Salvation Army has provided $20,000 in food, cleaning and school supplies to those affected by Hurricane Ike in the Turks & Caicos Islands and on Inagua.  An additional $40,000 will be used for home repairs and household items in both areas. 

 The Salvation Army is continuing to collect funds for Hurricane victims in the region.  Please send any monetary donations to:

            The Bahamas Divisional Headquarters

P.O. Box N-205

Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS (October 20, 2008) – Supporters of The Salvation Army were out in full force Friday evening  for the Biennial Awards Banquet & Silent Auction at the Crown Ballroom of the Atlantis Resort.  Over 400 attendees came together for the occasion, including Governor General Arthur D. Hanna who offered remarks during the event. 

Guests were treated to live entertainment from the Nassau Citadel Corps Band and Hands of Praise, a talented group of hearing impaired youth.  The silent auction included items ranging from vacation get aways to digital cameras; all proceeds benefitting Salvation Army programs here in Nassau.  Some of the awardees included Mr. George Mosko, O.B.E.,  Mr. Frank Crothers, Hon. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, MP, Cable 12 & the Cable Cares Foundation.   Mrs. Pratt praised The Salvation Army and stated that “many times if it had not been for The Salvation Army we may have not had a meal, so today I am grateful they have played a role in my life and many others.”

The dinner coincided with the first ever Caribbean Advisory Organizations Conference, held Thursday thru Sunday at the Atlantis resort.  The conference   brought together Advisory Board and Staff members of The Salvation Army from 10 countries in the Caribbean, who attended various workshops over the four day event.  Attendees included Commissioners Raymond and Judith Houghton, the leaders of The Salvation Army in the Caribbean Region.