As neighbouring Bahamas readies for large scale Hurricane recovery, following a vicious an onslaught from the category 5 Dorian, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie has pledged $100,000 towards their rebuilding efforts on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands. Photo: AP

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, has been in communication with Prime Minister of Bahamas, Dr Hubert A. Minnis, right, on a daily basis since Hurricane Dorian made its destructive landfall on those shores. Photo: GIS/File/Internet Source

As of today, September 6, 2019, reports from international press indicate that the death toll from Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas will be "staggering". The official death toll stands at 30, but is expected to rise further. Officials say hundreds, possibly thousands, are still missing in areas of Abacos and Grand Bahama. Photo: Aljazeera

“As you would have heard me speak about in the House of Assembly already, I have been in contact with Prime Minister of The Bahamas Dr Hubert A. Minniss on a daily basis since Hurricane Dorian made its destructive landfall on those shores,” the Premier said in statements released today September 6, 2019.

100K Pledge

“Besides my prayers and sympathies, I have also pledged that the Virgin Islands Government will contribute $100,000 towards The Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund,” the Premier revealed.

Citing perspectives gained based on the VI’s own experience in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Maria of 2007, the Premier said monetary donations are the most useful, as they will allow Bahamians to respond to the ‘changing needs’ they are dealing with at any given moment.

As of today, September 6, 2019, reports from international press indicate that the death toll from Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas will be "staggering". The official death toll stands at 30, but is expected to rise further. Officials say hundreds, possibly thousands, are still missing in areas of Abacos and Grand Bahama.

“For those generous individuals and groups who would like to contribute monetarily to the relief efforts, I would urge you to give either through the many registered BVI non-profit organisations who are authorised to raise funds for these purposes and which have counterparts on the ground in the Bahamas,” Hon Fahie said.

When it comes to donations of relief supplies, the Bahamas Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM) Team will be coordinating the receipt of all non-monetary donations through the Ministry of National Security.

Clothing or medical donations are being discouraged, however, persons who are part of a group that would like to donate goods such as water, food, or equipment, are asked to contact The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency first via email at nemadonations@bahamas.gov.bs, or by calling or texting (242) 341-0127, or coordinate non-perishable donations through the Lions Club.

Give to authorised groups – Premier

The Premier said giving to authorised groups will allow critical assistance to reach the people, without the additional logistical or other burdens on them in the already extremely trying time.

Some of those organisations include the Rotary, the Red Cross, ADRA, or VISAR, or funds can be donated directly to the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund at the RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited.

In an effort to encourage more aid, the Bahamas government has signed an emergency declaration giving tax exemptions to medicine, building supplies and other goods that can be used for relief efforts.

See full statement from Premier Fahie HERE.