Members of the Diplomatic Corps are ‘optimistic’ about the future of Andros despite the devastation to that island post Hurricane Matthew.

Following a visit to the ravaged settlement of Lowe Sound on October 19, 2016 several diplomats said that after visiting the campus of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), they felt the hurricane may have provided a ‘positive’ opportunity for the island of Andros despite its negative impact on the island.

The delegation of over 30 diplomats visited North Andros as part of a week of activities during Bahamas Diplomatic Week 2016. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Cleola Hamilton, led the delegation.

On the itinerary for the one-day visit was a tour of the campus of BAMSI, where Diplomats expressed their optimism for the future of the island.

“The BAMSI campus has surpassed my expectations,” said Bahamas Ambassador to Cuba Her Excellency Alma Adams. “I never thought I could be so excited about seeing sheep and goats. The facilities and animals are so clean and well-kept.”

Bahamas Ambassador to Washington, DC, His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry said that BAMSI is the ‘great hope’ for the island. “Two things struck me during this visit: the power of nature to devastate the lives of people; but at the same time it made my day to see the resilience of the citizens of Lowe Sound. The great hope that has been injected in this land by BAMSI and the projects it offers makes me optimistic for the people of Andros.”

High Commissioner to London His Excellency Eldred ‘Ed’ Bethel said that he was poised to assist the victims of the hurricane upon his return to his post. “I am heartbroken but amazed at the stories that I heard during this visit,” said Mr. Bethel. “People seemed hopeless in the sense that they have lost all their belongings but at the same time, hopeful for what the future holds.”

During the one-day visit to North Andros, Diplomats were taken on a tour of Lowe Sound, the settlement that was the most greatly affected. Concrete homes were flattened to their foundations as a result of the sea surges, which residents say came inland inundating the community with water levels estimated to be over 10 feet high and spreading approximately five miles inland. Most of the residents of Lowe Sound have lost all of their belongings and have been left homeless.

After meeting with area residents, the members of the Diplomatic Corps also visited a seaside camp, manned by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The facility has been set up to receive relief supplies, which would then be distributed to residents. United States Relief Government Agency, USAID, equipment was also highly visible throughout the island.

A delegation of diplomats and senior government officials visited North Andros on Wednesday to see first hand the impact of Hurricane Matthew. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Cleola Hamilton led the delegation. Pictured: Members of the Diplomatic Corps arriving in Andros. (BIS Photos/Betty Vedrine)

By Betty Vedrine

Bahamas Information Services