THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday that the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund is a “legitimate charity” and not a “scam” as was inaccurately posted on social media.

In a press release, the ministry said as a “result of an unauthorised social media post” by one of its staff members, persons in the public began to question the legitimacy of the fund.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reaffirm the authenticity of this fund. We requested the unauthorised post to be taken down and we have been informed that it has been removed. However, shared copies may still appear online,” the statement said.

“In our press statement released on October 12, we advised persons in the United States who wish to make tax exempt donations towards the hurricane relief effort to do so via the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund. For the avoidance of doubt, we repeat the statement.

“We stand by our previous statement and today we again advise persons who are US citizens or residents and who wish to make tax exempt contributions to the hurricane fund, may make donations via the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund. This is a legitimate organisation playing an important role within the post Hurricane Matthew relief and restoration effort.”

Any US citizens who wishes to make a donation can do so by making a cheque payable to the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund or an online payment at https://www.thebahamashurricanerestorationfund.org/.

Furthermore, the statement said, for those who wish to make “in kind” contributions, please contact the nearest Bahamas overseas office to obtain the information to do so -http://mofa.gov.bs/about-us/overseas-missions/.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government has agreed, with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, to provide tax rebates for donations from the private sector from businesses that donate to either the Bahamas Government Donation Account, the Rebuild Bahamas Account or “any other government approved relief fund.”

Any donation of $1,000 or more shall receive a tax rebate on business license fees equivalent to 10 per cent for the amount donated up to a maximum of $100,000, Mr. Christie said.

Any questions or concerns about donating to the relief effort can be sent to: mofabahamas@bahamas.gov.bs.

Sancheska Dorsett, Tribune Staff Reporter

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