As Grand Bahamians continued to grapple with life after many of their homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, Freeport resident Joe Darville, said yesterday it is "absolutely nauseating" to see the degree of "looting, inappropriate distribution" and hoarding of supplies, and the inadequate presence of authorities to bring order to an already challenging process in West End, Grand Bahama.

Darville, who toured West End yesterday, lamented what he said was a complete lack of coordination and order, claiming several individuals have been hoarding donations and relief supplies coming onto the island, for resale.

"I became very perturbed in hearing these reports and driving around seeing what is happening," he told The Nassau Guardian.

"No monitoring is going on. I did not see one police officer on the road.

"No defense force officers. I have reports that things are being looted.

"One individual, for example, she had left a pot on the stove with some eggs boiling.

"She went inside the shack that was left, and when she came back the eggs were taken, and the pot and the stove were gone.

"This is the type of theft that is going on because there seems to be a free-for-all."

Notwithstanding the alleged criminal acts, Darville sympathized with those who are in need.

He said for some, who are not getting a fair portion of supplies, it is somewhat understandable that these residents would "get it the best way they can".

"It is reprehensible that there does not seem to be any sort of monitoring or control put in place there at this time," said Darville, who noted that he contacted Acting Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Captain Tellis Bethel seeking assistance.

"You cannot have this in a devastated zone like West End," Darville said.

"I mean, it is absolutely nauseating to see all of the destruction and [now, what] is going on."

Bethel, who was contacted by The Guardian, said an additional 30 defense force officers will be sent to West End to provide assistance with the security and distribution of supplies.

He noted that there has been concern about theft, but he had reservations about labeling the incidents as looting.

"I would say theft," Bethel said.

"I won't say looting. There have been concerns about theft with regard to properties that are not secured, but that is something that the police would monitor.

"As far as defense force operations are concerned, we focused our efforts on the storage and security of supplies for the hurricane relief effort as well as distribution of supplies."

It was pointed out that the National Emergency Management Agency's (NEMA) warehouse in Hawksbill Creek, Grand Bahama, was looted two days following the passage of Matthew.

Asked whether NEMA requested that the defense force provide more assistance in light of these incidents, Bethel said while NEMA did not make a direct request "however, what I am able to do based on past experience, is to see where problems are arising and to provide the necessary support even before being asked to do so, and keeping NEMA advised of any course of action that I am taking so it can be a collaborative effort".

He continued, "I see the need at this time to provide some assistance to the West End area in terms of ensuring that supplies arrive there and are distributed as they ought to be.

"That is where I see some need arising."

When asked whether there was evidence or reports of individuals taking and selling relief supplies, Bethel said he had not seen or heard direct evidence of it.

Bethel said the RBDF has been working closely with NEMA and notwithstanding its mandate to ensure the borders of the country are protected, the organization will remain flexible to support the needs of the islands where residents have been impacted.

As it relates to manpower, 30 defense force officers have been deployed to Grand Bahama, while around 50 officers have been in rotation to support the 20 officers stationed on North Andros, according to Bethel.

Grand Bahama and North Andros were hit hardest by the storm, displacing many families.

Darville urged the government to step in and ensure there is a transparent and equitable distribution of supplies.

On a positive note, Darville said he was pleased to see young men diving hundreds of pounds of crawfish in the Bay area and Eight Mile Rock, which he said they have been able to sell in Freeport.

Royston Jones Jr., Guardian Staff Reporter

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