This week of October 18th I'm reminded of the challenges Abaco has faced historically. As I get a handle on the tiller of a sloop with water over the bow, I'm excited and eager to see the outcome of our resilience.
Monday was filled with meetings, calls, and emails to further our cause and correct many issues. As with most days, it started in Abaco and ended in Nassau at 9pm.
Tuesday was a meeting (Back in Abaco) with all local governments in Abaco to encourage and show the support they have in this new administration and listen to the challenges from those who battle day to day on the front lines. Local Government members are those in each community that take on a plethora of issues with limited tools and not nearly the budget needed. I know first hand the enormous tasks these dedicated individuals have for their home townships. As a previous member, I know the struggle and am motivated to assist and stand with them to move forward. MP Cornish and I were given a full disclosure of the townships current positions.
Local Town Hall meetings are being scheduled so I can hear from my Fellow Abaconians face to face.
Wednesday (Back in Nassau), many meetings were held to move on Abaco's needs. I have realized that, in the past, many times the message was not heard or delivered with urgency when sent via call or letter. Speaking to people face to face and expressing our needs with feeling and answering any questions on the spot is immensely more productive. I have taken task to not only request work to be done, but to push for it and set deadlines for results.
Also the Lynden Pindling International Airport was toured to see it's state first hand. Our Abaco airports are being discussed and I am pushing to have Leonard Thompson International Airport be addressed and properly attended to. For an Island nation, our Airport is as important as the Port.
Thursday, (Back in Abaco) Minister of State Myles LoRoda, Disaster Management and NIB team came to Abaco to see where we are in recovery and identify the immediate needs. Moore's Island was visited so I could show the immense challenge relying on Commercial Fisheries and Freight boats with no working public docks. The main dock was destroyed in Dorian, after the locals pieced a portion back with used lumber and nails. While there we saw the crumbling Clinic and Airfield terminal. Many projects need to be done, priority is to help my people feed themselves and make a living.
We then went to Spring City to address the deplorable situation at the Domes, Housing is being worked on and of my highest priority. I won't sleep well until there is affordable housing and the Domes removed.
Also, toured the debris management sites to move forward on the reduction and removal. Lastly, on that day was a quick stop in Hope Town, the last debris site is being removed. The post office building is completely gone and was expressed to the Minister it's importance for the whole district. That government building not only holds the post office and police station, but the local government office for the district, Guana Cay, Man O War, Hope Town and others.
Friday, Minister LaRoda continued North to visit those sites in Green Turtle, Treasure Cay, etc. What has quickly become normal routine, my efforts continued into the weekend.
Minister LaRoda held a disaster management meeting with an upfront and informative discussion with departments, administrators and both MP's. A proper plan is in development for such natural disasters. Many lessons were learned from Dorian and we will not let that knowledge be forgotten.
Throughout the week I had also been working on school openings for our children, Abaco investments and financial help for recovery efforts. I will be pushing hard and doing all I can to get these projects complete and continue on the list of challenges.
A website is being built to have an easy access to information locally, government notices, links and forms.
I'm often in talks, calls and meetings which limits me from answering calls; I encourage my consistuency to email me with info and issues at: Info@johnpinderabaco.com
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