The Embassy of the United States in Nassau delivered $3.6 million worth of modular shelters, medical evacuation boats, and construction materials to the Ministry for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction on Friday, Sept. 18, just in time for peak hurricane season.
Chargé d’Affaires John McNamara delivered the donation to Iram Lewis, minister for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction, at Coral Harbour in Nassau, just over two weeks after the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Dorian.
The governments of the United States and the Bahamas continue to cooperate on disaster preparedness and COVID-19 response at the highest levels. This donation is the latest addition to what is now nearly $38 million in assistance from the United States to disaster recovery in the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian.
Upon delivering the donation, Chargé McNamara said, “Today’s event represents the enduring spirit of friendship between the United States and the Bahamas and our shared commitment to save lives when disaster strikes.”
Additionally, the United States donated 12 medical evacuation boats and related equipment—including litters, life vests, and trailers—that will help the Bahamas respond quickly to life-threatening floods following a hurricane. These specialized craft are unsinkable, rust-proof polyethylene boats with 40hp engines that can reach 20-25 knots in normal conditions and carry up to 12 people (or 2,500 lbs. of cargo). The boats will go to the islands of Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, New Providence, Great Exuma, Cat Island, Long Island, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Mayaguana, all of which have received floodwater rescue training from U.S. Northern Command.