Private companies step in to evacuate Bahamians

(6 Sep 2019) A telecoms company based in the Bahamas stepped in Friday to deliver aid supplies to Abaco after the island was devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

Aliv Telecom brought in food, fuel and clothing, along with a mobile tower for its network on Abaco.

The vessel that the supplies came in on was then used to evacuate some of the islanders.

"What we decided to do is we're bringing on as many persons as we can to take with us to New Providence," said Aliv employee Corrington Burrows, 38.

There have been no government-organised evacuations yet, amid rising anger at the slow pace of official relief efforts.

However, a local shipping company evacuated up to 300 people to Nassau after delivering some heavy machinery to Abaco port.

At the port, some of those who lined up behind a yellow cloth tape arrived as early as 1am, hoping to get to Nassau.

The crowd waited calmly as marines searched bags and belongings before allowing them to get on board.

Success Gen, 44, a construction worker from Abaco, said that evacuating was an absolute necessity as the island had no water or food.

"It's so hard," he said. "We need help."

An array of organizations and companies, including the United Nations, Royal Caribbean and American Airlines, have mobilised to send in food, water, generators, roof tarps, diapers, flashlights and other supplies.

The search for victims and survivors went on, meanwhile, five days after Dorian blasted the Bahamas with 185 mph (295 kph) winds that obliterated countless homes.

Officials said 30 people have been confirmed dead, but the toll is sure to rise.



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