NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Retired teacher Leroy Thompson, 63, a Hurricane Dorian survivor from Abaco who lost his home, held up a $50 voucher he received from the southeast food distribution center on Joe Farrington Road this morning, expressing the funds will help him supplement groceries.
The former Forest Drive, Dundas Town, resident has rented in New Providence with his family since the storm last September.
His son, an air traffic controller in Abaco, who was transferred to New Providence, supplements income for the household of five.
Thompson was one of over 500 Bahamians in eastern and southern New Providence who sought food assistance yesterday, waiting for hours in some cases to receive a food voucher in order to stock up on essential supplies.
Hundreds of people sat in the Church of God Auditorium on Joe Farrington Road.
Dozens more waited outside.
A volunteer distributed water to some residents amid the midday sun.
“Well, the experience was sort of chaotic, but at the same time I understand,” he told Eyewitness News.
“A situation, a crisis in our country and people are hurting.
“And so, each time I come here, the number is growing, but everybody is trying to get something.
“And so, sometimes it would seem chaotic, but I also know the persons working are volunteering and are doing their best, so I congratulate them. What I am learning from this is patience.”
He said while he expected a “little more” than $50, he remains appreciative as the funds will add and stretch the “little that we have”.
He said while he may not agree with everything the government or prime minister does he encouraged Bahamians to work together.
Sandra Rolle, a mother and grandmother of three, including a 10-month-old, said she arrived at the center after 5am and braved long lines for hours in order to get a food voucher.
She did not disclose how much she received. She said while she was thankful for assistance, the process was laboring and at times chaotic.
“I came after 5am and I just got served half an hour ago,” she said around 2pm.
“I don’t know. They really have to have this in order. When I first started it was fine.”
Rolle has sought assistance from the center on three previous occasions since its launch. But she said as the program expanded to provide to more families, there have been challenges.
She has seven relatives in her home, including her mother, daughter, and two grandchildren.
Rolle said she does what she has to do for her family and does not think about pride.
“I would like the government to have a line for senior citizens, a line for the registered people and serve the people who are on the list first.. and then it would go faster and smooth.”
Thomas Wright, 63, said he came “for help because I don’t have any other income”.
He said notwithstanding the long wait, the assistance was worth it.
“It’s good because I don’t know how I would have made it to tell you the truth,” said the unemployed barber, who has visited the center twice in the last few weeks.
“It’s good what the government is doing. I use to come here earlier and there was over 1,000 people here. I came around 7am. Right now, I have finished. Everyone complains about the government needs to do this and the government needs to do that, but you need a process.”
He opens and closes the Galilee Ministries International on Joe Farrington Road for work.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Bahamas Red Cross Director General Sean Brennen said the process, though admittedly prolonged in some instances as a result of an influx of new families, was coming along well.
The Bahamas Red Cross has oversight of food distribution in the southeast zone in New Providence and the northern islands of The Bahamas.
“As you can imagine, since the lockdown we have been extremely busy,” Brennen said.
“Today, we are operating from seven different locations.
“Right now, we are on Joe Farrington Road where we are seeing hundreds of people, approximately 500 people — between 500 and 600 households — we hope to be able to service this afternoon.
“Thus far, the lines are long. It is hot. People, we can understand their frustrations, but we are moving as quickly as we humanly can in terms of fulfilling their needs and providing food vouchers for individuals.”
While the organization has food parcels, which comprise of breadbasket items and canned goods, it was exclusively distributing food vouchers to residents in New Providence, accommodating the varying needs and providing more “dignity”, according to Brennen.
He said food parcels were on vessels en route to Bimini, Andros, the Berry Islands, Exuma and Cat Island. He asked residents to remain patient as the organization does the best it can to serve their needs in a timely manner.
