Today makes three years since Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco. And though the world has long moved on to other stories, Abaconians are still fighting to rebuild their homes, communities and lives. The rubble may have been cleared, but the struggle continues.
Last month, I came across this documentary, 96 Hours of Anguish. Created by WJXT Films in 2019, it follows WJXT reporter Vic Micolucci, who spent four days on the ground in Abaco immediately following Dorian.
If you didn’t experience Hurricane Dorian first-hand, or you weren’t able to visit Abaco or Grand Bahama in the weeks and months following the storm, I hope you’ll take the time to watch this piece.
Nothing I could write could convey the depth of the desperation and devastation created by Dorian as effectively as this video.
If you’re a Dorian survivor, the documentary may be triggering – you might want to give it a miss. Even for me – and I was off the island when Dorian struck – this film evokes strong emotions.
Heartbreak and sadness, of course, for those who lost loved ones, particularly those who didn’t get the chance to say a final goodbye and give their family members a proper burial.
And anger that those who could and should have helped the survivors didn’t. When you hear the people in this documentary talk about the government not being there, it’s absolutely true. Three years post-Dorian, many Abaconians and Grand Bahamians have yet to receive so much as a bottle of water from their government.
To be clear, this post is in no way political. Believe me, I could rattle off a litany of ways in which both the past and present governments have failed Dorian victims. But honestly, what good would it do?
Far healthier and productive to do what so many of our Abaco relatives and friends are choosing to do today — focus on the good. And ultimately, 96 Hours of Anguish left me with a deep sense of pride and immense gratitude.
Pride in our Abaconian family and friends, who’ve endured not just 96 hours but three years of hardship and frustration, and simply refuse to give up.
Nothing has been easy for Abaconians since Dorian. Nothing. But (and I know I say this a lot, but it’s true) Abaconians are incredibly resilient. Their optimism and perseverance since Dorian is something of which I will always be in awe.
And it’s impossible not to be filled with gratitude for the helpers, who showed up with hearts open and arms full of aid and relief supplies.
We are thankful to the Bahamians from other islands who arrived by boat bearing food, water and other necessities, and who welcomed devastated Abaconians into their communities and helped them start new lives.
We’re grateful for foreign government agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard — who were among the first to arrive on Abaco post-Dorian — the U.S. Department of State and Military, as well as Dutch, British, French and Jamaican militaries.
We thank the countless foreign groups and NGOs (here’s just a partial list) who were on the ground within hours, delivering lifesaving medical aid, supplies and manpower through incredibly challenging and chaotic conditions. And I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say Jose Andres and his World Central Kitchen were responsible for literally saving the lives of countless Abaconians and Grand Bahamians. We will never forget.
Thanks also to the Bahamian and foreign journalists who helped get the word out — no doubt much of the assistance that arrived was a direct result of their efforts.
And finally, thank you to the team that put together 96 Hours of Anguish. As difficult as it is to be transported back to September 2019, it’s incredible to see how far Abaco has come in 36 months.
WHAT ABACO NEEDS TODAY
Though much progress has been made, Abaco is still very much in the rebuilding stage.
Many Abaconians have yet to be able to find the funds, materials or labour to repair or rebuild their homes. In turn, the housing shortage makes it difficult for outside labour to come in and help, or for displaced residents to return to support the economy.
Abaco needs volunteer skilled labourers as well as building supplies.
Earlier this week, a number of Abaco schools opened for the first time since Dorian. While they have all the basics, there’s lots they still need in terms of supplies and equipment.
If you’d like to make a financial donation, the non-profit organizations still on the ground in Abaco would be grateful for your support.
And if you have skills or supplies to contribute and aren’t sure how to go about it, get in touch, and I’ll do my best to connect you with folks on the ground.
Of course, one of the most helpful things you can do for Abaco right now is visit.
Yep, that’s right. Enjoy a tropical vacation in one most spectacular destinations on the planet. And do so knowing that every dollar you spend here helps buoy our fragile economy and support the region’s recovery. (Talk about a win-win.)
Abaco is open, and Abaconians are excited to welcome you and show you just how much progress they’ve made since those 96 hours of anguish.
