CHRISTIANSTED — St. Croix Senator Kenneth Gittens expressed his profound sympathies to the people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian and urged Virgin Islanders to join him in supporting local relief efforts.
“Everyone of us know how difficult the recovery from a major storm is, particularly on a small island,” Senator Gittens said. “We watched the beating the Bahamas continues to take with literal tears in our eyes. It is so heartbreaking to note the level of destruction that has taken place – lives have been lost and permanently disrupted, homes and businesses obliterated – our neighbors in the north are truly hurting right now.”
Gittens said he called upon numerous individuals and businesses over the Labor Day holiday to support local relief efforts. He expressed his appreciation to the supermarkets and shipping companies that indicated they would assist and encouraged everyone to get involved.
“We know what is required at a time like this and we know how much support we received following Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” the veteran Senator said. “Let us open our hearts and do what we can for the Bahamas. Let’s all also keep the people of the Bahamas in our prayers. The latest weather reports show that Dorian has remained virtually stalled over their islands going on more than 48 hours now. It is almost unimaginable.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Hurricane Dorian slowed to a forward speed of one mile per hour and dwelled for at least 14 hours over The Bahamas before it left the island chain as a Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Hugo spent 13 hours over St. Croix as a Category 4 storm in September 1989 … with a forward speed of zero miles per hour.