By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday said Grand Bahamians continued to be exposed to the elements, as he accused the government of taking too long to bring relief to those who suffered severe loss as a result of Hurricane Matthew.

He said despite $1.4m donated by the private sector for the relief and recovery in the aftermath of the monster storm, there are Bahamians who still cannot get the help they need.

Mr Turnquest said: “I think all of us, particularly Grand Bahamians, were shocked by the minster’s admission last week that the government has collected $1.4m in donations for hurricane relief, but haven’t spent one dime of the money that was collected.

“In his words $200,000 donated by Hutchinson Whampoa have been paid directly to contractors and the balance of $1.2m was sitting in the bank waiting for him and his team to get help. People are struggling today. The minister for Grand Bahama just said today that when the distribution of building supplies is undertaken that it will be an orderly process. But, Mr Speaker, the hurricane happened almost four weeks ago and Bahamians have lived in rain (and) cold weather.”

However, Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson - who has been appointed to oversee recovery efforts - insisted that the government had to ensure proper protocols were followed before money from the recovery fund is paid out.

He said the money, which remains in the bank, is expected to supplement the funds the government has already earmarked for the repair efforts.

He said: “I spoke to the issue of how the restoration will take place. Money raised by the private sector is going specifically towards the repair of homes.

“Before we start to repair the homes we need assessments done. After the assessments are done then we need to have the details of the scope and the pricing of each house. So when you walk around to these over 10,000 houses that you now try to assess you come back and do the scope. After the scope and the details are prepared then you issue contracts and you start to spend the money. You cannot do all of those things in one day.”

He added: “That money on the account will supplement that will be a drop in the bucket. So it don’t make a difference when we start spending. We have money to spend.”