BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of Sweeting’s Cay are being given a helping hand as they continue to rebuild six years after Hurricane Dorian.

Several families on Sweeting’s Cay will receive kitchen sets and other household items donated by the Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama.

Darren Cooper, area governor for Rotary District 6990, made the presentation on Thursday to Chief Councillor Shervin Tate and members of the Sweeting’s Cay Council at Five Star Shipping.

The donation, which is earmarked for five of the homes rebuilt by Rotary following the storm, includes fully equipped kitchen sets with built-in refrigerators, granite countertops, sinks, and faucets.

Mr Cooper said Rotary remains committed to helping residents restore normalcy to their lives.

Since Dorian, Rotary has assisted 36 residents, rebuilt 17 homes and helped others complete construction already underway. The storm destroyed every single residence on that island.

“These are persons who have lived on this cay for 40 or 50 years and lost everything. We are still working to help them return to employment and some sense of normal living,” he said.

Mr Tate expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, praising Rotary for its tireless support.

“Rotary has done such a wonderful job by building homes and now helping families furnish them,” he said. “Many of our people lost everything, and to see families receiving cupboards, wash basins, and now full kitchen sets is a blessing. I must say thank you to Rotary.”

Mr Tate said Sweeting’s Cay, which once had over 200 residents, now has only about 80 people still living there. While the island is recovering, he said much more assistance is still needed.

“Sweeting’s Cay is on the rise. We are strong, hardworking people, and with Rotary standing behind us, we will continue pressing forward with God’s help,” he said.

Rotary officials encouraged those wishing to assist with donations to contact any of the presidents of the seven Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama.

“We are in the business and still open to receive donations to continue to help those residents, especially in the eastern end of Grand Bahama, rebuild their lives,” Mr Cooper said.