Wednesday, September 3, 2025
By KEILE CAMPBELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis led a solemn national ceremony yesterday to mark six years since Hurricane Dorian ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama, urging Bahamians to honour the dead and brace for stronger storms fuelled by climate change.
The service, opened by Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander, paid tribute to those who perished when the Category 5 hurricane struck in 2019.
Mr Davis said families torn apart by the storm live on in the “collective memory of our nation”. He praised survivors who clung to rooftops, waded through floodwaters, and started over with nothing, saying their resilience showed the Bahamian spirit “refuses to bend”.
He also honoured first responders, volunteers and ordinary citizens who opened their homes and risked their lives to help others, calling their generosity lasting proof of the national character.
The prime minister highlighted children who lost parents, homes and schools, saying their future depends on the nation’s commitment to support and uplift them.
Turning to the future, Mr Davis warned that climate change means “stronger storms, rising seas, and shifting weather patterns” are now the new normal. He said resilience must become a national duty.
“Preparation is not a choice,” he said. “We must build stronger homes, protect our environment, and ensure that no island or settlement is left behind.”
A moment of silence followed, with Mr Davis urging Bahamians to recommit to compassion, unity and preparedness.
Bishop Fernander closed the service with a prayer for eternal rest for the dead and peace for survivors, asking God’s “perpetual light” to shine on those lost.
Comments
whatsup says...
What does this do for the country? Politics BS! Photo opt!. After six years they should be ashamed to show their faces...all of them. What the hell has this gov done in four years? The PM needs to start answering some serious questions. Why are so many Haitians getting Citizenships? Why is the crime rate so high? Why do politicians steal so much money? Why are they so corrupt? Why don't they take rape seriously...not even when it is children. Why are the roads out West sinking and so many potholes? Why is there no account for the VAT money? Why do they spend so much money on travel? Why is a fairly new hospital falling to pieces? ETC ETC ETC WE DON'T WANT HAITIANS VOTING IN OUR ELECTIONS
Posted 3 September 2025, 3:02 p.m. Suggest removal
ExposedU2C says...
The ChiComs are now behind the Haitian invasion as a means of destabilizing a small nation right on the door step of the USA. They have also managed to destabilize Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba, etc., but Trump remains singularly focused on the oil rich nations in our hemisphere and the Panama Canal. Not good!
Posted 3 September 2025, 3:57 p.m. Suggest removal
JokeyJack says...
Is Customs at Abaco harbour also celebrating 6 years without a bathroom ?
Posted 3 September 2025, 4:11 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
It's very odd that they had this remembrance ceremony a day after the event. It is beyond odd. Meanwhile the families gathered together on the day. Its insulting.
Posted 4 September 2025, 4:10 a.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
"*Preparation is not a choice,*"
I wish the speech writer would stop. They're a great speech writer, and are worth double whatever they're being paid, but after five years the words are just empty.
Posted 4 September 2025, 4:13 a.m. Suggest removal
lovingbahamas says...
For this government to commemorate Dorian when they did almost nothing for the people of Abaco. A lot of the donations never reached Abaco. They charged people to evacuate. If it wasn’t for the NGO’s and our neighbors to the west we were screwed. This is a real slap in the face.
Posted 4 September 2025, 7:51 a.m. Suggest removal
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