Video: WIA Bermuda On Hurricane Relief Efforts
[Updated] The West Indian Association of Bermuda held a press conference this afternoon [Sept 25] to provide an update on the hurricane relief efforts.
The press conference has just concluded and we will try and post additional information later on, and in the meantime the 18-minute live video replay is below.
Update 4.30pm: The full statement follows below:
The West Indian Association [Bermuda], wishes to provide an update on its continuing fundraising campaign aimed at providing financial support to specific projects within Caribbean countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and others who may suffer hurricane damage before the end of the season.
The WIA recognizes, with thanks, the acknowledgement and support of the Government of Bermuda for our fundraising efforts as evidenced by the presence here today of long standing WIA member, Acting Premier and Minister of Finance, and current Minister of Transport & Regulatory Affairs, Walter Roban who himself is of Caribbean heritage since his mother has Kittian ancestry and his father is from St Vincent. WIA wishes to remind the public that while the devastation wrought by these hurricanes has been extensive, the hurricane season still has some time left and is already proving to be an active one.
The WIA, which has been in existence since 1977, has a long history of fundraising and providing support to Caribbean countries affected by forces of nature such as hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding. Immediately in the wake of disasters such as those which have occurred in the Caribbean, most recently that wrought by Hurricane Maria in Dominica, as media reports, unfold there has been an immediate response to provide evacuation to residents, provide emergency housing, essential supplies and medical services to those affected.
We are heartened by the many efforts underway in various sectors of the local community from Governmental support through the deployment of the Royal Bermuda Regiment contingent who bravely put themselves in harm’s way to provide immediate assistance in Turks & Caicos, to private sector, charities and community organisations who are involved in providing varying kinds of assistance.
WIA’s strategy has historically been targeted towards more medium to long term objectives in that while we continue to liaise with those who are on the ground or who are already involved in immediate rescue and assistance, our focus in the short term is on fundraising activities, the proceeds of which we donate directly into specific projects related to rebuilding communities, health and education projects.
With the 2017 hurricane season slated to last well into November, we will make another assessment of the status of all countries affected, including continuing relief and rebuilding efforts at the end of the season, to identity those counties which would most benefit from our help, and community partners for direct transmission of donations to specific projects, which we can then monitor and provide feedback to those who have made donations.
We launched our Caribbean Relief Fundraising Campaign “Give From the Heart”’ with our Caribbean Summer Cruise which was held on Saturday 28 September 2017. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who attended this event, which was sold out in advance, for their support.
We also wish to extend thanks to our sponsor for the event, Bermuda Security Group; with special thanks to Bernews and Inter Island Communications, who assisted with free advertising. Feedback we’ve received from those who attended suggests that a good time was had by all while supporting this fundraiser.
Other events planned for this year are:
- Telethon – 12th October
- Family Fun Day – 5th November
- “Christmas Round De Caribbean” – 9th December
We are also exploring areas of support and collaboration with Government and other community partners. We will provide a further update on these initiatives in the near future.
We would also like to thank everyone who has made donations to our account at Bank of Butterfield # 2000 6060 870030 200 and who has taken the time to contact us to volunteer time and/ or services. Together we will be able to make a lasting impact on those in the Caribbean who so desperately need our assistance.
We can be contacted by email on wiabda@hotmail.com, or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We look forward to your continuing support.
