For Immediate Release

August 28, 2011

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) joins the

Government and the people of The Bahamas, in particular our brothers and sisters in Cat Island, Inagua, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Island, Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama and all those who have suffered some level of damage in giving thanks to the Almighty God for sparing our nation once again, as there were no reports of death due to the storm

Such serious storms are a natural phenomenon that is part of nature, and indeed the ontology and geography of the Western hemisphere, of which The Bahamas is a part. The DNA, therefore, extends special thanks to NEMA (the National Emergency Management Agency), the men and women of our armed forces—the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Red Cross and other agencies, whose mission is to protect the public and respond during these times of emergency.

We also acknowledge the Prime Minister in his address prior to the storm and the general assessment after the storm. We thank our national radio stations and the radio operators and broadcasters, who did a good job at informing the public as the storm approached The Bahamas and keeping us abreast of what was happening around us and throughout the archipelago.

We also wish to congratulate the Bahamian public, who, for the most part, responded to the national warning with calmed caution and preparedness. This shows the awareness and development of our society and acceptance that The Bahamas is in a Hurricane zone.

Although, the DNA is concerned about several matters in wake of the storm, we know that this is no time for politics, as many of our people from the south to the north face tremendous loss in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and seek to continue life, as they knew it.

While some communities suffered minimal damage, for instance, torn or uprooted trees, littered streets and ripped roofs; we must remember to be our brother’s keeper. This is a grand opportunity to work together as Bahamians. Quite frankly, while our philosophy may differ with respect to the managing of our country, and our natural and human resources, as a people, we are one. This is indeed a great time to stretch across the political divide to assist our Bahamian brothers and sisters, who may face far more traumatizing destruction or simply need assistance with rebuilding their homes and lives.

The DNA encourages all Bahamians to remain safe and thankful that we have survived the first major storm of this hurricane season and we pray God’s continuous blessings on these Bahama Islands as we rebuild our lives.